Family reunification visa and residence permit for Italy

Italy, in protecting the right to family unity, has provided in Article 28 et seq. of Legislative Decree 286/1998 for certain procedures that allow the entry and residence of family members of persons already residing in Italy. One of these procedures is family reunification, governed by Article 29 of Legislative Decree 286/98. 

Who can apply for it? 

A family member of a non-EU citizen who is already resident in Italy and holds a residence permit of not less than one year's duration issued for employment or self-employment, or for asylum, study, ICT posting or contracting, religious or family reasons, or, regardless of duration, for investors, EU Blue Card and EU ICT, is entitled to apply for it. 

To allow entry, the family member already residing in Italy must prove: 

• that he/she holds a valid residence permit 
• the availability of suitable housing, by obtaining a certificate of housing suitability from the municipality where the housing is located 
• the possession of sufficient income for maintenance 

The procedure in a nutshell 

Here is what to do to apply for a visa and residence permit through family reunification: 

1. proceed to apply online for an entry authorization (nulla osta) on behalf of the family member already residing in Italy at the competent “Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI)” 

2. apply for an entry visa at the Italian Consulate competent for the family member's place of residence, once the nulla osta has been obtained  

3. enter Italy and within 8 days request an appointment at the SUI to sign the residence contract and integration agreement 

4. apply for a residence permit and attend the fingerprinting appointment at the local Police office 

5. pick up the residence permit at the local Police office when ready  

Benefits of obtaining a family reunification visa and residence permit 

Following this procedure simplifies the family member's entry procedure, as obtaining entry clearance from the SUI ensures that a visa is obtained at the Consulate in the country of residence. The permit for family reasons is issued with the same duration as the permit of the family member already residing in Italy. 

Finally, by demonstrating presence in Italy for at least 5 years, residence and a reasonable income, it is possible to apply for an EU long-term residence permit and, upon reaching 10 years of residence in Italy, proceed to apply for Italian citizenship by residence. 

Your Way to Italy: our assistance 

Our team is available to provide support and assistance throughout the process! Contact us to book your first consultation with us and to start the process to obtain family reunification visa and residence permit! #YourWaytoItaly  

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.