How to apply for asylum in Italy

Who is this for

People in Italy, or arriving, who want to ask for international protection. You have the right to apply even without documents and even if you entered irregularly.

Requirements

You must be a non-EU national or stateless person at the border or on Italian territory. You do not need a lawyer, passport, address or money to start.

Steps

1. Say you want asylum. Say "asylum" or "international protection" in any language, to the border police at the border or to the Questura (police immigration office) if you are already inside Italy. This declaration is called the manifestation of will.
2. Registration. The Questura or border office registers you, normally within 5 days (up to 15 days when offices are overloaded). They take fingerprints and a photo (entered in the EU Eurodac database) and give you a temporary document.
3. Formalization (form C3 or its replacement). You give your details and the main reasons for your application. Under the transitional regime from 12 June to 31 October 2026 the Questura registers and formalizes in one step and form C3 is not required. After that, formalization is planned to be done before the Territorial Commission through contracted bodies or reception-centre managers, within 21 days (5 days in the border procedure). TO VERIFY what your Questura does on the day you go.
4. Receive your document. After formalization you receive the definitive asylum seeker document, which replaces the old paper permit (art. 4, d.lgs. 142/2015, as amended).
5. Ask for reception if you have nowhere to stay (protection-rights-while-waiting).
6. Prepare for the interview (protection-commission-interview).

If you ask for asylum at the border, a screening of identity, health and security comes first. Some people are put in a border procedure: faster (up to 12 weeks in total, appeal in 5 days). Unaccompanied minors and especially vulnerable people should be excluded. Tell the officer about illness, pregnancy, torture, trafficking, or if you are under 18.

Costs & timing

Free. Registration takes days; the interview and decision take months.

Common mistakes

• Waiting too long. If you apply more than 90 days after irregular entry, the case can go into an accelerated procedure and reception can be refused unless you give a justified reason (DL 145/2024). Apply early and explain any delay (illness, fear, lack of information).
• Not registering after crossing a border. People arriving through border police are asked to present themselves to a Questura within 8 working days.
• Giving a different name, age or country from the truth. Inconsistencies harm your credibility. Correct mistakes early.
• Accepting "come back later". Registration delays are a known problem. Note the date and the officer, bring a witness, and contact free legal help. Authorities must register your request.

Where to get help

Free, confidential help exists. You never need to pay anyone to apply or to appeal. See "Free help for people seeking protection" (protection-free-help-directory) and the UNHCR Italy help site (https://help.unhcr.org/italy/). If you are in danger now, call 112 (free emergency number).