Residence in Vatican City: permits and requirements
Living legally in Vatican City is possible through 2 permit types: other, permanent. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Residence by Office or Service (Ex Officio)
Residence type #1 of 2
Vatican City has no civil immigration or public residence procedures. Residency in the State is granted exclusively in connection with an office or service to the Pope or to institutions of the Holy See (Roman Curia, nunciatures, Gendarmerie, lay directors of services of the Governorate, etc.) and expires upon the end of the office, except by special decree.
Requirements
- Office, papal appointment or contract with a body of the Governorate or a Ministry of the Holy See
- Authorization issued by the Secretariat of State of Vatican City or by the Governorate, depending on the post
- Ecclesiastical or institutional certification of the linked office
Documentation
- Document of appointment or of service from the competent body
- In-force passport
- Civil-status and dependent-family documents (registration in the Population Register)
- Pontifical residence card issued by the Security Directorate/Secretariat
Frequently asked questions about residence in Vatican City
How many types of residence permits are there in Vatican City?
Vatican City offers 2 residence permit types, grouped into the categories other, permanent. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Vatican City last?
Durations vary by permit type: For as long as the motivating office, job or service lasts; Tied to the holder's residence. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Vatican City be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Vatican City (2 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Vatican City?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Document of appointment or of service from the competent body; In-force passport; Civil-status and dependent-family documents (registration in the Population Register); Pontifical residence card issued by the Security Directorate/Secretariat; Civil-status records proving the tie, apostilled, with translation if not in Italian. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
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