On 25 October UniCredit announced the “Settimana dell’Italiano,” inviting non-EU residents to take a free A2-level language test at its Agenzia Tu branches nationwide between 18 and 22 November. The 30-minute exam mirrors the official proficiency test required for the EU long-term residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno CE per Soggiornanti di Lungo Periodo).
UniCredit’s migrant-focused retail network says demand for certified language testing has outpaced supply since 2023, with wait-lists at many provincial CPIAs stretching to six months. By partnering with a certified linguistic institute, the bank can issue same-day results that applicants may attach to residence-permit renewals—potentially shaving weeks off processing time.
For corporate mobility managers, the initiative offers employees and family members a no-cost route to meet permit requirements, reducing legal-compliance risk. UniCredit will also host mini-workshops on opening salary accounts and accessing micro-loans for rental deposits—pain points often cited by newly arrived assignees.
The move aligns with ESG targets in UniCredit’s 2025-27 Strategic Plan, which earmarks €30 million for financial inclusion. It also follows the government’s drive to tie integration metrics—language, civic knowledge and tax compliance—to streamlined citizenship pathways, a reform still under parliamentary debate.
If uptake is strong, rivals such as Intesa Sanpaolo are expected to replicate the model, potentially creating a private-sector testing network that complements overstretched public centres.
UniCredit’s migrant-focused retail network says demand for certified language testing has outpaced supply since 2023, with wait-lists at many provincial CPIAs stretching to six months. By partnering with a certified linguistic institute, the bank can issue same-day results that applicants may attach to residence-permit renewals—potentially shaving weeks off processing time.
For corporate mobility managers, the initiative offers employees and family members a no-cost route to meet permit requirements, reducing legal-compliance risk. UniCredit will also host mini-workshops on opening salary accounts and accessing micro-loans for rental deposits—pain points often cited by newly arrived assignees.
The move aligns with ESG targets in UniCredit’s 2025-27 Strategic Plan, which earmarks €30 million for financial inclusion. It also follows the government’s drive to tie integration metrics—language, civic knowledge and tax compliance—to streamlined citizenship pathways, a reform still under parliamentary debate.
If uptake is strong, rivals such as Intesa Sanpaolo are expected to replicate the model, potentially creating a private-sector testing network that complements overstretched public centres.
