What is this residence permit?
It is the residence permit for family reasons that is given to family members who entered Italy with a visa for family reunification.
How do I apply for this permit?
You entered Italy with an entry visa, after your family member received clearance for family reunification. Very good. Here are the next steps:
- Within 8 days you must go to the One-Stop Immigration Office of the Prefecture in your area.
- The One-Stop Office will give you forms to fill out.
- Go to the Post Office and send the forms.
- The Post Office will give you an appointment at Police Headquarters (Questura).
- Go to Police Headquarters (Questura) on the appointment day. They will take your fingerprints.
- Police Headquarters (Questura) will inform you when your permit is ready.
How long does it last?
The duration depends on the situation of the family member who requested the family reunification:
- if the family member has refugee status or subsidiary protection, the residence permit for family reasons lasts 5 years.
- if the family member has a long-term residence permit, the residence permit for family reasons lasts 2 years.
- if the family member has a residence permit of shorter duration (e.g. for work, study), the permit will have the same duration as the permit of the family member who requested the family reunification.
What rights does it give me / what do I have access to?
After applying for the permit, with the postal receipt you can:
- Work with a regular contract
- Register with the National Health Service (NHS (SSN)) and have a family doctor
- Travel in Schengen countries for up to 90 days every 180 days
- Register with the civil registry and obtain residency
Can I renew it?
The renewal request must be made before the permit expires through a postal kit.
At the time of the renewal request you must attach:
- application form (available at the post office or Police Headquarters (Questura))
- copy of valid passport
- copy of the expiring residence permit
- tax code
- family status and residence certificate
- residence permit of the family member who requested family reunification (if foreign)
- hospitality declaration or rental contract/property ownership
- marriage or kinship certificate (if applicable)
- proof of means of support (if required, such as payslip or tax return).
- receipt of postal payment slip payment
Can I convert it?
Before expiration, you can convert your permit to:
- work permit (if you have an employment contract)
- study permit (if you are enrolled in a course)
- job seeking permit (if you worked before and are looking for new employment)