FAQ – Residence permit for job-seeking (permesso di soggiorno per attesa occupazione)

It is a document that allows people who already lived in Italy with a residence permit, but cannot renew it due to lack of requirements, to remain legally in Italy while looking for a job.
It is issued to those who have lost their job or are seeking employment and are registered with the Employment Centre (Centro per l’Impiego – CPI).

The Employment Centre is a public service  that helps people find work and supports unemployed individuals.

What does the CPI do?

• issues unemployment certificates
• provides career guidance and counselling
• allows registration in special lists
• matches job supply and demand

What does “registering” mean?

Registering means being included in the list of people looking for work.
With registration, you obtain the DID – Declaration of Immediate Availability (Dichiarazione di Immediata Disponibilità – DID), required to receive training courses and job offers.

Who can register?
All foreign citizens legally residing in Italy with a valid residence permit.

Why is it important?

• it is required to apply for the job-seeking residence permit
• it allows access to unemployment benefits (NASpI, DIS-COLL)

When should you register?
As soon as possible after losing your job, and in any case within 40 days after the end of the contract.

• foreign citizens legally residing in Italy who have lost or ended a job
• former Unaccompanied Foreign Minors (Minori Stranieri Non Accompagnati) upon turning 18
• non-EU students converting a study permit (permesso di soggiorno per studio) after completing studies

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The permit allows you to:

• legally live in Italy
• access healthcare and social services https://www.jumamap.it/en/faq-the-right-to-healthcare-in-italy/
• apply for municipal residence (residenza)
• sign employment and rental contracts

Duration

• Validity: at least 1 year (for more informations click here)
• Renewal: possible but not automatic; decided by the **Police Headquarters (Questura) based on personal circumstances

From 60 days before to 60 days after the expiry of your current permit. Special rules apply for unaccompanied minors turning 18.

Yes, you can leave and re-enter Italy with a passport or travel document. However, you must return before your residence permit expires, or you must have applied for a renewal or a conversion before the expiration date. In this case, always keep and carry with you the receipt for the renewal or conversion application.
(For more information, see the FAQs – Rights of people waiting for their residence permit renewal.)

The application is submitted using the Postal Kit for the residence permit. This is a set of forms (the so-called “yellow-strip kit”) that you can collect for free at Post Offices all over Italy.

Steps to follow:

1. Collect the Kit at a Post Office counter.

2. Fill in Forms 1 and 2.

3. Include all the required documents and a €16 revenue stamp.

4. Submit the Kit at the Post Office and pay:

   • €30 for mailing the envelope

   • €80.46 for the payment slip

   • €16 for the revenue stamp

After submission, the Post Office will give you:

• a receipt to keep together with your previous residence permit

• an appointment at the Immigration Office (Questura), or a registered letter if an appointment is not immediately available

Important: make sure the address you provide is correct and that your name is clearly visible on the doorbell. Otherwise, you may not receive official communications.

To submit the application, you will need:

• a passport or travel document

• registration with the Employment Centre and a DID (Declaration of Immediate Availability for work)

• your previous residence permit

• the address where you live, proved by one of the following documents:

  • residence registration

  • declaration of property handover (cessione di fabbricato)

  • declaration of hospitality

• your tax code (codice fiscale)