Migrants, how the single permit changes: final issue within 30 days
Italy aligns with European directives and 'radically simplifies the administrative application process', in particular for the release
Key points
A simpler and faster residence permit. The Italian government is aligning itself with European guidelines, in particular with what is stipulated in Directive 1233/2024 of the EU Parliament and the EU Council, and is preliminarily approving a legislative decree on the application procedure for issuing a single permit.
In practice, therefore, it will amend -as of 22 May 2026 - the Consolidation Act on Immigration (Legislative Decree 286/1998) to adapt Italian law on the permit that allows third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State. The OK came during the 20 January Council of Ministers meeting. The intervention, the executive explained, 'radically simplifies the administrative process for the application'
More information to the foreigner
The first article of the decree strengthens theobligation to provide information to foreigners. In particular, this includes information on the conditions of entry and residence for employment, on all the documents required to apply for a single permit, and on the obligations and procedural guarantees provided for workers and their families.
The new timetable
Then there is the question of time. The ordinary terms of administrative procedures are extended from 60 to 90 days for the renewal of a residence permit. This extension is compensated, however, by the introduction of a special discipline for the single work permit: once the application has been completed, the Questore is required to issue thesingle permit within thirty days, as an exception to the longer deadlines set for other permits.
Transparency obligation for employers and more flexibility for foreign workers
There are also two other points on which Italy adapts. The first concerns theobligation of transparency for employers, who will have to 'promptly inform the foreign worker of any communication regarding the nulla osta'. The second, to 'ensure greater flexibility in the labour market', allows theforeigner holding a single permit to change employer during the period of validity of the permit, subject to notification to the competent authorities.
