Does time spent under Student Visa count to the 5 years?

Yes! Unless otherwise indicated, under the latest EU directives that have been in place in Italy, years of study permit under the study permit now count 100 percent towards the 5 years residence requirement to the EU Long-Term permit.

Am I able to lose my Permanent Residence status?

Yes. The permit may be renewed provided that you are not out of the European Union during a period of over 12 months and not out of Italy during a period of over 6 years.

Does the language test have a limit to the age?

Italian language test is not required to children with age under 14, and people with some severe documented medical disabilities.

Italy Permanent Residence Application Process 2026

Think of waking up in the rolling hilly Tuscany or the colorful avenues of Milan and knowing that you will be able to claim you are home permanently in Italy. The last milestone, the conversion of a temporary into permanent residence, is celebrated by most expats.

Primary Track of Eligibility and Residency

The gatekeepers of the Italian immigration system are the ruthless time and legal bureaucrats that you have to appease before you go to the post office.

The 5-Year continuous residence rule

The qualification must be a 5 years continuous residence in Italy. Continuous, however, does not mean that you can never walk. According to the Uninterrupted Stay Rule, you are considered eligible provided that your absences are less than:

6 months in one trip.
10 months in the total length of 5 years.
Conversion of Permits

The 2026 rules have provisions of conversion of permits of different categories. Whatever you began on a Work, Study or Family permit, these years are counted as part of your 5 year total. The Golden Visa Transition also applies to the high-net-worths, who change their Investor Visa to PR after 5 years, under the conditions of satisfying the presence requirements.

Recent Financial and Housing Needs (2026)

Italian officials prefer to make you self-reliant. The goals of stable resources have been modified in 2026.

The 2026 Income Threshold

You should demonstrate Income Sufficiency by means of official tax returns or your Social Security History .

Social Allowance Threshold : As of 2026, the minimum income of one applicant is some 7,101.12.
Dependent Multiplier: In the case of family members, the threshold doubles on a dependent.

Housing Suitability

Certificate of Housing Suitability is a rather important document that cannot be disregarded. This is to show that your home is in health, hygiene and safety standards.

Square Footage: There are minimum standards (e.g. 14sqm/one person, 28sqm/two people).
Validity: The majority of certificates last between 6-12 months, therefore, making sure you plan your application.

Language Compliance Integration

Italy values integration: In order to have a long-term permit, you have to show that you have adopted the local culture and language.
A2 Level Proficiency: You have to demonstrate A2 level of Italian (Elementary) according to the CEFR.
The Language Exam: You have to pass the Test di Lingua Italana which is a state examination unless you have a diploma in high school or university in Italy.
Integration Agreement : Obtaining authorities will audit your credits. They are acquired through taking civic orientation programs and shunning of criminal conviction.

Digital Procedural Roadmap (2026 Updates)

It is a hybrid between physical and digital (phygital). The following are the 2026 workflow steps:

PORTALE Servizi (ALI Portal): Go online to check on your status and pre-file information on an online gateway of the Interior Ministry.
Post Office Kit : Go to a Sportello Amico at the post office and take the envelope with the yellow stripes. Fill out “Modulo 1” and “Modulo 2.”
The Submission: Post back the kit in the post office. A Marca da Bollo (revenue stamp) will cost you a €16.00 and you will have to pay the permit fee (at the moment it is €100 which is a long-term permit fee).
The Questura Appointment: You will be given a receipt with date of appointment at Ufficio Immigrazione . Here they will take away your bio metrics (fingerprints).
EES Verification: The Entry/Exit System (EES) is programmed to check your travel record in 2026 to ensure that you have not violated the Uninterrupted Stay Rule.

FAQs

Does time spent under Student Visa count to the 5 years?

Yes! Unless otherwise indicated, under the latest EU directives that have been in place in Italy, years of study permit under the study permit now count 100 percent towards the 5 years residence requirement to the EU Long-Term permit.
Am I able to lose my Permanent Residence status?

Yes. The permit may be renewed provided that you are not out of the European Union during a period of over 12 months and not out of Italy during a period of over 6 years.
Does the language test have a limit to the age?

Italian language test is not required to children with age under 14, and people with some severe documented medical disabilities.

Final Thoughts

Being there is not only enough to secure permanent residence in Italy in 2026. It demands an accountable paper trail of fiscal stability, an authorized understanding of the language, and a crystal-clear electronic background through the EES. Begin a collection of your INPS contributions and housing certificates at least half a year prior to your 5-year anniversary in order to have a smooth transition.

Disclosure

The article is informational and educational in nature. It is recommended that readers should check information with reputable sources, i.e. the official Polizia di Stato or a qualified immigration expert, before proceeding to make decisions.