Guide to family reunification

❓ What is it?

It is a procedure that allows you to bring your family to Italy, if you already live here with a valid residence permit, have sufficient income to support them, and a home to host them.

👤 Who can make the request?

You can apply if:

• You have a valid residence permit (or in the process of renewal)
• Your permit is for work, protection, study or other valid reasons
• The permit lasts at least 1 year

👨‍👩‍👧 Who can I bring to Italy?

• Your husband or wife, if they are at least 18 years old
• Your minor children (under 18 years old)
• Children over 18 only if 100% disabled
• Your parents, if they are sick and alone, or if they are over 65 and cannot support themselves

📝 How does it work?

1. Apply online on the Ministry of Interior website
2. Wait for the clearance certificate (nulla osta) (it's an authorization to bring family members)
3. Your family member goes to the Italian consulate in their country to request the visa
4. With the visa, they can enter Italy
5. Within 8 days of arrival, they must apply for the residence permit at the Police Headquarters (Questura)

💵 Is a minimum income required?

You must prove that you earn enough money to support your family.

• To bring 1 family member to Italy, you must earn at least as much as a social allowance (about 6,500 euro per year, plus 50% so about 10,500 euro).
• To bring 2 family members to Italy, you need about 14,000 euro

👉 The more people you want to bring, the higher your income must be.

🏠 Is a suitable home required?

You must have a suitable home to live with your family. You must bring:

• A certificate from the Municipality stating that the home is habitable ("housing suitability")
• A copy of the rental contract or the document stating that you own the home

📄 What do you need to apply?

• Your residence permit
• Your passport
• Documents proving that the people are really your family members (e.g. marriage or birth certificate)
• Proof of your income (payslips, tax return, etc.)
• Documents about your home

⏱ How long does it take?

• The clearance certificate should arrive in about 90 days
• The visa depends on the timing of the Italian consulate in the family member's country

❌ What if the application is rejected?

• You can appeal (i.e. ask for it to be reviewed)
• It is better to get help from a lawyer or an association

ℹ️ Important things to know

• Family reunification is a right if you have the requirements
• All documents must be true and complete
• If you have taken a child in guardianship (kafala), the procedure may be different