Italy Family Reunification Visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 15 June, 2025

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Quick Visa Facts

Visa length 1 year initially

Possible to extend? Yes

Who can apply? Close family members of legal residents in Italy, including spouses, minor children, dependent adult children, and dependent parents.

Minimum Income Requirements Applicants must demonstrate a minimum stable income, typically around the Italian minimum social allowance (approximately €8,500–€9,000 per year) to support the family without state assistance.

Time for visa applications 1 to 3 months

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Italy isn’t just a beautiful place to live—it’s also where many families dream of reuniting. If you're a non-EU citizen living legally in Italy and hoping to bring your spouse, children, or dependent parents to join you, the Italy Family Reunification Visa might be the right path.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a family reunification visa for Italy—from eligibility criteria to the application process—using only information from official Italian government sources. Whether you're just starting your research or ready to apply, this page is here to help make the process clearer and more manageable.

Italy Family Reunification Visa Overview

The Italy Family Reunification Visa (Visto per Ricongiungimento Familiare) is a type of long-stay visa (National Visa or D Visa) that allows non-EU citizens legally residing in Italy to bring close family members to join them.

Established under Legislative Decree No. 286/1998, this visa has been in effect since January 1999 and is part of Italy’s broader framework to protect the right to family unity. It offers a legal pathway for families to live together in Italy, provided that specific eligibility and documentation requirements are met.

Who Is It For?

This visa is designed for non-EU foreign nationals who already hold a valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) in Italy and wish to bring immediate family members to live with them. 

Eligible family members include:

• Spouses who are at least 18 years old and not legally separated.

• Minor children under 18 (biological or adopted).

• Adult dependent children with severe disabilities that make them unable to support themselves.

• Dependent parents, if the sponsor has no other family members who can support them in their home country, or if the parents are over 65 and there are serious health concerns.

The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income, suitable housing, and legal residence status in Italy to qualify.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

Once granted, the Italy Family Reunification Visa allows your family member to:

• Enter Italy legally and apply for a residence permit for family reasons (permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari).

• Live and stay in Italy with the sponsoring relative.

• Work and access public services, including healthcare and education, under the same conditions as Italian citizens.

• Convert the permit later into other types of residence permits if the eligibility criteria are met.

This visa helps families remain together and supports a smoother integration process into Italian society. Family members can arrive in Italy either after the main applicant has received their residence permit or, if eligible for visa-free entry (such as U.S. citizens), they may enter Italy and apply for their residence permit within 12 months of arrival, as clarified in recent updates from Italian immigration authorities

Italian Family Reunification Visa Requirements

To apply for the Italy Family Reunification Visa, applicants must prepare a full set of documents proving their relationship to the sponsor and their eligibility for entry and residence in Italy. Below is a breakdown of the basic required documentation, followed by explanations of the more specific and critical requirements.

General documentation required:

• Completed visa application form (available on your consulate website)

• Recent passport-size photos (usually two, meeting biometric standards)

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiration date and have at least two blank pages)

• Copy of the sponsor’s valid Italian residence permit.

• Family reunification authorization (nulla osta) issued by the Italian Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione)

• Proof of family relationship:

  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)

  • Birth certificate (for children)

  • Legal documents proving guardianship or custody (if applicable)

• Proof of suitable housing.

• Proof of health insurance.

• Copy of travel itinerary or explanation of intended travel plans.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

The sponsor in Italy must demonstrate they have sufficient income to support the incoming family members without relying on the Italian welfare system. This income must meet the minimum annual threshold set by Italian law, which is based on the amount of the social allowance (assegno sociale).

As of 2025, the approximate minimum income required is:

• €6,700 per year for sponsoring one family member

• An additional ~€2,300–€3,000 per person for each additional family member

Income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, or other legal sources, and must be documented with pay slips, tax returns, or employer declarations.

Proof of Suitable Accommodation

The sponsor must provide certified proof of housing that meets health and safety standards as defined by the local Italian municipality. This typically includes:

• A housing suitability certificate (certificato di idoneità alloggiativa) issued by the local municipality (comune)

• Copy of rental contract or proof of property ownership.

• Utility bills or residence registration.

The accommodation must be large enough to accommodate the number of people living there, including the incoming family members.

