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Information for Ukrainian refugees in Italy

Permits usually valid until 4 March 2027; renewal on request at the Questura up to 4 March 2028 (fees apply)

Information checked in October–November 2026.

Compare with other countries

Important to know

Since 31.07.2026 new applicants must prove they meet Ukrainian military obligations (exit stamp, Reserve+); those protected in Italy on or before 30.07.2026 are exempt while they keep the status in Italy. No monthly cash aid: support means reception places, SSN care and Assegno unico. Questura: renewal to 2028 · EU decision 2026/1912

Status and documents

How long protection lasts
EU temporary protection runs until 4 March 2028. Most permits are valid until 4 March 2027 (DL 201/2025) and are renewed on request at the Questura up to 4 March 2028 (e.g. Questura di Arezzo). There is no national decree or circular for 2028 yet, and many Questura pages still show 2027. Renewal: €16 stamp + €30.46 card fee.
Documents
Passport (children: birth certificate), 2 photos, host's hospitality declaration, family certificates; declaration of presence if no Italian entry stamp. Since 31.07.2026: proof of meeting military obligations (exit stamp, Reserve+).
Where and how to apply
In person at the Immigration Office (Ufficio Immigrazione) of the Questura (police headquarters) of your province; the first permit is free. Renewal appointments via the PrenotaFacile portal.
Processing time
A receipt (ricevuta) with a tax code is issued when you apply and already gives access to work, health care and school. The electronic permit card takes longer; timing depends on the Questura.
When protection ends
Permits lose validity when temporary protection ends (now 4 March 2028) or earlier by EU Council decision. Moving to another EU country means applying there anew (with military-obligation proof). Switching to a work permit is possible.

Travel, pets and language

How to get there
Bus: direct coaches from many Ukrainian cities (e.g. Khmelnytskyi–Bologna daily, ~27 h). Train: to Poland or Hungary (Budapest), then onward. Plane: from Poland, Romania or Moldova. Car: via Poland or Hungary and Austria.
Pets
Standard EU rules (Ukraine is not on the EU list): microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test ≥0.5 IU/ml (blood ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days before the certificate is issued), EU animal health certificate; max. 5 pets.
Languages
Italian.

Work, healthcare and education

Right to work
Allowed immediately with the application receipt or permit; no separate work permit. On request the permit can be converted into a work permit for the job you actually do (post-office kit, €16 + €70.46).
Jobs in demand
Tourism and hospitality, health and social care, construction, welders and metalworkers, machine operators, engineering and healthcare technicians, software specialists.
Healthcare
Yes. Register with the national health service (SSN) at the local ASL with your tax code and choose a GP. Exemption code X22 waives co-payments (ticket) for those not working; valid until 31.12.2026.
Kindergarten
State pre-school (scuola dell'infanzia, ages 3–6): usually no tuition, parents pay registration and meals. Crèches (asilo nido, up to 3) charge fees that vary by region and family income.
School
Yes. State schools are free (books and supplies are paid); school is compulsory from 6 to 16. The application receipt is enough to enrol.

Benefits

Housing support
No rent allowance. A free place in a state reception centre (CAS/SAI) can be requested via the Prefettura or the Comune, subject to availability.
One-time payment
None.
Monthly allowance for adults
None. The Civil Protection subsistence allowance (€300/month for max. 3 months) is not paid for permits issued after 31.01.2025; the last instalments could be claimed until April 2025.
Monthly allowance for children
The universal child allowance (Assegno unico, INPS) is open to temporary-protection holders if conditions are met: in 2026 €58.30–203.80/month per child under 18 depending on ISEE (+50% under age 1). Apply online at INPS.

Cost of living

Average rent
Approx., 1-bedroom flat per month: Rome €1,170 centre / €830 outside; Milan €1,540 / €1,090; Naples €1,000 / €630; Turin €780 / €560 (Numbeo, June 2026).
Groceries per person per month
Approx. €320–390 per person per month (Numbeo, June 2026: Naples/Rome ~€320, Milan ~€390).
Kindergarten fees
Approx. €400–750/month for a private kindergarten (Numbeo, June 2026: Naples ~€400, Rome ~€480, Turin ~€650, Milan ~€750).
Private school fees
Approx. €4,000–27,000/year for private schools; international primary school approx. €13,200/year in Rome and €17,100/year in Milan (Numbeo, June 2026).
Health insurance cost
Not needed with temporary protection (you are covered by the SSN). For comparison: voluntary SSN enrolment for other foreigners costs at least €2,000/year; private policy prices vary widely.
Documents, consulates, legal helpThe same in every country: e-Consul, Diia, free legal aid, a psychologist.

All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.

If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.