Family Reunification in Italy: A Complete Guide to the Process, Requirements, and Visas
If you are a foreign national residing legally in Italy, you can also apply for your family members to enter Italy. Let’s take a look at the requirements and how to complete the process.
What Is Family Reunification?
Family reunification is the process that allows foreign nationals legally residing in Italy to bring certain family members to our country.
The purpose of the legislation is to protect the right to family unity, allowing family members to live together in accordance with the requirements of Italian law.
To begin the family reunification process in Italy, you must obtain a certificate of no objection issued by the Ministry of the Interior’s One-Stop Shop for Immigration.
Who Can Apply for Family Reunification in Italy
You can apply for family reunification if you are legally residing in Italy and meet the following requirements:
- a residence permit valid for at least one year issued for:
- employment;
- self-employment;
- family reasons;
- ;
- subsidiary protection;
- study
- religious reasons.
Which family members are eligible for family reunification?
Italian law allows family reunification only with specific family members.
You may apply for family reunification with your spouse provided that the spouse:
- is not legally separated;
- is at least 18 years old.
The following may also be included:
- minor, unmarried children , including those of the spouse or born out of wedlock, provided that the other parent has given consent;
- adult children who are tax-dependent and who, due to serious health conditions, are unable to provide for their own needs independently;
- dependent parents who have no other children in their country of origin;
- parents over the age of 65 when their other children are unable to provide for them due to documented health reasons.
Requirements for Obtaining Security Clearance “Nulla osta”
To obtain authorization , you must demonstrate that you meet certain requirements.
- Residence permit
You must hold a valid residence permit with a validity period of at least one year or an EU long-term resident’s permit.
- Minimum Income
You must demonstrate an annual income from lawful sources that is not less than the amount specified by law.
The required income is calculated based on the social assistance benefit, increased by half of that amount for each family member to be reunited.
The income of family members living in the same household may also be included in the calculation.
- Suitable accomodation
You must demonstrate that you have housing that meets health and sanitation standards.
The property may be:
- owned;
- for rent;
- provided on loan.
It is also necessary to obtain a certificate of habitability issued by the relevant municipality.
- Work Documentation
Employees must attach all documentation proving the income generated by their work.
- Health Insurance for Parents Over 65
When family reunification involves a parent over the age of 65, it is necessary to purchase an annual health insurance policy or enroll the parent in the National Health Service by paying the required premium.
Please note: If you are a citizen of the European Union and do not need a residence permit to live in Italy, different rules apply to you. In these cases, the regulations are governed by Legislative Decree 30/2007 (updated by the 2024 regulations regarding national visas for family reasons), which does not require obtaining a “Nulla Osta” from the One-Stop Shop but allows direct access to the consular procedure.
How to Apply for Family Reunification
Applications for family reunification must be submitted exclusively online through the Ministry of the Interior’s One-Stop Immigration Portal.
The process is conducted entirely online. After the application is submitted, the One-Stop Shop verifies that the requirements have been met and, if the application is complete, issues the authorization.
How to Obtain a Family Reunification Visa
Once the authorization has been granted, the family member residing abroad must apply for a family reunification visa at the appropriate Italian Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence.
To obtain it, you will need to submit:
- the authorization;
- documentation proving the family relationship;
- any documents that have been translated and legalized in accordance with current regulations.
The family reunification visa must be applied for within six months of the issuance of the authorization.
After that, once they arrive in Italy, the family member will be able to apply for a residence permit on family grounds.
Family Reunification with a Spouse
Family reunification involving a spouse is one of the most common cases.
In order to obtain a visa, you must prove that you are in a valid marriage under Italian law and submit all the documentation required by the consular authorities.
Family Reunification with a Residence Permit for Study Purposes
Many international students wonder if it is possible to apply for family reunification with a residence permit for study purposes.
The answer is yes, provided that the permit is valid for at least one year and all other legal requirements are met, including income and the availability of suitable housing.
The application is submitted through the Ministry of the Interior’s portal for family reunification with a residence permit for study purposes, following the same procedures as those for other permit holders.
What happens if the application is denied?
If the request is denied, the applicant may file an objection to the decision with the court having jurisdiction over the territory.
Before proceeding, it is advisable to carefully review the reasons for the denial and determine what documentation, if any, is missing.
Do you need help?
If you need assistance with submitting your application, verifying the requirements, or obtaining a family reunification visa, please contact us here.
