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.

Ce guide est pour l'instant disponible en anglais et en italien. L'essentiel, ce sont les termes italiens : ce sont les mots que tu entendras et liras.

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.

Ces guides sont donnés à titre informatif et ne constituent pas un conseil juridique. Pour connaître les démarches et conditions à jour, consulte toujours le site officiel de la Questura ou de la Polizia di Stato et le portail immigration du ministère de l'Intérieur.