How to apply for the EC long-term residence permit in Italy

As of February, the EC residence permit replaces the residence card (Carta di soggiorno).

The requirements to apply for the EC residence permit

This residence permit is unlimited in time and can only be requested by those who have held a residence permit for at least 5 years.

The Italian language test and the exemptions

Foreign nationals who intend to apply for the EC residence permit must take an Italian language proficiency test, unless they are exempt from the test, such as children under the age of 14.

However, it is not necessary to take the test if you hold certificates or qualifications attesting to your knowledge of the Italian language or if you have a serious impairment that limits your ability to learn languages.

In addition, you must have a gross annual income from lawful sources of no less than the minimum thresholds indicated in order to apply for the EC residence permit.

In essence, this means that those who wish to apply for the EC residence permit must demonstrate that they have an adequate and stable income.

The exact amount varies depending on the country where the permit is requested and also depends on the applicant’s marital status (for example, whether they are married or have dependent children).

The minimum gross annual income thresholds required to apply for the EC residence permit vary from country to country and also depend on the applicant’s marital status.

However, I can give you some general information on the income requirements in some European Union countries.

In Germany, for example, the minimum income required to apply for the EC residence permit is about 55,200 euros gross per year for single people and about 66,000 euros gross per year for married couples.

In France, the minimum income required is about 18,763 euros gross per year for single people and about 29,014 euros gross per year for married couples.

In Italy, the minimum gross annual income threshold to apply for the EC residence permit is about 8,263 euros gross per year for single people and about 11,946 euros gross per year for married couples.

In Spain, the minimum income required is about 14,112 euros gross per year for single people and about 26,442 euros gross per year for married couples.

I recommend that you check the exact gross annual income thresholds required for the EC residence permit with the immigration office of the country you intend to move to, as these thresholds may be subject to change or variation depending on government policies and the needs of the labour market.

It is important to stress that the income required must come from lawful sources, that is, from legal work activities recognised by the laws of the country in which you live. In addition, gross income means that tax or social security contributions have not been deducted from the total earnings.

The documents required to apply for the EC residence permit

To submit the application for the EC residence permit, you need to provide certain documents, including:

• a copy of your passport;
• your tax return;
• a criminal record certificate;
• documented suitable accommodation;
• copies of your payslips;
• documentation relating to residence and family status, and other documents.

What the EC residence permit allows you to do

The EC residence permit allows you to enter Italy without a visa, carry out work activities, use public services and take part in local public life.

Foreign nationals who hold an EC residence permit issued by another member state can stay in Italy to carry out an economic activity, attend study or vocational training courses, or reside there by demonstrating that they have sufficient means of support and by taking out health insurance.

It is not possible to apply for the EC residence permit for the purpose of study or vocational training, asylum or while awaiting recognition of refugee status, or if you hold a short-term residence permit.

The EC residence permit may be revoked in the event of fraudulent acquisition, expulsion, the absence of the conditions for its issue, the acquisition of a long-term residence permit by another European Union member state, or in the event of absence from the territory of the State for a period exceeding 6 years.

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