Permanent residence certificate for EU citizens: what it is and how to obtain it

The permanent residence certificate is a document that certifies the right of citizens of the European Union to reside permanently in Italy. It is an important form of recognition provided for by European and national legislation, which is acquired after a prolonged period of lawful residence in Italy.

What the permanent residence certificate is

This certificate confirms the right of an EU citizen to live in Italy without any time limit once certain requirements have been met. The right to permanent residence is generally acquired after five years of lawful and continuous residence in the country, in compliance with the conditions laid down by law.

It is not a residence permit, but rather a certification issued by the Registry Office (Anagrafe) of the municipality of residence.

Who can apply

The application may be submitted by anyone who holds the citizenship of a European Union Member State and has lawfully resided in Italy for at least five consecutive years. During this period, there must not have been prolonged absences from Italian territory exceeding two consecutive years, nor must any removal or expulsion orders have been issued.

The certificate may be requested not only for oneself, but also for:

• minor sons and daughters;
• family members who fall within the categories provided for by current legislation.

Which family members are included

For the purposes of recognizing the right to permanent residence, only the family members indicated in Legislative Decree No. 30/2007 are considered, namely:

• the spouse;
• the partner in a registered partnership, if equivalent to marriage under the legislation of the host State;
• direct children under the age of 21 or dependent, including those of the spouse or partner;
• dependent parents or direct ascendants, of the applicant or of the spouse/partner.

Each case is in any event assessed individually by the competent offices.

What is meant by lawful residence

Lawful residence means the stay in Italy of an EU citizen who has complied, for at least five years, with the conditions set out in Article 7 of Legislative Decree No. 30/2007. These include, by way of example:

• the pursuit of employed or self-employed work;
• the availability of sufficient financial resources for oneself and one’s family members;
• adequate health insurance coverage.

The five-year period does not necessarily have to coincide with the five years immediately preceding the application, provided that continuity of lawful residence can be demonstrated.

How to submit the application

The procedure for verifying the requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal situation. For this reason, it is advisable to contact the registry offices or the Public Relations Offices (URP) of one’s municipality in advance, as they will provide specific information on the documentation to be submitted.

Any exceptions or derogations from the ordinary requirements are assessed during the examination of the application.

Required documents

When submitting the application, it is generally necessary to provide:

• a valid identity document;
• documentation proving lawful residence in Italy for at least five consecutive years.

The registry officer may request additional documents if deemed necessary to complete the assessment.

Outcome of the application and timeframes

Once the application is approved, the certificate attesting the right to permanent residence in Italy is issued. Processing times are generally short, and the certificate can usually be collected within 30 days of submitting the application.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.