Italy 2026: how to convert a temporary protection permit into a work permit (and options for study)

Who can convert: a Ukrainian citizen who holds a valid temporary protection residence permit (protezione temporanea — Emergenza Ucraina) and works officially in Italy. The conversion is processed "per l'attività effettivamente svolta" — for the employment activity actually carried out.

Legal basis: the possibility of conversion was introduced by Article 1, comma 396 of Law No. 213 of 30 December 2023 (Legge di Bilancio 2024). Temporary protection in Italy has been extended until 4 March 2027 by Law No. 27/2026 converting decree-law D.L. 201/2025 (published in G.U. No. 49 of 28 February 2026, in force from 1 March 2026), in line with the Council of the EU Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460 of 15 July 2025, which extended temporary protection until 4 March 2027.

Condition: confirmed work

You can convert the permit if you have official employment activity — lavoro subordinato (under an employment contract) or lavoro autonomo (self-employment). A document confirming current work is required: an employment contract, self-employment registration details or other "documentazione relativa all'attività lavorativa in corso di svolgimento".

Where to submit the application

The procedure differs between Questuras. In the model of the Questure of Arezzo and Pisa, the application is submitted not directly to the Questura but via a special paper kit at a Poste Italiane branch providing the "Sportello Amico" service; in the kit, the reason Motivo 10 — Conversione del permesso di soggiorno is selected. Other Questuras instead accept an appointment booking via the PrenotaFacile platform. After processing, an appointment is set at the Questura competent for the place of residence for fingerprinting (fotosegnalamento) and subsequent collection of the card.

Documents (placed in the kit)

• The completed application form (modulo) with stamp duty (marca da bollo) of €16.
• A copy of the passport or ID document.
• A copy of the electronic temporary protection permit (Emergenza Ucraina).
• A housing document (tenancy agreement, ownership title or dichiarazione di ospitalità).
• A document confirming current employment activity (contract / self-employment).

Fees

• Postal payment — €70.46. This amount consists of a contribution (contributo) of €40 under Art. 5, c. 2-ter TUI plus €30.46 for producing the electronic card; it is paid with a single postal slip (bollettino).
• If the new permit is issued for a term over 1 year (up to 3 years), the contribution is €50, so the total is approximately €80.46.
• Stamp duty (marca da bollo) on the application form — €16.

Steps

1. Make sure your temporary protection permit is valid (if necessary, renew it first; the extension is valid until 4 March 2027).
2. Gather work documents (employment contract or self-employment registration).
3. Clarify your Questura's channel: a kit at the Poste with the Sportello Amico service (Motivo 10) or a booking via PrenotaFacile.
4. Pay the postal payment of €70.46 (€80.46 if the permit is for a term over a year) and add stamp duty of €16.
5. Submit the kit at the Poste branch; obtain the receipt (cedolino) with a tracking code.
6. Attend the appointment at the Questura on the assigned date for fingerprinting and subsequent collection of the card.

On conversion into a study permit

Official Questura sources and national rules clearly describe conversion specifically into a work permit on the basis of Legge 213/2023. The official sources do not define a separate automatic procedure for "conversion into a study permit". Access to education already exists within temporary protection itself; for adults, the right to study derives from the temporary protection rules and the general rules on students (Art. 39 / 39-bis TUI), while Art. 38 TUI concerns primarily the compulsory education of minors. If you plan to change to student status — clarify the conditions directly with the competent Questura.

Important: the exact list of documents, the submission channel (Poste kit or PrenotaFacile), the exact amount of the postal payment (depends on the term of the permit) may differ between Questuras. Before applying, verify against your Questura's "Carta dei Servizi" or the official portal poliziadistato.it.