In this news, we would like to delve into some issues regarding the voluntary registration of foreigners with the National Health Service and the various types of residence permits currently recognized for the stay of foreigners in Italy.
1. Voluntary registration with the National Health Service for foreigners holding a residence permit for religious reasons
As mentioned in our previous news, the Budget Law 2024 (Law 213 of 2023) increased to Euro 2,000.00 (from the previous Euro 387.00) the annual contribution required for registration with the National Health Service for foreigners who are not entitled to public assistance.
Following the controversies triggered by this significant increase, changes were approved only for certain categories of people: with Decree Law no. 39 of 29 March 2024 (converted with amendments by Law no. 67 of 23 May 2024), the Italian Government modified the amount of the annual contribution for voluntary registration in the National Health System for foreign citizens holding a residence permit for religious reasons , lowering the amount to Euro 700.00, thus equating it to that provided for foreigners holding a residence permit for study reasons.
The aforementioned rule, in art. 9 paragraph 7, established that: “In consideration of the exceptional influx of pilgrims and tourists planned for the celebrations of the Jubilee of the Catholic Church, for holders of residence permits for religious reasons for which voluntary registration with the National Health Service is required pursuant to article 34, paragraph 3, of Legislative Decree no. 286 of 25 July 1998, the amount of the contribution referred to in the aforementioned paragraph is set to the extent provided for in paragraph 5 of the aforementioned article 34 for the cases referred to in paragraph 4, letter a), of the same article”, i.e. at Euro 700.00.
According to the regulatory text, the main reason for the measure is the exceptional influx of pilgrims and tourists planned for the 2025 Jubilee celebrations.
We also remind you that the aforementioned payment is not due by foreigners who receive work income or an income tax equivalent to it (such as the remuneration for the livelihood of the clergy) as they “have the obligation to register with the National Health Service and have equal treatment and full equality of rights and duties with respect to Italian citizens with regard to the contributory obligation, the assistance provided in Italy by the National Health Service and its temporal validity” (Legislative Decree 25 July 1998, n. 286, art. 34 paragraph 1).
We also remind you that the holder of a residence permit for religious reasons, as an alternative to enrolling in the National Health Service, can also sign a “specific insurance policy with an Italian or foreign insurance institution, valid in the national territory”, as provided for by art. 34 paragraph 3 of Legislative Decree no. 286 of 1998, the so-called TU of immigration.
2. What are the main types of residence permits for foreigners in Italy?
Foreign citizens who intend to stay in Italy for more than 90 days are required to have a residence permit, which is the official document issued by the Police Headquarters of the Province where the stay will take place.
To date, there are different types of permits in Italy that are related to the specific reason for staying in Italy. Listed below are the main ones:
- WORK: for those who have found regular employment in Italy and need an extended stay for work reasons.
- STUDY and TRAINING: for international students who are admitted to study courses at universities or other Italian educational institutions.
- FAMILY REUNIFICATION: for those who move to Italy to live with already resident family members such as spouses, minor children or parents.
- RELIGIOUS REASONS: as for priests and ministers of worship, as well as members of religious congregations who enter Italy to participate in significant religious events or to work with established religious organizations. The residence permit for religious reasons is also essential for those who must actively participate in major events such as the 2025 Jubilee, because it can ensure that pilgrims can stay on Italian territory for the entire duration without breaking immigration laws.
3. How do I get a residence permit?
To have all the necessary information to apply for a residence permit (necessary documents, costs and procedures), we suggest you consult the official page of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies:
https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Altre-info/e/4/o/5/id/1/Il-permesso-di-soggiorno
4. How long does the residence permit for religious reasons last?
The duration of the residence permit for religious reasons lasts one year and generally coincides with the period in which the event or religious commitment takes place.
For a special occasion such as Jubilee 2025, permission can be specifically requested at the right time to cover the entire period of the religious holiday, allowing religious to live the full experience without legal or bureaucratic interruptions.
Given that the legislation in question is quite complex, provides for exceptions and is often amended by the legislator (therefore we do not know if the amounts and exceptions indicated above will be retained in the future), it is recommended that every personal matter be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis, also according to the motivations and interests of the individual concerned.
As always, the Fiat Lux team is happy to give you the best advice and clarify your doubts. Write to us at our email: info@fiatlux.legal and we will be happy to help you.