Conversion of the EU residence permit: the reasons that allow you to live in Italy

Article 9-bis, paragraph 1, of the Consolidated Immigration Act identifies three main categories of grounds that allow a foreign citizen—already holding an EU long-term residence permit issued by another Member State—to move to or stay in Italy.

1. Employed or self-employed work

Anyone who holds an EU permit issued by another Member State may:

• be hired by an Italian employer under an employment contract;

• start a self-employed activity, provided that they comply with the Italian regulations applicable to this type of work.

For self-employed activities, the required authorizations are issued by the Single Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).

2. Study or training programmes

Holders of an EU long-term residence permit may move to Italy to attend school or university courses, or vocational training programmes, in compliance with the applicable regulations.

3. Other reasons allowed by law

Staying in Italy is also possible for other purposes, provided that the applicant can prove:

• that they have adequate financial resources, exceeding twice the threshold required for exemption from healthcare co-payments;

• that they have health insurance covering the entire period of stay.

This option is particularly useful for those wishing to move to Italy for personal reasons, for example to spend their retirement years there.

Procedure for converting an EU residence permit issued by another country

The application must be submitted to the territorially competent Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione through the Ministry of the Interior’s online portal.

After logging in, you must select the section “Conversioni fuori quota e progetti speciali” (“Off-quota conversions and special projects”), then click on “LS”, where you will find the form to be completed with all information relating to the worker, the employer, the place of activity, and accommodation.

Advantages of intra-EU mobility for long-term residence permit holders

The EU-wide harmonised rules allow long-term residents to:

• work in Italy without having to wait for quotas under the decreto flussi;

• access study and training opportunities in any other EU Member State;

• benefit from stronger legal protection and rights similar to those granted to Italian citizens during their stay.