Getting residency in Italy is one of the easiest processes to go through! Surprisingly it is very simple to go through, even easier if you live in a small town. This article will only cover how to get residency in Italy, as in your housing if you need to know about getting a residency permit, also known as a permesso di soggiorno I cover that primarily in this blog and my Moving to Italy guidebook.
So let’s get into the process of how to get residency in Italy!
Get your Contract
The most important part, to get residency you need a valid rental contract or ownership of the house. If you happen to be living with family you’ll just need a signed declaration of hospitality.
If you are under a rental contract, make sure it has been signed and registered with the agenzie delle entrate. Certain types of contracts, like short term ones cnnot be used to claim residency. Under a Transitorio contract you are allowed by law, but many property owners might ask you not to. In this case you will want to check with the owner to let them know you are changing residency to be there.
Head to the Commune
To get residency you will need to go to your local commune offices. In a small town you can swing on by, but in bigger cities you will most likely have to make an appointment ahead of time. Look up your local commune website with “residency” and you should be taken directly to the correct page.
For reference:
Rome – no appointment needed can be done in person or online via PEC or via a raccomandata.
Florence – has details for which form and office you will need to go to if you are applying for the first time, changing in the city or changing from outside.
Napoli – check with the office of your specific municipality within Naples, some you can pass by, some need an appointment.
Milan– has the service set up online, you will only have to go in person to check documents. There are different services for EU and non EU residents.
Once you know where to go, you should bring your rental contract, your ID and permesso di soggiorno if relevant. The specific commune might require another form, but in this case it should be available at the offices.
You’ll hand everything in, and that’s that! There is another step, but from this they will be able to give you a document saying you’ve requested it and that you can sign up with your local ASL to get a doctor.
The last check
Usually it is also required that the carabinieri pass by to make sure you really do live where you say you do. Honestly in the small towns I have lived in, they never passed by. However, friends in cities like Rome and Turin have told me that they do in fact come and check.
There is nothing to worry about though, it is usually just a knock to see if you are there, occasionally a quick peek in the door, then they area satisfied and sign you off as an official resident!
What if I need to change my residency?
You go through the same process with the same office, whether you change within the same city, or change cities all together.
So you are a resident, what now?
You’ll now have to get set up with the TARI office, usually in the same location as you went to request your residence. This is the office that handles the garbage tax. It is determined how much you will pay based on your house size and how many people are living there.
If you own a car, this will also need to be registered when signing your residency.
With your residency you can also now request the electronic carta d’identita and head to your local ASL office to choose your general practitioner!
