IMMIGRATION LAW

The Nunga Lodi Law Firm has been, since 2011, a point of reference for foreigners in Italy and abroad.

Our Vision

In common perception, immigration is often associated with illegality and irregularity—individuals living on the margins of society, sometimes in violation of our laws. The very etymology of the word—extraneus, foreigner, outsider—portrays the immigrant as an invader, a threat.

The Nunga Lodi Law Firm offers a different perspective on immigration, grounded in the idea that foreigners can represent a value to our society. We work with foreigners already integrated in Italy who seek certain benefits from the Public Administration or Judicial Authorities (citizenship, family reunification, etc.), those who wish to begin this integration path—from visa application to citizenship—as well as foreigners who want to invest in Italy or stay for short periods (tourism, business, etc.), or descendants of Italian ancestors seeking citizenship recognition iure sanguinis.

The Nunga Lodi Law Firm exclusively handles regular immigration, assisting foreigners who wish to enter and reside in Italy by following the legal procedures set by law. While familiar with the procedures, the firm does not handle cases related to immigration quotas or international protection.

The firm works consistently with Italian Citizenship matters.

We are structured to professionally and efficiently assist descendants of Italian blood, without generation limits, who wish to obtain recognition of their Italian citizenship.

We offer assistance, legal advice, and representation for foreign nationals residing in Italy who, having met the legal requirements, wish to apply for the grant of Italian citizenship.

We also assist foreign spouses of Italian citizens, whether residing in Italy or abroad, in acquiring citizenship through marriage.

Our Mission

The mission of Lawyer Denis Nunga Lodi is to increasingly establish himself as a trusted point of reference for foreigners in Italy who wish to obtain legal benefits or have rights recognized in immigration and citizenship matters.
We aim to provide the highest quality professional service to help foreigners acquire Italian citizenship or legally enter and reside in Italy—for tourism, study, work, business, family reunification, or any other purpose permitted by law.

ENTRY VISA

We provide legal assistance and consultancy in the entry visa application phase and represent clients in appeals against visa denial decisions.

RESIDENCE PERMIT

We assist foreigners with administrative procedures relating to residence permits. We also defend those who have received denials, revocations, or non-renewals of their permits.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION

We assist foreigners seeking to reunite with family members—from submitting the online application, to requesting the visa at the Italian Embassy, including judicial proceedings in the case of a negative decision.

APPEALS UNDER ART. 31 Legislative Decree No. 286/98 – PROTECTION OF FOREIGN MINORS in Italy

(Application for Residence Permit based on the presence of minors in Italy)

APPEALS UNDER ART. 35 Legislative Decree No. 25/2008

Against decisions rejecting international protection, subsidiary protection, or special protection requests.

FAMILY COHESION

We assist foreigners already residing in Italy who wish to reunite with family members legally residing in the country (either Italian or foreign), and we also handle appeals against denial decisions.

SCHENGEN AREA

We handle SIS (Schengen Information System) access and deletion requests—a highly technical and specialized procedure essential to allow legal entry into the Schengen Area.

REAL ESTATE CONSULTANCY FOR FOREIGNERS

We offer assistance, advice, and representation—working with trusted real estate agents—for all foreigners looking to buy or rent property in Italy.

CRIMINAL RECORD CLEARANCE

A criminal record can block access to certain rights for a foreign national. We handle rehabilitation and removal of criminal records from police databases to help restore eligibility.

CIVIL REGISTRY DELETIONS AND CITIZENSHIP

A deletion from the civil registry can jeopardize the dream of citizenship. We intervene to revoke the deletion, allowing the foreigner to regain uninterrupted residence and apply for citizenship.

ELECTIVE RESIDENCY

The elective residency visa allows long-term stay in Italy for foreigners who can support themselves independently, without engaging in any work activity.

Lawyer Denis Nunga Lodi is a legal expert in immigration law, assisting clients in all matters related to citizenship and lawful residence in Italy.

His role is to protect the rights of foreign nationals, whether from within or outside the EU, who are residing in Italy.

Immigration Law: A Critical Field

Protecting foreigners on Italian soil is both delicate and essential. Effective protection requires solid expertise in the complex and cross-disciplinary framework of immigration law, which encompasses:

• Criminal law

• Civil law

• Administrative law

• Labor law

Key institutions involved include:

• Courts

• Schools

• Municipalities

• Regional governments

• Ministry of the Interior (Prefectures and Police Headquarters)

An immigration lawyer must be able to support clients across all these interfaces, offering both judicial and out-of-court legal assistance.

What is Immigration Law?

