Arriving in Italy: residence permit and first steps
The residence permit within eight working days, final enrolment before 31 January, the codice fiscale and renewal.
Within eight working days: the residence permit
Within eight working days of arriving with a study visa, you must apply for a residence permit (« permesso di soggiorno ») for study at the Questura of the city where you live. The application is made with the kit available at post offices, or at the desk some universities provide.
The post office gives you a receipt, which proves you are lawfully in Italy while the permit is issued, and an appointment at the Questura for photos and fingerprints. Patronati and some municipalities help prepare the application free of charge.
Final enrolment
The university completes your enrolment, usually after the fees are paid and the original documents are checked. The visa is revoked if enrolment is not completed by 31 January of the academic year.
The codice fiscale
The Italian tax code is needed to enrol, sign a lease, get a phone line or open a bank account. The Agenzia delle Entrate issues it free of charge.
Renewing the permit
Renewal must be requested at least 60 days before the permit expires. You need to have passed at least one exam in the first year, then at least two in each following year. Changing programme remains possible with the university's approval; formally withdrawing from your studies, however, ends the right to stay.