RTL Logo
LISTEN NOW: RTL 102.5
0:00 / LIVE
Change Season:
RAI 1
RADIO ITALY
Follow Italianism

Hello, what do you want to look for?

Italianism – News about ItalyItalianism – News about Italy

Citizenship

What is the Italian Questura and which Brazilian body is it most similar to?

What is the Italian Questura and when will you need it?

Typical facade of an Italian questura, where police and immigration services are concentrated
Typical facade of an Italian questura, where police and immigration services are concentrated | Photo: CentroPagina

A preccint It is the provincial office of the Italian police and serves as a central hub for security and immigration matters. In Brazil, its closest equivalent would be a combination of a Civil Police station and a Federal Police unit.

Administrative and security functions

Portuguese Nationality
Portuguese nationality
You may be entitled to it. We'll show you which path makes the most sense for your situation. Grandchild or great-grandchild. We'll check if you're eligible.

Each preccint (read cuestúra) is directed by a commissioner, the chief of police in the province. She coordinates several police forces, such as the police, focused on public safety, Finance guard, responsible for financial crimes, and the state and municipal police.

In addition to assisting victims of crimes, preccint plays an essential role in administrative processes. The main services provided include:

  • Receiving reports and criminal complaints;
  • Processing of residence permit applications (residence permit);
  • Collection of fingerprints of foreigners;
  • Issuance of firearms licenses;
  • Management of guest data for temporary rentals;
  • Issuance of passports to Italian citizens (in some cases).

Comparison with Brazilian agencies

Depending on the purpose of the visit, the correspondent in Brazil may vary:

  • Federal Police: In the case of foreigners, the Brazilian Federal Police is responsible for issuing visas and residence permits.
  • Civil police: When it comes to reporting crimes, it is the Civil Police who assist the citizen.
  • Immigration Department: For immigration matters, you can also compare with the specialized PF police stations.

Therefore, preccint performs multiple functions that, in Brazil, would be divided between different institutions.

When to go to the questura

It is necessary to attend the preccint in different situations:

  • When declaring your presence in the country, when you are not a citizen of the European Union;
  • During the process of obtaining or renewing the residence permit;
  • To report crimes or file formal complaints (complaint, complaint, exposed);
  • If you are a short-term rental owner and need to update guest information;
  • To apply for a gun permit or resolve administrative issues with sports tickets;
  • Eventually, for passport-related services.

Despite the variety of services, most attendants in police headquarters speaks only Italian. It is recommended to bring someone fluent in the language.

Also check out:

Citizenship

The Brescia court recognizes the citizenship of descendants of Brazilians and analyzes the application of the 2025 reform.

Lifestyle

20 surprising habits that reveal what it's like to live in Italy.

Daily

April guide to Italy: new fees in Venice, strikes, and decisions regarding citizenship.

Citizenship

One year after the Tajani Decree, which brought restrictions to Italian citizenship for descendants.