As noted, immigration law is the branch of law that governs everything related to the movement and stay of foreigners. It is complex and intersects various legal domains:

• Administrative

• Civil

• Criminal

• Labor

In particular, Lawyer Denis Nunga Lodi focuses on two major areas:

1. Residence permit applications – allowing non-citizens to legally reside in Italy (for work, study, special cases).

2. Acquiring Italian citizenship – fully recognizing the individual as an Italian citizen, typically by descent, marriage, or naturalization.

Residence Permit Types

The residence permit allows stateless individuals or non-EU citizens to legally stay in Italy. Common types include:

• Work

• Minor guardianship

• Elective residency

• Medical treatment

• Family reasons

• Study and training

• Political asylum

• Long-term residency

• Special protection

EU citizens do not need a residence permit due to their European citizenship.

Acquiring Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship grants full civil and political rights under Italian law. It is primarily based on ius sanguinis (right of blood).

You can acquire it:

1. Automatically:

• By birth (from at least one Italian parent or under specific cases for stateless parents)

• By adoption (for minors adopted by an Italian citizen)

• By judicial recognition of parentage

2. By application:

• By marriage (after two years of legal residence post-marriage)

• Voluntary acquisition (for descendants or service to the state)

• By naturalization (after 10 years of legal residence)

• By birth in Italy (if residing legally and uninterruptedly until adulthood)

Continued in next response...

Why Choose an Immigration Lawyer?

Each case is carefully examined, verifying that all legal requirements are met to obtain the necessary documents. Our firm handles every step of the legal process to ensure complete protection and support throughout all phases.

Types of Residence Permits

Civil Union

Foreign nationals in a civil union with an Italian citizen can apply for a 5-year residence permit.
A civil lawyer can also assist in drafting the civil union contract.

In cases involving cohabitation-based permits, evidence such as children’s birth certificates or other suitable documentation may be required.

If the couple separates, no divorce procedure is needed, as in marriage.

EU Residence Permit

Granted to foreign nationals with a residence permit for at least 5 years and meeting income requirements.
This permit allows freedom of movement throughout the EU.

After 10 years of legal residence in Italy and with proper documentation, holders may be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Work Permit

The employer must request authorization through the Unified Immigration Desk.
The Italian Consulate then issues the work visa.

The application is submitted via Italian Post using a specific kit and must mention any minor children.

• 2-year duration if the employment contract is open-ended

• 1-year duration for fixed-term contracts

• Also available for self-employed workers

Where and When to Apply

Foreigners must apply for a residence permit within 8 days of entering Italy.

Applications vary depending on permit type but are generally handled by the local Police Headquarters (Questura) or, in some cases, by authorized Post Offices.

Expected issuance: within 20 working days — though often delayed.
Our firm sends reminders and requests for access to administrative documents in cases of delays.

Renewal requests must be submitted at least 60 days before expiration.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

For example, when:

• Applying for a residence permit

• Determining the most suitable permit type

• Preparing documentation

• Facing permit renewal rejection

• Dealing with delays or denied visas

A lawyer will help compile and submit all required materials, such as:

• Valid passport or equivalent travel document

• Copy of the passport

• 4 recent passport-sized photos

• €16 revenue stamp

• All necessary supporting documents

• Application fee (€80–€200 depending on permit)

Check the Status of Your Permit

To verify if your residence permit is ready, visit:
🔗 https://questure.poliziadistato.it/stranieri/

You’ll need either:

• The application tracking number (12 digits)

• The practice number (10 digits)

You’ll also receive an SMS (except in cities like Bologna, Naples, Modena, Padua, Caserta, and Genoa) with pickup instructions.

Lost or Blocked Residence Permit

Our firm will:

• Submit access requests to identify delays or problems

• Request and obtain duplicate permits in the event of loss or theft

Conversion of Residence Permits

In some cases, permits can be converted into a different type.
For example, since 2020, conversion from Art. 31 (minors) to work reasons is possible.

We guide clients through the conversion process and handle all documentation.

Permit Renewal Rejection

If your permit renewal is denied, our immigration lawyers will:

• File an appeal with the competent court based on jurisdiction and subject matter

• Assess chances for free legal aid (if eligible)

International Protection

Italy and the EU guarantee international protection for foreigners.
We assist clients in:

• Submitting asylum applications

• Preparing for the Commission hearing

• Presenting cases based on human rights violations

Outcomes may include:

• Political asylum

• Subsidiary protection

• Special protection

If rejected, we support judicial appeals and requests for legal aid.

This concludes the extended presentation of the Studio Legale Avv. Denis Nunga Lodi.