Italy Family Reunification
Bring your family together in Italy through the Nulla Osta process.
For: Family members of residents in Italy.Estimated Timeline
4-8 months
The Application Process
Step by step, from start to approval.
Nulla Osta Request
The sponsor applies online to the local Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI) for the Nulla Osta al Ricongiungimento Familiare. This is the central authorisation: nothing happens at the consulate until SUI signs off.
- Sponsor must hold a valid residence permit (or be an Italian or EU citizen). Most permit categories qualify, including work, study (over 1 year), elective residence, and humanitarian protection.
- Income evidence: at least one annual social pension (assegno sociale, around €7,000) for 1 family member, plus 50% per additional adult and proportional increases for children.
- Adequate housing: a certificato di idoneità alloggiativa from the comune, certifying the home meets minimum size and hygiene standards for the family size.
- Health insurance for non-EU dependents until they enrol in the Italian National Health Service (SSN).
Consular Visa
Once SUI issues the Nulla Osta, it's transmitted to the Italian consulate covering the family's country of residence. The family then applies for the family-reunification long-stay visa.
- Each family member files separately, with original passports, biometric photos, and apostilled and translated civil documents.
- The consular file usually takes 30 to 90 days, depending on the consulate.
- Consular fee is approximately €116 per applicant.
- Approved visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue and allow a single entry to Italy.
Entry & Permit
Family members enter Italy and have 8 days to file the Permesso di Soggiorno application via the post office kit giallo. The Questura appointment that follows finalises the residence card.
- The permit is valid for the same duration as the sponsor's, capped at the renewal cycle.
- Once the permit is in hand, dependents enrol in the Italian National Health Service (SSN) at the local ASL.
- Children of school age must be registered at a local school within a reasonable timeframe. Failing to do so can affect the next renewal.
- Reunified spouses and adult children can work in Italy from the day the Permesso is issued, with no further authorisation.
Core Requirements
What you need to qualify for this visa.
Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates)
Sponsor must meet minimum income requirements
Sponsor must have adequate housing for the family
Health insurance for dependents
Valid residency permit of the sponsor
Do You Qualify?
Answer a few quick questions to see if you meet the key requirements for this visa.
Do you have a close family member who is a legal resident in Italy?
Other Italy visa pathways
If this option is not the right fit, here are the alternatives we work with for Italy.
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