permesso

Permesso is an Italian noun meaning permission or permit. It derives from the Latin permittere, through Old Italian formations, and denotes authorization granted by a person or authority. In everyday use, permesso appears in phrases such as “Chiedo permesso” (May I have your permission) and “con permesso” (with your permission, used to excuse oneself when passing through). The singular form is il permesso and the plural i permessi.

In bureaucratic and legal contexts, permesso is combined with a specifying noun to name particular authorizations. Common examples include permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) for foreign nationals, permesso di lavoro (work permit), and permesso di costruire (building or construction permit). The rules and procedures surrounding these documents vary by country and jurisdiction, but they generally entail application, verification of eligibility, and a defined period of validity, after which renewal is required.

In some contexts, the term titolo di soggiorno is used in official language to refer to a residence title, though permesso di soggiorno remains widely understood and used in everyday speech. The concept of permission also appears in non-bureaucratic phrases, such as “Chiedo permesso” or “con permesso,” underscoring the flexible use of the word beyond formal documents.

See also: permission, permit, residence permit, driving permit.