I need to renew my residence permit.
per-MES-so di sod-JOR-no — stress the second syllable of permesso; 'gg' in soggiorno makes a soft 'j' sound.
Use this when talking about the residence permit process — at the post office (where applications are submitted), at the questura (police headquarters that issues them), or with a lawyer or patronato (free legal aid office).
The permesso di soggiorno is the residence permit required for non-EU citizens staying in Italy for more than 90 days. The application is submitted at the post office using a dedicated kit, and then processed by the questura. Waiting times of 6-18 months are common, which creates a legal limbo for many applicants.
Devo fare domanda per il permesso di soggiorno.
I need to apply for a residence permit.
Fare domanda is the standard phrase for submitting an application.
Quando scade il tuo permesso di soggiorno?
When does your residence permit expire?
Scadere (to expire) is used for all documents — permits, passports, contracts.
Sto aspettando la convocazione dalla questura.
I am waiting for the summons from the police headquarters.
Convocazione is the appointment letter; many applicants wait months for this.
The permesso di soggiorno system is widely criticised as one of Italy's most dysfunctional bureaucratic processes. The wait for even routine renewals can last over a year, leaving legal residents in a state of uncertainty. The patronato (free legal aid office) run by unions like CGIL, CISL, and UIL provides free help with applications and is the best resource for non-EU residents.