Moving to Italy and want to bring your family with you? The family reunion visa in Italy process allows you to legally reunite with your spouse and children on Italian soil. This visa gives your family members the right to live, work, and access essential services in Italy.

The process involves specific legal steps, documentation requirements, and eligibility criteria that must be met. Understanding these requirements can save you time and prevent costly mistakes during your application.

What is the family reunion visa in Italy

The family reunion visa in Italy is a long-term visa that allows close family members of foreign nationals legally residing in Italy to join them. It is designed to protect the right to family unity, which is recognized under both Italian law and European Union principles. This visa ensures that families can live together while maintaining compliance with immigration rules.

Applicants must first obtain a Nulla Osta (authorization) from the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione, the Unified Immigration Desk in Italy. This document confirms that the sponsor (the family member already in Italy) meets all legal and financial requirements. An online application for the nulla osta must be submitted through the Ministero dell’Interno’s portal using a digital identity (SPID). Only after receiving this authorization can the family member apply for the visa at the consulate general in their home country.

The family reunion visa is classified as a National Visa Type D, which allows long-term residence in Italy. The sponsored family member applies for a long-stay (Type D) visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in their country of residence. Once the visa is approved, the family member must enter Italy within the nulla osta’s validity period. Once the visa holder arrives, they must apply for a residence permit for family reasons (Permesso di Soggiorno per Motivi Familiari) within eight days. This permit allows the holder to live, study, and work in Italy, often with the same rights as the sponsor.

 

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility for the family reunion visa in Italy depends on both the applicant’s relationship to the sponsor and the sponsor’s legal status in Italy. Only certain following family members qualify, and the sponsor must meet strict income and housing standards. These conditions ensure that the family can live independently without public assistance.

The law allows reunification for spouses, minor children, dependent children with disabilities, and dependent parents. The marriage must be legally recognized by Italian authorities, and the relationship must be proven through official documents. Italy also recognizes registered partnership for family reunification purposes under specific circumstances. Unmarried partners, fiancés, or extended relatives are not eligible under standard family reunification rules.

For minor children, the sponsor must demonstrate legal custody and financial responsibility. Adopted children are eligible if the adoption is legally valid in both the home country and Italy. In some cases, stepchildren may also qualify if the marriage is legally recognized and consent from the other parent is documented. Direct descendants over 18 may qualify if they have disabilities preventing self-sufficiency.

Dependent parents can apply only when they have no other means of support in their country of origin. The sponsor must prove that the parents are financially dependent and that they meet the income threshold required by Italian authorities. For parents over 65, proof of health insurance is needed when applying for family reunion, particularly for documented health reasons. The minimum income requirement increases with each additional family member and is based on INPS (Italian Social Security) standards. For 2025, the minimum annual income requirement for the sponsor is approximately €6,700 for one person, which must be higher than the annual social allowance and increases for each additional family member.

The sponsor must hold a valid Italian residence permit for work, study, or long-term residence. EU family members have different requirements and generally face fewer restrictions in the reunification process. Special provisions also apply to sponsors who have been granted international protection in Italy. They must also have suitable housing that meets the local municipality’s health and safety standards. Proof of stable income, such as employment contracts, tax returns, or pension statements, is mandatory. These requirements confirm that the sponsor can provide for their family without relying on public aid. In cases where spouses are legally separated, additional documentation may be required to prove the ongoing family relationship.

Key requirements and documentation

Foreign family members applying for the visa need several essential documents.The completed visa application form must be signed and dated correctly. Required documents for the family member’s visa application include a completed visa application form, valid passport, two recent passport-sized photos, the original nulla osta, and documents proving the family relationship.

Birth certificates and marriage certificates must be translated into Italian by certified translators. All documents require apostille or consular legalization from the country of origin. The application process for family reunion visas requires translation of documents into Italian for non-EU citizens. This process can take several weeks to complete.

The sponsor in Italy must provide extensive documentation as well. A valid residence permit shows their legal status in the country. They must prove continuous residence and compliance with Italian immigration laws.

Housing documentation comes from the local municipality (comune). The certificate confirms adequate living space for additional family members. Italian law sets minimum space requirements per person in the household.

Income proof must meet INPS (Italian Social Security) standards for family size. Bank statements, employment contracts, and tax returns demonstrate financial stability. The sponsor must show they can support their family without public assistance.

For further information about specific documentation requirements, applicants should consult the relevant legislation or contact legal professionals familiar with Italian immigration law.

Reuniting with family members in Italy

The family reunion visa in Italy process requires careful preparation and attention to legal details. Each step must be completed correctly to avoid delays or rejection. Processing times for the nulla osta can vary, and both the sponsor and the applicant will be notified of the decision. Missing documents or errors can set your application back by months.

Get expert legal assistance today

Ready to reunite with your family in Italy? Don’t let complex immigration procedures delay your plans or risk rejection due to paperwork errors. Aprigliano International Law Firm has been Italy’s trusted immigration law specialist since 2002.

Our experienced legal team has successfully helped hundreds of families navigate Italy’s immigration system. We provide personalized strategies, handle all documentation, and represent you before Italian authorities.

Don’t wait – immigration laws change frequently, and processing times can extend unexpectedly. Secure professional legal guidance now and bring your family to Italy with confidence.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward reuniting your family in Italy.