Ask for asylum and register your application

Who is this for

Newcomers who want protection. Full explanation: protection-how-to-apply.

Requirements

Be at the border or on Italian territory. No papers needed.

Steps

1. Go to the Questura (immigration office) or tell the border police: "I want to apply for asylum / international protection."
2. Ask for an interpreter if you need one.
3. Give fingerprints and a photo, and say where you can receive mail.
4. Receive the temporary document and ask when formalization takes place (form C3 or its equivalent; during the transitional regime until 31 October 2026 it is done together with registration). TO VERIFY the process from 1 November 2026.
5. Ask for reception if you need it.
6. Write down the name, date and office of every visit.

Costs & timing

Free. Registration within 5 to 15 days; formalization within 21 days.

Common mistakes

Waiting more than 90 days; leaving the border area without registering; signing papers you do not understand.

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).