Foreigners can now apply for and renew their permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno) at the post office and then track the progress of the application process online at www.portaleimmigrazione.it. The website also gives invaluable information about the application process and the necessary documents and requirements for both European Union citizens and immigrants from outside the EU

As from 11 December two types of application kits will be available in over 5,000 post offices a blue-striped kit for EU citizens and yellow-striped for non-EU citizens. All instructions for submission are included in the kit.

Applicants will need a valid identity document and an A4 photocopy of the ID document to obtain their residence permit from the post office, at the cost of around 70.00. No passport photos are required.

The post office will give applicants a receipt with a user ID and password where they can check the status of their application online.

The permit will be in plastic card form instead of the paper version and it will be sent by registered post to the applicants address.

To find out which is your closest branch see www.posteitaliane.it, click on "office search" and then "permesso di soggiorno". For more information, visit www.portaleimmigrazione.it.