Private Health Insurance

If the incoming family member is not eligible for Italy’s public health system right away, they must show proof of private health insurance coverage valid in Italy for the entire duration of their intended stay. This is especially important for:

• Older parents

• Adult dependent children

• Other family members who may not automatically qualify for public coverage

Health insurance must provide coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses and be valid throughout the Schengen area.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

How to Apply for the Italy Family Reunification Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Italy Family Reunification Visa involves coordination between the sponsor (who is already in Italy) and the family members applying abroad. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how the process typically works:

Step 1: Sponsor Submits the Nulla Osta Request in Italy

Before any visa application can begin, the sponsor living in Italy must apply for a nulla osta (authorization for family reunification) through the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Unified Immigration Desk) in their province of residence.

What to do:

• Visit the Ministero dell’Interno website and register.

• Submit the online nulla osta application, including:

  • Proof of family relationship.

  • Proof of sufficient income.

  • Proof of suitable housing.

• Wait for approval. Processing times vary, but may take several weeks to a few months.

Once approved, the immigration office will notify both the sponsor and the Italian consulate abroad.

Step 2: Book an Appointment with the Italian Consulate

The family member abroad must schedule an appointment with the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over their place of legal residence. You cannot apply at any consulate—it must be the one responsible for your region.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Visa Application

On the day of the consular appointment, bring all required documentation, including:

• Visa application form.

• Passport and passport-size photos.

• Original and copy of the sponsor’s residence permit.

• Nulla osta (authorization) issued by Italian immigration.

• Supporting documents such as birth or marriage certificates, proof of housing, income, and insurance.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing

The consulate will process the visa application, which may take up to 90 days. You may be contacted for additional documentation or clarification.

Once approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport, and you may legally travel to Italy.

Step 5: Enter Italy and Apply for the Residence Permit

After arriving in Italy, the family member must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari) within 8 days of arrival.

How to do this:

• Pick up a kit postale (postal application kit) from a local post office (Poste Italiane).

• Submit the application and schedule your fingerprint appointment at the immigration office.

• Receive the residence permit, which will allow you to live, work, and study in Italy.

How Much Does the Italy Family Reunification Visa Cost?

The Italy Family Reunification Visa process involves several expenses, both in your home country and after arrival in Italy. As of 2025, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Visa application fee: €116, ($134 USD) paid at the Italian consulate when submitting your application.

• Revenue stamps (marca da bollo): Two stamps at €16 each are required when the sponsor submits the nulla osta request in Italy (total €32 or $37 USD).

After the visa is approved and the family member enters Italy, they must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari) within 8 days. That process includes:

• Residence permit fees: Approximately €160 ($185 USD) for administrative costs and biometric data collection.

• Postal kit fee: Around €30–€40 ($35–$46 USD), paid at the post office when submitting the residence permit application.

If the incoming family member isn’t immediately eligible for Italy’s national health system, they must show proof of private health insurance. The insurance must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and be valid for the entire duration of the stay. 

A 30-day Schengen-compliant policy typically costs:

• Private health insurance: €80 ($92 USD) for basic coverage (costs may vary depending on duration, coverage, and provider).

Other possible expenses include:

• Service fees from external providers (used by some consulates): €30–€40 ($35–$46 USD)

• Translation and legalization/apostille fees for official documents (varies by country)

• Courier or mailing costs for submitting documents, if required

In total, applicants can expect to pay:

• Around €338–€348 ($391–$402 USD) for core visa and permit fees (excluding insurance)

• Roughly €418 ($483 USD) when including at least one month of private health insurance.

Taxes for People With an Italian Family Reunification Visa

People who move to Italy under a Family Reunification Visa generally do not have specific tax obligations tied to the visa itself, but they may become tax residents of Italy depending on their individual situation. Understanding when and how you’re taxed is important for staying compliant and avoiding surprises.

You are considered a tax resident in Italy if you meet any of the following conditions for more than 183 days in a calendar year:

• You are registered with the Anagrafe (local registry office),

• You have your habitual residence in Italy,

• Or your center of personal or economic interests is in Italy.

If you meet those criteria, Italy will likely treat you as a tax resident, and you’ll be taxed on your worldwide income. This means:

• Employment or freelance income earned in Italy is subject to Italian income tax (IRPEF).

• Foreign income (such as remote work for a non-Italian company) may also be taxable in Italy unless covered by a tax treaty.

Family members who enter Italy via the reunification visa and do not work or earn income, such as minor children or non-working spouses, typically do not pay taxes. However, if they start working in Italy (which they are legally allowed to do with the “family reasons” residence permit), they must register with the Italian tax authority (Agenzia delle Entrate) and obtain a tax code (codice fiscale).

