At the Questura and the post office: useful Italian phrases

Knowing the words is not enough: at the counter you need the right sentence, often quickly. Here are simple, polite phrases grouped by situation.

Esta guía está disponible por ahora en inglés e italiano. Lo importante son los términos en italiano: son las palabras que oirás y leerás.

Asking for information

Buongiorno, vorrei un'informazione.: Good morning, I would like some information. A polite way to start.
Dove posso chiedere il permesso di soggiorno?: Where can I apply for the residence permit? To find the right office.
Quali documenti devo portare?: Which documents do I need to bring? To know what is needed before returning.
Quanto costa la pratica?: How much does the procedure cost?
Quanto tempo ci vuole?: How long does it take?

Appointments and opening hours

Ho un appuntamento alle dieci e mezza.: I have an appointment at 10:30.
Posso prenotare un appuntamento?: Can I book an appointment?
Devo prendere il numero?: Do I need to take a ticket number? Used in offices with a ticket machine.
A che ora apre lo sportello?: What time does the counter open?
Devo cambiare la data dell'appuntamento.: I need to change my appointment date.

I did not understand

Asking people to repeat is normal and polite: no clerk will be offended.

Scusi, non ho capito. Può ripetere, per favore?: Sorry, I did not understand. Can you repeat, please? The most useful sentence of all.
Può parlare più lentamente?: Can you speak more slowly?
Può scrivere la parola?: Can you write the word down?
Che cosa significa "allegare"?: What does "allegare" mean? Use it for any unknown word.
Ho capito bene? Devo tornare giovedì.: Did I understand correctly? I have to come back on Thursday.

Handing in and collecting

Ecco i miei documenti.: Here are my documents.
Ho dimenticato un documento. Posso portarlo domani?: I forgot a document. Can I bring it tomorrow?
Posso avere una ricevuta?: Can I have a receipt? Proof that you handed in your papers.
Il mio permesso è pronto?: Is my permit ready?
Dove devo firmare?: Where do I have to sign?

A final tip

Write your sentences on a sheet of paper before you go and take it with you. Always check the official website for the documents required: requirements change and can differ from one Questura to another.

Estas guías son solo informativas y no constituyen asesoramiento jurídico. Para conocer los trámites y requisitos actualizados, consulta siempre la web oficial de la Questura o de la Polizia di Stato y el portal de inmigración del Ministerio del Interior.