Ministry spokesman Folco Galli told The Associated Press that Polanski's request was received earlier this week.
He said Polanski made a "high bail" offer, but one that didn't allay fears he would flee justice.
The 76-year-old filmmaker has been in Swiss custody since his arrest last month as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.
He is fighting extradition to the U.S. for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.
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