POLITICAL ASYLUM IN ITALY: HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION IN 2026

6 days ago

9 min read

Updated as of November 2026

Many people search online for “political asylum in Italy” or asilo politico. In legal terms, the procedure is called an application for international protection (protezione internazionale), which covers refugee status and subsidiary protection. If you are in Italy and are afraid to return to your country of origin because of persecution or a real risk of serious harm, you may submit such an application. Below, we explain where to apply, how the procedure works, the applicable time limits, and what to do if your application is rejected.

Important: New rules. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum entered into force on 12 June 2026. It changed the rules for registering applications, screening applicants, examining cases, and determining which EU country is responsible for an application. Italy has introduced transitional rules that apply until 30 April 2027, so some practical procedures may change as implementation progresses.

What Forms of International Protection Are Available?

Refugee status is granted to a person who has a well-founded fear of persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group.

Subsidiary protection is granted when a person does not meet the criteria for refugee status but would face a real risk of serious harm if returned. Serious harm includes:

the death penalty;
torture or inhuman or degrading treatment;
a serious individual threat to life resulting from indiscriminate violence in an armed conflict.

Other forms of protection under Italian law:

Special protection (protezione speciale): if you do not qualify for international protection but, upon return, would face persecution, torture or inhuman treatment, violations of rights, or interference with your private and family life in Italy.
Social protection: for people who are or have been victims of human trafficking or enslavement.

For Ukrainian citizens. International protection and temporary protection (protezione temporanea) are separate procedures. If you have not received temporary protection, your eligibility for international protection will be assessed separately, taking into account your individual circumstances and the risks you would face upon return.

Where to Apply for Political Asylum

You can express your intention to apply:

to the border police (Polizia di Frontiera) immediately upon arrival;
to the immigration office of the police headquarters (Ufficio Immigrazione della Questura) if you are already in Italy.

You can apply even while in prison or at a Pre-Removal Detention Centre (CPR). Each adult submits an application on their own behalf.

Until 30 April 2027, under the transitional rules, police headquarters and border police will continue to receive and register applications.

Making an Appointment at the Questura

The process depends on the city. Some Questure require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Depending on where you live, options may include:

booking online through PrenotaFacile, where available;
sending a request by certified email (PEC);
contacting a local organisation that helps asylum seekers access the Questura;
visiting in person.

You can find the official website of the relevant Questura by searching for “Questura + city name.”

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1. Express Your Intention to Apply (manifestazione di volontà)

Clearly tell the police officer that you wish to request international protection. You can do this orally or in writing, in your native language, with an interpreter if necessary. In Italian, you can say:

“Chiedo asilo” (“I am seeking asylum”);
“Vorrei presentare una domanda di protezione internazionale” (“I would like to submit an application for international protection”).

You do not need to have all your documents with you at this stage. The authorities must accept your application and explain the procedure and your rights in a language you understand.

Step 2. Screening

Screening is a preliminary procedure in which you are identified, certain checks are carried out, and the procedure under which your application will be examined is determined.

Who undergoes screening. Screening is mandatory for those who arrive by sea, cross the border without documents, or are staying in the country irregularly. If you entered Italy legally, for example with a visa, you do not need to undergo screening simply because you want to seek asylum.

What happens. There may be a medical examination and vulnerability assessment, identity and security checks, fingerprinting, and a photograph. Information is checked against EU databases, including the Visa Information System (VIS) and Eurodac. Fingerprints are collected from applicants aged six and over. All information is recorded in a screening form (modulo di screening).

Time limits. Up to seven days at the external border and up to three days if screening takes place within the country. During this period, you have not yet been authorised to enter Italian territory.

Bring any documents you have: a passport or identity document, birth or marriage certificates, and medical records. Provide as much information as possible about your route.

Step 3. Registration (registrazione)

Your application must be registered within five days after you express your intention to apply. If there is a very high number of applications, this period may be extended to 15 days.

Step 4. Formal Lodging of the Application (formalizzazione)

At this stage, the application becomes official. You provide more detailed information about yourself, your family, your route, and why you cannot return. You may attach documents or a written statement supporting your account, such as evidence of threats or persecution, medical certificates, photographs, or correspondence.

Under the general rules of the new Pact, registration and formal lodging are separate stages, and an application must be formally lodged within 21 days after registration (this period may be extended in certain cases).
Until 30 April 2027, under Italy’s transitional rules, registration and formal lodging take place simultaneously.

Previously, applicants’ information was recorded on a form called Modello C3. Ask the Questura which form is currently used.

Practical advice:

ask for the recorded information to be translated before signing;
report any mistakes you notice;
request copies of all documents you sign or receive, and keep them safe;
check that your contact details are correct;
if you do not speak Italian, you are entitled to a free interpreter.

If you need special assistance due to your health, disability, pregnancy, minor age, or experiences of violence, report this as early as possible.

What Document Do You Receive as an Asylum Seeker?

You have the right to remain in Italy throughout the examination of your application. The former six-month permesso di soggiorno per richiesta asilo has been replaced with two documents:

an attestazione di manifestazione (or attestato nominativo), issued by the Questura when the application is registered;
a document approved by the Prefecture, issued when the application is formally lodged, which may be valid for up to 12 months. If you are detained or in prison, you receive an attestato nominativo instead.

