What Is a Questura and When Will I Need to Go to One?

If you’re planning to move to Italy, you’ll soon find that some very Italian words become part of your everyday language: permesso di soggiorno, tessera sanitaria, and yes, Questura.

So what exactly is a Questura, and when (and why) will you need to go to one?

Let’s break it down...minus the bureaucracy-induced headache.

What Is a Questura?

The Questura is the local headquarters of the Italian Polizia di Stato (State Police), and, among other activities, it handles immigration-related services for foreigners. Think of it as your go-to government office for anything related to staying legally in Italy.

While Italians visit the Questura for things like passports or police reports, foreigners will get to know it for another reason: the permesso di soggiorno, Italy’s residency permit.

When Do You Need to Visit the Questura?

If you're a non-EU citizen moving to Italy, the Questura will play a starring role in the early chapters of your expat life. Here are the key times you’ll need to show up:

1. Applying for or Renewing Your Permesso di Soggiorno

After arriving in Italy on a visa, you’ll need to apply for a permesso di soggiorno within 8 days. You'll submit an application at the post office, and then be given an appointment at the Questura for fingerprinting and final processing.

[By the way, did you know I wrote a book to help you apply for the permesso di soggiorno?]

You’ll also need to return to the Questura when:

• Your permit is ready for pickup (expect a text or notification)

• You need to renew your permit

2. Changing Permit Type or Status

Switching from a study permit to a work permit? Marrying an Italian and applying for residency as a spouse (over here!)? You’ll likely have to go back to the Questura to update your documents and provide new paperwork.

After getting married last week, I'm headed back to the Questura to request a permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari.

3. Reporting a Lost or Stolen Permit

If you lose your permesso, you’ll need to file a police report and return to the Questura to request a duplicate.

What to Expect at the Questura

Here’s the part no one tells you: visiting the Questura isn’t exactly a quick errand.

Expect long lines, delays, and the occasional chaos. But don’t worry: here are a few tips to make it smoother:

• Be on time (but expect to wait anyway)

• Bring copies of everything: your passport, application receipt, photos, and any letters or supporting documents

• Dress appropriately—you're at a police office, not the beach

• Bring your patience and maybe a good book or podcast

Bonus Tip: Not All Questure Are Created Equal

Each Questura operates slightly differently depending on the region. One office may be friendly and efficient, while another feels like a scene from a Kafka novel. If you can, ask fellow expats or locals what to expect at your specific location.

My first experience with a Questura was in Milan. I stood outside with other immigrants, each of us using the intercom to explain why we were there. We were inexplicably herded in small groups to an office upstairs, where we waited to speak with a police officer. Confusing.

In Calabria, the Questura in Catanzaro is more straightforward. It consists of a small waiting room. When you arrive, the security guard asks your reason for the visit, then instructs you on what to do. You wait until you're called.

The Questura may not be the highlight of your Italian adventure, but it’s a necessary part of living here legally. Once you’ve navigated your first visit (and picked up your coveted permesso), you’ll feel one step closer to calling Italy casa.

Thinking of moving to Italy but overwhelmed by the bureaucracy? I’ve been there and I can help. As an expat coach, I guide women through the logistics and emotional rollercoaster of moving to Italy. Let’s chat.