The integration agreement (accordo di integrazione) in Italy

What it is

The integration agreement (accordo di integrazione) is a commitment between you and the Italian state. By signing it you promise to reach, within two years:

• Italian at A2 level (spoken);
• a basic knowledge of Italian civic life: the Constitution, institutions, healthcare, schools, work and taxes;
• school attendance for your children, if they're of school age.

It works with credits. You start with 16, and you need 30 by the end.

Do you have to sign it?

Yes if you're from outside the EU, over 16, coming to Italy for the first time, and applying for a first permit of a year or more (for example for work or family).

Some people are exempt, including people with disabilities that limit their self-sufficiency, unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens don't sign it.

Before you start

You sign it at the same time as your permesso di soggiorno application, at the Prefettura (the Sportello Unico for work and family permits) or at the Questura for other permits. Bring your passport and the documents for your permit.

Steps

1. Sign the agreement when you apply for your first permit. You receive 16 credits.
2. Attend the free civic information session, between 5 and 10 hours, within three months of signing. You're told when and where; it's given in a language you can choose from a list.
3. Earn more credits over two years, for example with an Italian course and certificate, other courses or qualifications, a rental contract, or registering with the health service.
4. About a month before the two years end, the Sportello Unico checks your credits. Bring your certificates.

The outcome

• 30 credits or more: the agreement is fulfilled.
• Between 1 and 29: it's extended by one year.
• No credits left: you can lose your permit (some permits, such as asylum or family permits, are protected).

Cost

Signing and the civic session are free.

Common pitfalls

• Missing the civic session. You lose 15 of your 16 starting credits.
• Leaving Italian until the end. The A2 certificate is worth many credits: start a course early (many CPIA public schools offer free classes).
• Not keeping certificates. You have to prove each credit at the check.

When to ask a helper

Ask someone who signed the agreement in your province recently: they'll know when the civic session was held and where to find free Italian classes.