Italy extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2027: how to renew the permesso di soggiorno

Italy has extended temporary protection (protezione temporanea) for citizens of Ukraine until 4 March 2027. It is important to distinguish two levels: the protection status itself is extended automatically, whereas the physical card of the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) must be actively renewed by application before it expires.

What changed and when

The basis was a decision at EU level: Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460 of 15 July 2025, which extended the temporary protection regime (introduced by Decision 2022/382) for the period from 5 March 2026 to 4 March 2027. Under the EU decision, the status is extended automatically — registered persons do not need to reapply.

Italy implemented this decision through national legislation. Decree-Law No. 201 of 31 December 2025 was converted into Law No. 27 of 27 February 2026, published in the official gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale) No. 49 of 28 February 2026. In the text of the law, the phrase "a richiesta dell'interessato, fino al 4 marzo 2027" concerns the renewal of permits for special protection (protezione speciale) for Ukrainians who were in Italy before 24 February 2022; for those who received temporary protection due to the war, the law confirms the automatic extension of the status ("ferma restando la proroga della protezione temporanea concessa, fino alla medesima data").

Who this concerns

The measure applies to citizens of Ukraine with a residence permit under the temporary protection regime due to the war. According to the Italian government (Eurostat), as of the end of October 2025 around 56,490 citizens of Ukraine were benefiting from temporary protection in Italy (1.3% of the total EU figure).

How to renew the permesso di soggiorno card

Although the status is extended automatically, an expired permit card must be renewed by application (su richiesta degli interessati) — this is officially confirmed by the Questura. The procedure:

1. Book an appointment via the official police platform PrenotaFacile (registration required).
2. Pay EUR 30.46 for the electronic permit card (postal slip — bollettino); this amount applies to everyone, including children.
3. Pay EUR 16 in stamp duty (marca da bollo); minors under 14 do not need it.
4. Submit the application and documents to the Questura (police headquarters) of your place of residence.

Payment is made separately for each applicant, including children. Do not delay: it is advisable to book in advance, before the card's validity expires, to avoid a break in your legal status.

Conversion into a work permit

The temporary protection card can be converted into a residence permit for work (lavoro) if you have a valid employment contract. The application is submitted through the post office's "Sportello Amico" branch; usually a copy of the document, a copy of the valid permit, proof of housing, work-related documents and a payment are required. The fees are indicative and depend on the case: the official Questura page cites around EUR 70.46, while patronage offices describe a different structure (EUR 30.46 + EUR 16 + contributo EUR 40–50). Check the exact amount with the Questura or a patronage office (patronato).

What's next

The extension until 2027 is part of a general EU decision. In parallel, on 16 September 2025 the EU Council adopted a recommendation on the gradual transition out of the temporary protection regime to other legal statuses (work, study, family reunification). So check your card's validity period now and book your renewal in advance.