First: the consultation is confidential
Talking to a lawyer does not put you at risk: lawyers are bound by professional secrecy. The danger is filing the wrong applications or ignoring an expulsion order.
Possible routes
- Family ties: an Italian or EU spouse or children, or minor children attending school in Italy.
- Special protection: when returning home would seriously violate your fundamental rights.
- International protection (asylum or subsidiary protection): if you face persecution or serious harm.
- Victims of labour exploitation, violence or trafficking: special permits with protection.
- Regularisation programmes (emersione): opened by the government at certain times; you need to be ready.
- Late renewal if your permit expired recently and there are justified reasons.
If you received an expulsion order
Deadlines are very short. An expulsion decree can be appealed before the Justice of the Peace, usually within 30 days. Contact us the same day you receive it.
What NOT to do
- Pay middlemen who promise "fast papers".
- Use false documents or make false statements.
- Apply for asylum without preparation if your story doesn't fit: a refusal complicates other routes.
- Leave Italy: you might not be able to come back.
Documents usually required
- Passport (even if expired) or other ID
- Proof of your presence in Italy (contracts, receipts, medical certificates, enrolments)
- Documents of family members in Italy
- Any notices from the Questura or Prefettura
- Documents about your situation in your home country (for protection)
The exact list depends on your case, your home country and the office (Questura, Consulate or Comune). We give you the final list in the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be expelled if I see a lawyer?
No. Lawyers are bound by professional secrecy and the consultation is confidential.
Is there an amnesty in Italy right now?
General regularisations (emersione) open only at certain times. Decreto Flussi quotas don't regularise people already in Italy without a permit, except in specific cases. We'll let you know if a route opens.
I married an Italian but have no permit. What can I do?
The cohabiting spouse of an Italian citizen can apply for a residence card even without a valid permit, under certain conditions. It is one of the strongest routes.
How long does a protection application take?
The Territorial Commission can take several months. Meanwhile you receive an asylum-seeker permit which allows you to work after 60 days.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.