NOTE: TO ALL DoW CIVILIANS, CONTRACTORS, AND THEIR DEPENDENTS AND MILITARY DEPENDENTS: DO NOT COME TO ITALY WITHOUT THE PROPER PASSPORT AND D MISSIONE VISA. FAILURE TO POSSESS THESE DOCUMENTS WILL FORCE YOU TO GO BACK AT YOUR OWN EXPENSES TO OBTAIN THEM.
Schedule Soggiorno Appointment: Click Here
PERMESSO DI SOGGIORNO (PERMIT OF STAY)
To successfully relocate to Italy, you must understand the difference between what gets you into the country and what allows you to stay here legally.
1. To Enter Italy: Passport and Visa Breakdown
Every person traveling under the sponsor's orders must enter with a pre-approved D Missione Visa (issued by an Italian consulate in your country of origin before departing for Italy) inside the specific passport type required for their status:
| Category | Required Passport Type | Required Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Service Members' Dependents | No-Fee Passport (Blue, official use) | D Missione Visa |
| DoD Civilians (GS) & Dependents | Official Passport (Maroon) | D Missione Visa |
| Contractors & Dependents | Regular Tourist Passport (Blue) | D Missione Visa |
| Non-U.S. Dependents | Passport from Country of Origin | D Missione Visa |
2. To Stay in Italy: The Soggiorno requirement
While entry passports vary by status, the rule for staying is universal: ALL civilian employees, contractors, and EVERY individual dependent (regardless of age or passport type) are required to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit to Stay) upon arrival.
- Active Duty Service Members are the only population exempt from this rule (they are covered under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement).
- For everyone else: The Soggiorno is what legally allows you to live in Italy for the entirety of the sponsor's tour.
- The Risk: Without it, dependents (except EU citizens), GS employees, and contractors are legally considered tourists. This strictly limits you to a maximum of 90 days in the country and eliminates your authorization for command support from the U.S. Army.
ALL IMMIGRATION-RELATED TRAVEL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.FCG.PENTAGON.MIL.
SOGGIORNO APPLICATION PROCESS
Camp Darby: Sponsor and all dependents (ages 14 and older) must visit the Soggiorno Office room # 154 to start the application process. Do not wait to have a housing contract to start the application. Soldier is required to be present if located in Camp Darby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soggiornos
What is a SOGGIORNO?
“Soggiorno” is a permit to stay in Italy. Soggiorno is the equivalent of the U.S. Green Card.
When do I need to apply for my dependents' SOGGIORNO?
Newly arrived personnel must contact Soggiorno Office within eight days from arrival to get all the proper information. Soldiers do not need a Soggiorno but every other American and non-EU citizens do.
Is there an application that needs to be completed?
Yes, the application will be provided to you by the Soggiorno office.
Does the Soldier have to be present to apply for the Soggiorno?
Yes, the sponsor must be present.
Who has to be present to apply for the Soggiornos?
Each family member must be present to apply.
Can someone else pick up my Soggiorno for me?
No. Each applicant must be present at the Immigration office to pick up their Soggiorno once ready.
How soon can I renew my Soggiorno?
You can begin the process to renew your soggiorno as early as 60 days prior to its expiration.
Report of Loss
Contact the Soggiorno office or stop by to get all the information to file a report of loss. usarmy.italy.id-europe.mbx.soggiorno-office-mailbox@army.mil
Newborns in Italy
Contact the Soggiorno office within 10 days from the child’s birth date. usarmy.italy.id-europe.mbx.soggiorno-office-mailbox@army.mil
I am out-processing. Do I have to turn in my Soggiorno?
While clearing visit the Soggiorno office in order to be cleared and then you will surrender your Soggiorno to the border patrol officer after you go through the passport checks.
