Carta di soggiorno requirements: years, income and A2 Italian test

The requirements in short

• At least 5 years with a valid residence permit;
• income not lower than the yearly social allowance (assegno sociale); if you also apply for family members, the family reunification rule applies (+ half the allowance for each one);
• suitable housing;
• a pass in the A2 Italian test, unless you are exempt.

Minimum income 2026

The social allowance 2026 is €7,101.12 a year (INPS circular no. 153 of 19 December 2025). For each family member included in the application add half: €3,550.56.

«Per month» is only a help for comparing: the law speaks of yearly income. The Questura decides which documents and which income are valid. With 2 or more children under 14, ask the Questura whether the family reunification rule of double the allowance (€14,202.24) applies to you. Income calculator.

The A2 Italian test

1. Apply online to the Prefecture where you live, on the Ministry of the Interior's Portale Servizi.
2. The Prefecture calls you within 60 days.
3. The test checks that you understand short texts and can interact; for example in Lecco: listening (25 minutes), reading (25 minutes), written interaction (10 minutes).
4. You pass with at least 80% of the score; if you fail, you can apply again only 90 days after the previous test.

You do not take the test if, for example, you already have a certificate at A2 or higher from a recognised body (also the B1 for citizenship), an Italian school diploma, or serious learning limitations certified by a public health facility; children under 14 are excluded too. All A2 exemptions.

Carta di soggiorno and citizenship

If you hold the EU long-term residence permit, you do not have to present the B1 certificate when you apply for citizenship (art. 9.1 of Law 91/1992): exemptions from the B1 · how to apply for citizenship.