IT country scene

Refugee-status residence permit

ItalyHumanitarian protection

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Official link

What exactly is this: asylum, temporary protection, humanitarian admission, resettlement or another protection mechanism?

International protection (asylum): a set of fundamental rights Italy recognises to refugees and to holders of subsidiary protection; it guarantees above all the right not to be returned and to stay in Italy. Beneficiaries receive a five-year residence permit.

See recorded sources

Which population, circumstances or geographic group does the mechanism cover?

Refugees are persons with a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their country of origin for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, who cannot or, owing to that fear, will not accept protection from that country. A request can be made by a non-EU citizen who cannot return home for fear of persecution or serious harm, or by a person with no citizenship who fears persecution or serious harm in the country of habitual residence.

See recorded sources

Where can protection be requested, and is this a direct application, border/in-country request, referral or other process?

Border or in-country request: the wish to apply is expressed on arrival at the Border Police or, if already in Italy, at the nearest Questura (Police Immigration Office); it can also be made from prison or a return detention centre (C.P.R.). The request is then formalised by the authorities on a form called C3. Each adult must apply in person.

See recorded sources

What happens after the request: registration, family handling, major support and rights where officially stated?

The Police register identity data, photographs and fingerprints. Minor children present in Italy should be reported so the application also covers them. Two months after lodging the application at the Questura the applicant may work until the procedure ends; the asylum-request permit cannot be converted into a work permit and gives no right to family reunification. Applicants without means of subsistence may be entitled to reception in a centre for asylum seekers.

See recorded sources

Which competent authority, UN body or official assistance channel should the person use?

The Territorial Commission is the authority that decides on the application; UNHCR can be contacted at any stage of the procedure. The procedure is free: Italian authorities will never ask for money to lodge or assess an application, and anyone who claims money is needed should be reported to the authorities.

See recorded sources

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

Your story.
Your next step.

Explore pathways in Italy →