In cases where the family member becomes self-employed or works remotely, they may also need to:

• Register for a VAT number (partita IVA),

• Make social security contributions,

• And possibly enroll in the Italian National Health System (if not already covered by private insurance).

Italy does have tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation, so it’s a good idea to check if your home country has an agreement with Italy. Consulting with a tax advisor is recommended if you or your family members will be earning income while in Italy.

Living in Italy with the Family Reunification Visa

Living in Italy under the Family Reunification Visa offers a legal and stable pathway to join your loved ones and begin a new life together. Once you arrive and obtain your residence permit for family reasons, you’ll have access to many of the same rights as Italian residents, including public healthcare, education for children, and the freedom to work or start a business.

Family members can live in any region of Italy where the sponsor resides, and they can enroll in language or integration programs offered by local municipalities. Children may attend public schools, and spouses can look for employment or register as self-employed. Daily life in Italy offers a high quality of living, vibrant culture, and strong community values, making it a welcoming environment for families building a future together.

Best Cities to Live in Italy

Choosing the right city to settle in after obtaining your Italy Family Reunification Visa can greatly impact your quality of life. Italy offers a wide range of cities, each with its unique charm, lifestyle, and opportunities. Whether you prefer bustling urban life, historical ambiance, or scenic coastal views, here are three of the best cities to consider for your new home in Italy:

Rome

Italy’s capital, Rome, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern living. Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome offers world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City alongside bustling neighborhoods filled with cafes, restaurants, and cultural events. It’s a hub for work, education, and entertainment, making it ideal for families seeking a dynamic lifestyle with easy access to Italy’s rich heritage.

Florence

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, famous for its art, architecture, and picturesque streets. This city combines a slower pace of life with a rich cultural scene, perfect for families who appreciate history and a strong community vibe. Florence also boasts excellent schools, vibrant markets, and scenic Tuscan countryside nearby, offering a balanced mix of city life and nature.

Milan

Milan stands out as Italy’s economic powerhouse and fashion capital. It’s a modern, cosmopolitan city with a high standard of living, efficient public transport, and many job opportunities—especially in business, design, and technology sectors. For families, Milan offers quality healthcare, international schools, and numerous parks, making it a practical yet stylish choice for long-term living.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Italy is the Euro. €1 EUR = $1.137 USD.

The average net monthly salary in Italy is around €2,066, which equates to approximately $2,349 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Rome

• Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,153.77 per month

• Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,272.73 per month

• Basic Utilities - €193.51 per month

• Wi-Fi - €26.82 per month

• Public Transport - €1.50 one-way

• Groceries (2 people) - €400–€600 per month

Florence

• Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,006.82 per month

• Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €1,985.29 per month

• Basic Utilities - €193.84 per month

• Wi-Fi - €29.86 per month

• Public Transport - €1.70 one-way

• Groceries (2 people) - €400–€g00 per month

Milan

• Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,395.71 per month

• Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,882.86 per month

• Basic Utilities - €188.21 per month

• Wi-Fi - €27.11  per month

• Public Transport - €2.20 one-way

• Groceries (2 people) - €500–€600 per month

FAQs

What documents are required to apply for the Italy Family Reunification Visa?

To apply, you typically need proof of family relationship, valid passports, proof of accommodation in Italy, proof of sufficient income, and a valid residence permit held by the family member already in Italy. Requirements can vary, so it’s important to check the latest guidelines from the Italian consulate.

How long does it take to get a Family Reunification Visa for Italy?

Processing times vary depending on the consulate and your specific situation but generally take between 1 to 3 months. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned move to account for any delays.

Can I work in Italy after receiving a Family Reunification Visa?

Yes, once you obtain your residence permit in Italy through family reunification, you have the right to work, study, and access healthcare services just like any legal resident.

Is it possible to bring children and elderly family members under the Family Reunification Visa?

Yes, the visa allows for the reunification of close family members, including minor children and dependent elderly parents, provided you meet the income and housing requirements set by Italian immigration laws.

Can I get help applying for the Italy Family Reunification Visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

Author

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

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Nadia Dardón is a content creator from Guatemala. She has worked fully remotely for the past six years as a copywriter, editor, and content creator, working for different industries. She started her digital nomad journey in 2022 and currently lives as an expat in Spain.