Free help, now
These organisations give free information and support. Contact one of them first.
Short answer
Act within days to file an appeal with a free lawyer.
Information, not legal advice. MovItaly is not a law firm. Check with the questura or consulate before you act.
Who is this for
People who received a refusal or a lower status than they wanted. See protection-appeals-and-deadlines.
Requirements
The written decision and a lawyer.
Steps
- Write the notification date in your calendar.
- Contact free legal help the same day.
- Confirm the deadline: 30 days (ordinary), 7 days (accelerated), 5 days (border). TO VERIFY.
- Ask for legal aid (patrocinio a spese dello Stato).
- Ask the lawyer to request authorization to stay if the appeal does not suspend the decision automatically.
- Gather new evidence.
Costs & timing
Free with legal aid.
Common mistakes
Waiting; paying anyone who promises a result; changing address without informing the court.
Where to get help
Free, confidential help exists. You never need to pay anyone to apply or to appeal. See "Free help for people seeking protection" (protection-free-help-directory) and the UNHCR Italy help site (https://help.unhcr.org/italy/). If you are in danger now, call 112 (free emergency number).
Sources
- Italy Country Report, 2025 Update (July 2026) (AIDA / ECRE)
- Decree-Law 12 June 2026, n. 100 (EU Pact implementation) (Gazzetta Ufficiale / Normattiva)
- Asylum and international protection (Ministero dell'Interno)
- Help Italy (UNHCR)
- Immigration and asylum (Ministero dell Interno)
