International protection

Who can apply

People who are outside their country of origin because they are fleeing persecution, torture or war can apply to the Italian State for international protection.

The application

The application is submitted at the Questura or to the border police. While awaiting the decision of the competent Territorial Commission, the Questura issues a residence permit for asylum application. If the Commission has not yet decided when the permit is about to expire, the applicant can ask for it to be renewed.

Refugee status, subsidiary protection and other forms of protection

The Territorial Commission can grant:

refugee status, to people outside their country who have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a social group or political opinion: the Questura issues an asylum permit;
subsidiary protection, to people who do not qualify as refugees but would face a real risk of serious harm if they returned to their country: the Questura issues a subsidiary protection permit.

Alternatively, following the Commission’s assessment, the Questura can issue a residence permit for special protection, whose rules have been changed several times in recent years. There are also other permits for situations that particularly deserve protection, such as:

social protection;
victims of domestic violence;
victims of labour exploitation;
medical treatment;
natural disasters;
acts of particular civic merit.

The rules in this area change often: to find out which ones apply and what protection you are entitled to, contact our staff.

Family reunification

For family reunification requests by holders of refugee status and subsidiary protection, proof of income or suitable accommodation is not required.