The term “refugee” shall apply to any person who: "owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country" - The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
What is this permesso for?
The Permesso di Soggiorno per Asilo Politico is for people who are recognized as refugees in Italy.
In order to be recognised a refugee, you must have a well-founded fear of persecution. This means you fear threats to your life, torture, or wrongful deprivation of personal freedom in your country of origin, based on one of these grounds:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Political opinion
- Membership in a particular social group
How long is it valid for?
This kind of permesso is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
How long will it take to get it?
Italian government guidelines suggest it should take no longer than 1 year between the time you go for your commission interview and the time you receive international protection and the relevant permesso.
Unfortunately, most of the time, you may need to wait up to, or even over, 2 years to receive international protection and your Permesso per Asilo Politico.
How can I renew this kind of permesso?
To renew this kind of permesso, you need to go to the questura of the city where you are registered as a resident and apply for renewal. When you go, you’ll need to bring your permesso di soggiorno and any other ID documents you have. The questura may ask you for more documents.
If you have had a refugee status residence permit for 5 years, you can also apply for Italian citizenship, or a Permesso UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo.
It's very important to keep in mind that returning to your country of origin, or trying to contact the embassy of your country of origin in Italy, is forbidden when you hold this permesso.
When you go to renew your permesso, the questura will also ask you to submit your Documento di Viaggio if you have one. If they see a stamp on your Documento di Viaggio from your country of origin, they will not renew your permesso and your international protection may be revoked.
What rights do I have as a holder of this permesso?
With this permesso, you have the same rights as an Italian citizen, apart from political ones like voting or being elected to public office. You do, however, have the right to:
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Work in Italy — but not any other European countries.
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Access the Italian welfare system.
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Ask to bring your family to Italy through family reunification.
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Register with the registry office of your local comune, which gives you the right to get a carta d’identità.
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Apply for Italian citizenship after 5 years of holding this permesso.
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Obtain a travel document for refugees called a Documento di Viaggio (this document acts as a substitute for your national passport).
Learn more about Documento di Viaggio for refugees:
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