The Ministry of the Interior is still determining the exact format of these documents, so the document you receive may change in the coming months.

When Can You Work?

You can legally work 90 days after formally lodging your application. Since registration and formal lodging take place simultaneously until 30 April 2027, in practice the 90-day period is counted from the date of registration.

An asylum seeker's permit cannot be converted into a work permit and does not grant the right to family reunification.

Which EU Country Will Examine Your Application?

The new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) replaced the Dublin III Regulation. It has applied in Italy since 1 July 2026. If your application was registered earlier, the previous Dublin rules apply.

At registration, disclose whether you have previously been in another EU country, applied for asylum there, or have close relatives there. This may affect which country is responsible for your application.

If Italy is responsible, your application will be examined here.
If another EU country is responsible, Italy may request that country to take responsibility for the case, and you may be transferred there if the legal conditions are met.
If you receive a transfer decision, seek legal advice immediately: it can be challenged, but the deadlines may be short.

Types of Procedures and Processing Times

Following screening and registration, your case will be assigned to one of the following procedures:

Procedure	Estimated time to a decision
Ordinary	up to 6 months after formal lodging
Accelerated	up to 3 months after formal lodging
Border	up to 12 weeks for the entire procedure, (with exceptions including surgery and transfer cases)

The law allows these periods to be extended in certain cases. If you do not apply for asylum, your application is rejected, or your circumstances do not fall within these procedures, a return procedure may apply.

Interview with the Territorial Commission

After formal lodging, your case is forwarded to the Territorial Commission for the Recognition of International Protection (Commissione Territoriale per il riconoscimento della protezione internazionale). The Commission invites you to an interview, examines your case, and decides whether to grant protection.

During the interview, you explain what happened to you, why you left, and what you fear if you return. You are entitled to an interpreter who speaks a language you understand. If you cannot understand the interpreter or a question, say so immediately. Submit all available evidence.

If your address changes while your case is being examined, inform the competent authority so that you receive the interview invitation and the decision.

What Happens If You Miss an Appointment or Leave a Reception Centre?

Missed appointment. The Questura or Commission may conclude that you no longer wish to seek asylum and suspend or close your case. A subsequent application (reiterata) may be possible.
Leaving a reception centre without authorisation. You may lose your place at the centre, and your application may be suspended or closed. A subsequent application may be rejected without examination if you do not present new circumstances.
If you cannot attend for a valid reason, contact the Questura or Commission as soon as possible, explain the reason, and request a new date. Keep supporting evidence.

The Commission's Decision

The Commission may grant refugee status, grant subsidiary protection, or reject the application. An application may also be rejected as “manifestly unfounded” or declared inadmissible.

If you live in a reception centre, the decision may be sent there, and staff must inform you. If you live independently, official notices are sent to the address you provided or to your legal representative. Make sure the authorities have your current address and that your surname appears on the door or mailbox.

What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected

You can challenge the Commission's decision before the competent court with the assistance of a lawyer.

Deadlines depend on the procedure:

ordinary procedure: usually 30 days from notification of the decision;
accelerated procedure: in some cases, only 7 days;
border procedure: only 5 days (with exceptions, for example for unaccompanied minors).

Keep the full text of the decision and record the date you received it. Do not wait until the last day: contact a lawyer or legal aid organisation immediately. Check separately whether filing an appeal suspends the effect of the decision in your case.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Apply for Political Asylum?

You can apply on your own and complete the administrative procedure without a lawyer. A legal adviser at a reception centre or an organisation working with asylum seekers can help you prepare. A lawyer is mandatory for a court appeal. If you meet the requirements, you may qualify for state-funded legal aid (patrocinio a spese dello Stato / gratuito patrocinio).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between asilo politico and international protection?

Italian law does not provide for a separate “political asylum” status. This expression generally refers to an application for international protection, meaning refugee status or subsidiary protection.

Do I need to have all my documents to apply?

No. You can express your intention to apply without documents. However, bring everything you have to screening and formal lodging, and provide as much information as possible.

Can I apply if I am staying in Italy irregularly?

Yes. You can apply even while in prison or at a CPR. People who crossed the border without documents or are staying irregularly are subject to mandatory screening.

How soon can I work?

Ninety days after formal lodging. Until 30 April 2027, when formal lodging takes place together with registration, this period begins on the registration date.

How long does it take to examine an application?

Usually up to six months under the ordinary procedure, up to three months under the accelerated procedure, and up to 12 weeks under the border procedure. These periods may be extended.

What is the deadline for appealing a rejection?

Usually 30 days under the ordinary procedure, as little as seven days under the accelerated procedure, and five days under the border procedure.

Can I apply again after a rejection?

A subsequent application (reiterata) is possible only after the previous procedure has ended. It may be rejected without examination if you do not present new circumstances.

Need help?

If you are still deciding which procedure to pursue or have already received a decision from the Questura or Territorial Commission, contact Legal Case. We can help you understand your documents, identify the next steps, and, if necessary, arrange a consultation with an Italian lawyer.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal advice. The rules and deadlines are changing, particularly during the transitional period, and every case has its own circumstances.

Sources: Refugee.info Italy; Ministero dell’Interno; integrazionemigranti.gov.it; DIP / EUAA; UNHCR Italy.