International protection in Italy
Questura and Territorial Commission
People seeking protection in Italy apply at the border police on arrival or at the immigration office of the Questura where they live. The Questura records the application on the C3 form after fingerprinting and sends it to the Territorial Commission, the only body that decides. Possible outcomes are refugee status, subsidiary protection, or special protection. Italy began implementing the EU Pact through Decree-Law 100/2026, in force 12 June 2026 and converted by Law 145 of 7 August 2026.
Life in Italy
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
73
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
23–43%
Income tax (national)
VAT 22%
IRPEF 23% up to EUR 28,000, 33% to EUR 50,000, 43% above; plus regional (about 1.23-3.33%) and municipal (up to 0.8%) surcharges.
Living
1
Happiness
#36 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Italy or arriving at the Italian border who fear persecution or serious harm in their country.
Eligibility
Refugee status
For people with a well-founded fear of persecution in their country.
Subsidiary protection
For people who do not meet the refugee definition but face a real risk of serious harm on return.
Special protection
Special protection is assessed only by the Territorial Commission, and you cannot apply for it directly.
2 years
Special protection permit · allows work
Official wording
Assessed only by the Territorial Commission, not applied for directly. Gives a 2-year permit allowing work.
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- 5 more requirements
- 6 documents
- 1 fee
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- Polizia di Stato - La richiesta di protezione internazionale (modified 15 January 2024)
- Integrazione Migranti - Richiedere protezione internazionale
- Integrazione Migranti - Patto Ue migrazione e asilo, in vigore il DL 100/2026 (15 June 2026)
- Integrazione Migranti - Convertito in legge il DL 100/2026
- Ministero dell'Interno - Guida pratica per richiedenti protezione internazionale (2024)
Other routes to Italy
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyNational (D) visa for study - university enrolment
- Work permitsEntry for non-seasonal subordinate work within the Decreto Flussi quotas
- FamilyFamily reunification
- CitizenshipConcessione della cittadinanza italiana per residenza
