Post office kit or Questura: how do digital nomads file the permesso di soggiorno?
Updated · After you arrive guide · Not legal advice
Within 8 working days of entering Italy you must request the permesso di soggiorno. Consulate guidance for this visa says to apply directly at the Questura of the province where you are, showing the original documents you filed for the visa, stamped by the consulate, rather than through the yellow post office kit (kit postale) used for many other permits. Confirm your local Questura's method, because procedures differ by city.
| Item | Questura directly | Post office kit (Sportello Amico) |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Digital nomad / remote worker permit, per consulate guidance | Many other permit types (e.g. many work and family permits) |
| Deadline | 8 working days from entry | 8 working days from entry |
| What you bring | Passport + visa, original documents stamped by the consulate, photos, revenue stamp, fee receipts | Completed kit forms, copies, fee payments |
| Then | Fingerprinting (fotosegnalamento) and card collection | Questura appointment letter |
Step by step
- Day 0: enter Italy with the visa. Keep proof of the entry date (passport stamp or boarding pass).
- Within 8 working days: go to (or book with) the Questura's immigration office for your province.
- Bring the documents the consulate stamped, your lease, insurance and codice fiscale.
- Keep the receipt (ricevuta): with your passport it proves you applied while the card is produced.
- Collect the electronic permit (PSE) when notified.
Fees
Expect a revenue stamp (marca da bollo), the electronic card fee and the permit contribution set by the Ministry of the Interior. Check the current amounts with your Questura or on the Polizia di Stato page.
Quick answers
- How do I get a residence permit in Italy after the visa?
- Request the permesso di soggiorno within 8 working days of entry, at the Questura per consulate guidance for this visa.
- What if I miss the 8-day deadline?
- Late applications can cause problems, including refusal. Go to the Questura as soon as possible with a reason for the delay.
- Can I travel while waiting for the card?
- Travel rules with only a receipt are restrictive. Check the Polizia di Stato guidance before booking trips.
What to do next
Our review includes a printable permesso checklist for your first week in Italy. $599 one applicant, $999 family.
Free eligibility check and checklist. Paid plans are one-time, flat fees for a human review of your full Italy visa file.
Sources
- Embassy of Italy in Chisinau: digital nomad and remote worker visas (IT, PDF)
- Embassy of Italy in Canberra: digital nomads / remote employees (IT, PDF, 2026)
- Polizia di Stato: residence permits (permesso di soggiorno)
- Portale Immigrazione: residence permit applications via post office kit
- Normattiva: Legislative Decree 286/1998, art. 5 (residence permit)
Checked: . Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.