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Family Reunification in Italy

One documented route of this kind in Italy, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.

Family Reunification (Ricongiungimento Familiare)

Italian family reunification allows non-EU nationals holding a valid Italian residence permit of at least one year (with at least 2 years of uninterrupted legal stay, following the reform introduced by Legislative Decree 145/2024) to sponsor a spouse (aged 18+) and minor children. The process is governed by Article 29 of Legislative Decree 286/1998. The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income (at least equal to the annual assegno sociale, approximately €7,003 for 2025, plus 50% per additional family member) and a suitable dwelling. A Nulla Osta from the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione is the central document; the statutory processing deadline is 150 days.

Processing time
Nulla Osta issued within 150 days (statutory maximum under Article 29 of Legislative Decree 286/1998). Consulate visa processing time additional.
Validity
Permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari: initially matches the sponsor's permit duration; renewable.
Language requirement
No Italian language requirement for the initial family reunification visa.
Permanent residence
After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Italy, family members may apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit.
Citizenship
After 10 years of continuous legal residence (non-EU nationals), or 4 years for EU nationals.

Requirements

  • Sponsor must hold a valid Italian residence permit of at least 1 year
  • Sponsor must have at least 2 years of uninterrupted lawful residence in Italy (reform per Legislative Decree 145/2024; exemption for international protection holders)
  • Annual income at least equal to the assegno sociale (approximately €7,003 for 2025), plus 50% per additional family member
  • Housing suitability certificate (Certificato di Idoneità Alloggiativa) from local municipality
  • Eligible family members: spouse aged 18+ (not legally separated); minor children under 18
  • For minor children born out of wedlock: consent of the other parent required where applicable

Required Documents

  • Sponsor's valid residence permit and passport required
  • Application for Nulla Osta submitted to the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI) required
  • Proof of income (pay slips, tax return, employment contract) meeting assegno sociale threshold required
  • Certificato di Idoneità Alloggiativa (housing suitability certificate) from local municipality required
  • Civil documents of family member to be reunited (marriage certificate, birth certificate) — apostilled or legalised required
  • Family member's valid passport required
  • Nulla Osta (issued by SUI — required by family member to apply for visa at Italian consulate) required
  • Proof of sponsor's 2 years of uninterrupted lawful residence required
  • Other parent's consent (for out-of-wedlock minor children)

Official fees

  • Nulla Osta application — no direct fee (administrative process) 0 EUR
  • Family reunification visa fee (national visa) 116 EUR
  • Permesso di soggiorno postal kit and stamp duty (approximate) 76 EUR

Process Steps

  1. 1

    Sponsor files Nulla Osta application

    The sponsor in Italy submits an application for the Nulla Osta to the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI) of the Prefecture in their province, including proof of income and the housing suitability certificate.

  2. 2

    SUI issues Nulla Osta (up to 150 days)

    The SUI processes the application and issues the Nulla Osta within the statutory 150-day maximum. The Nulla Osta is then sent to the Italian consulate in the family member's country.

  3. 3

    Family member applies for visa

    Using the Nulla Osta, the family member applies for a family reunification visa (Type D, motivi familiari) at the Italian consulate or embassy in their home country. Required documents include the Nulla Osta, civil status documents (apostilled), and valid passport.

  4. 4

    Travel to Italy

    Once the visa is granted, the family member travels to Italy before the visa's entry deadline.

  5. 5

    Apply for permesso di soggiorno

    Within 8 working days of arrival, the family member applies for a permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari at the post office (using the kit). They then attend a Questura appointment for biometrics.

  6. 6

    Collect residence permit

    The Questura issues the residence permit. It is initially valid for the same duration as the sponsor's permit and is renewable.

Official Sources

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