How can I get permanent residence in Italy?

Italy's permanent-style status is the EU Long-Term Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo), available after five years of continuous lawful residence. You generally need income at least equal to the annual social allowance (scaled by family size), no disqualifying criminal record, and a pass in the A2-level Italian language test, with some exemptions. The permit is open-ended subject to renewal and gives near-equal treatment with nationals plus mobility to other EU states, but it can be lost after prolonged absence from Italy or the EU.