What is this system? Is it something that already exists or a new government proposal?
This kind of system already exists. It was created by Presidential Decree (D.P.R.) No. 179 of 14 September 2011 and has been in effect since 10 March 2012.
What does this law state?
All foreigners who enter Italy and apply for a residence permit for the first time, valid for at least one year, are required to sign the Integration Agreement (Accordo di Integrazione) at the Questura or Prefettura.
What is the Accordo di Integrazione?
The Accordo di Integrazione is a credit-based system valid for two years, which can be extended for an additional year. When a foreigner signs it, they commit to:
- Knowledge of the Italian language (A2 level) – 24 credits
- Vocational training and civil culture in Italy
- Educational qualifications (degree, diploma)
- Registration to the National Health Service (SSN) and choice of a family doctor
- Signing a lease agreement or obtaining a mortgage for the purchase of residential property
- Engagement in economic or entrepreneurial activities, etc.
To successfully complete the Integration Agreement, the foreigner must reach 30 credits, which must include both language proficiency and knowledge of civic life.
Do I start with 0 credits?
No. When you sign the Integration Agreement, you start with 16 credits. To support you, you also have the opportunity to attend a free 10-hour civic education course within 90 days from the signing date, offered at CPIA or CTP.
Can credits be lost?
Yes. Credits can be deducted in the case of criminal convictions or administrative sanctions.
What happens if I reach 30 credits?
The Integration Agreement is considered fulfilled and automatically closed.
What happens if I don’t reach 30 credits?
If you have not reached 30 credits by the end of the initial 2-year period, the agreement may be extended for another year.
What happens if I have 0 credits?
If your credit balance reaches zero, you may be expelled from the country. The same applies if, after the extension, you still haven’t reached 30 credits.
Are there people who are exempt from this?
Yes, certain categories of people are exempt from signing the Integration Agreement:
- Foreigners with disabilities
- Unaccompanied minors
- Victims of trafficking, violence, or serious exploitation
- Holders of asylum permits or asylum seekers
- Holders of a permit for family reasons
- Holders of a long-term residence permit
- Holders of a Carta di soggiorno
- Those with other residence permits when they have exercised the right to family reunification
I don’t have any of those permits, but I never signed the Integration Agreement.
This is quite a common situation. When the program was first introduced, the authorities underestimated how difficult it would be to have every eligible foreigner sign the agreement and to follow up after two years. As a result, only some Questura or Prefettura have consistently implemented it.
I heard in the news about a points-based residence permit that’s different from the Integration Agreement.
Yes, recently a part of the government proposed a new points-based residence permit, similar to the points-based system used for Italian driver’s licenses. The idea is that if you break the law, you lose points and if you lose too many, you can be expelled from the country.
Honestly, it seems like a complicated system, especially when it comes to how legal charges would be tracked and what level of judicial process would be required.
For now, this is just a proposal.
