Family reunification

What it is

Foreign nationals holding an EU long-term residence permit or a permit valid for at least one year (for employed or self-employed work, study, asylum, subsidiary protection, religious or family reasons) can ask for their family members to join them in Italy. The residence permit for family reasons allows you to:

• work as an employee or self-employed;
• register on the job-seekers’ lists;
• access welfare services;
• enrol in study and vocational training courses.

Who is entitled

• the spouse (or civil partner) aged at least 18 who is not legally separated;
• minor children;
• dependent adult children with total disability;
• dependent parents who have no other children in their country of origin, or parents over 65 whose other children cannot support them for serious health reasons;
• the natural parent, if the applicant is a minor legally living in Italy with the other parent.

Requirements

• accommodation meeting health, hygiene and suitability requirements, verified by the Comune;
• an annual income from legal sources of no less than the annual amount of the social allowance, increased by half for each family member to be reunited.

Holders of refugee status or subsidiary protection do not need to prove income or suitable accommodation. A minor with a permit for family reasons can, on turning 18, have the permit renewed for the same length as the parent’s, under certain conditions.

How to apply

The application for clearance (nulla osta) for family reunification can be submitted with the help of the nearest CCL office, which sends it to the competent Single Desk for Immigration. Once clearance is granted, family members can apply for an entry visa at the Italian consulate.

For more information and assistance, contact your nearest CCL office.