I'm a 19-year-old girl from America who is studying in Rome until June. As far as I understand, I was supposed to get a permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arriving. I arrived September 19, and today is October 2, so it's obviously been more than 8 days.

I've read that I am now subject to a fine. Will they really fine me, or will they just scowl and let me go through with the process? If they will fine me, how much is the fine?

I'm not rich, and I know it's a terrible thought, but if the fine is high I wondered if I'd just try my luck and not get the permesso at all... how horrible would that be?

Thanks for any info, tips, and experiences.

Hi Shannsey,
I spoke to my cousin in Southern Italy, they told me it is important to get a Permesso di soggiorno but did not have any specific information. Do you know any locals that could go with you? You may get questioned why you did not ask for the Permesso di soggiorno sooner and if you have a good excuse they might not fine you. Best wishes to you and good luck. Giovanni

I didn't know about this thing, but most probably nothing at all will happen to you, it's Italy after all!
In case you'll really be fined, it will surely be little, I suppose maximum 200€.

But all of the above is just my personal thought, based on how things go here, no facts!

My personal thoughts are the same as Zidanie - There are foregners stying years before getting the Permesso di Soggiorno - This is not your case - I would not worry about it and just go get one.

I'm a 19-year-old girl from America who is studying in Rome until June. As far as I understand, I was supposed to get a permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arriving. I arrived September 19, and today is October 2, so it's obviously been more than 8 days.

I've read that I am now subject to a fine. Will they really fine me, or will they just scowl and let me go through with the process? If they will fine me, how much is the fine?

I'm not rich, and I know it's a terrible thought, but if the fine is high I wondered if I'd just try my luck and not get the permesso at all... how horrible would that be?

Thanks for any info, tips, and experiences.

As of May 28, 2007, all non-residents arriving from non-Schengen countries are required to complete a Dichiarazione di Presenza. These can be obtained and should be completed at the airport on the day of arrival.

Visitors arriving from a Schengen-country can request the form at a local police station and submit it to the police within eight business days of arrival. It is important that you keep a copy of the receipt issued by the Italian authorities. Failure to submit a Declaration of Presence within eight days is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

Non-EU citizens who intend remaining in Italy for over 90 days require a Permesso di Soggiorno. This is a permit to stay in the country. There are many types of permit, although in your case you will need the Permesso di Soggiorno per studio: in othe words, a student permit.

Application for the Permesso di Soggiorno can be made at a local post office or municipality office within eight days of arriving in Italy. The application can take up to three months to process.


This is what you will need to make the application:

Completed application form
Valid passport, plus photocopy of the photograph page and visa page if applicable
Four, identical, recent passport photographs
Marca da bollo (tax stamp), available at tobacconists and post offices
Proof of your health insurance
Letter of acceptance from the school or University where you are studying
My suggestion to you as that you sort this out without any further delay.