The Family Reunification Visa (Visa per Ricongiungimento Familiare) allows non-EU citizens living in Italy to bring their family members to the country. The process can be challenging due to strict requirements and paperwork, but with proper preparation, it can be manageable. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each step:

1. Which family members can be reunited?

A) A spouse who is not legally separated and is at least eighteen years old.

B) Minor children, including those of the spouse or born out of wedlock, unmarried, provided that the other parent, if present, has given their consent and without prejudice to the provisions of Article 4, paragraph 6. The entry of the natural parent who meets the requirements of availability of accommodation and income referred to in paragraph 3, is allowed with an entry visa for family reunification for the minor child who is already legally residing in Italy with the other parent. The existence of these requirements is considered met if the other parent possesses them.

C) Dependent adult children, if, for objective reasons, they cannot provide for their essential life needs due to their health condition, which involves total disability.

D) Dependent parents, if they have no other children in their country of origin or provenance, or parents over sixty-five, if the other children cannot support them due to documented or serious health reasons. Family reunification cannot be requested for siblings.

Entry is therefore permitted for a foreigner holding a residence card or an entry visa for subordinate work with a contract lasting at least one year, for non-occasional self-employed work, or for study or religious reasons. Family members with whom reunification is possible are allowed to enter, provided that the requirements for availability of accommodation are met.

2. What are the documents needed to obtain the authorization?

To obtain authorization for family reunification and the issuance of an entry visa for family reasons through the one-stop immigration office, it is advisable to possess one of the following residence permits:

1.) You have a long-term EC residence permit or a residence permit for at least one year; 2.) You have a minimum income, at least equal to the amount of your social security check. Therefore your income must be at least €6,542.51 per year, euros per year, equal to €503.27 euros per month 3.) There are no reasons that hinder your family member’s entry into Italy, reasons that derive from the civil or criminal code (for example he is not a criminal). 4.) Live in suitable housing

3. What are the documents need to registry:

1) Photocopy of the passport pages of the applicant and family members abroad where
the number and personal data are visible (single file); 2) copy of the valid residence card or residence permit, or
expired permit, with attached receipt of submission of the renewal application 3) tax code of the applicant 4) family status certificate of the applicant issued by the municipality of residence
(also in self-certification) 5) family status certificate relating to the people who live in the accommodation where
the reunited family members will stay issued by the municipality of residence with the words
“immigration use” (also in self-certification)

4. List of documents for rental accommodation documents:

Below in the list of documents to obtain the authorization for family reunification and for the issuance of the entry visa through the immigration one-stop shop  for rented accommodation:

1.) Rental contract which must have a duration of no less than six months starting
from the date of submission of the application with registration and/or renewal receipt. 2.) Housing suitability certificate issued by the Municipality for
family reunification purposes or copy of the certificate request receipt
indicating the RIA code 3.) Declaration drawn up by the owner(s) of the apartment on form “S2”, certifying the
consent to also host reunited members; 4.) Identity document of the owner/s of the accommodation, duly signed by the same/s; NB: in case of authorization for family reunification in favor of a single minor under 14 years of age, the certificate of accommodation suitability can be replaced from the copy of the rental contract and from the
declaration of hospitality of the owner(s) of the apartment drawn up on form. “S1”, as well as a
photocopy of the identity document of the declarant/s, duly signed by the
same/s. In this case the “S2” form must not be sent.

5. What are the documents and income for employees?

Below is the list of income documents to obtain authorization for family reunification  for employees1) In case of activity undertaken for over a year: last tax return,
or, last CUD or UNIQUE form; in case of activity undertaken less than a year ago, all pay slips must be attached;
2) Employment contract/letter of employment (Unilav);
3) Last three pay slips (optional if all pay slips have been attached);
4) Self-certification from the employer, drawn up on the “S3” form with a date no earlier than 1 month, which shows the current nature of the employment relationship and the monthly salary paid;
5) Identity document of the employer, duly signed by the same;

What are the documents and income for domestic workers?

Among the documents for family reunification and for obtaining an entry visa for family members of domestic workers there are:

1.) Last tax return, or, last CUD or UNIQUE form, where applicable; in case of activity undertaken less than a year ago, all
pay slips must be attached;
2.) Communication of hiring to INPS.
3) Where applicable, the last 3 INPS contribution payment slips with proof of payment;
4) Self-certification from the employer, drawn up on the “S3” form, dated no earlier than 1 month, showing the current nature of the employment relationship and the monthly salary paid;
5) Identity document of the employer, duly signed by the same;

 

6. Income documents for family reunification 2024:

the gross annual income to obtain the authorization and entry visa for family reunification.  and therefore the actual  income requirement for family reunification in 2024  is calculated on the basis of the 2024 social allowance: €6,542.51 per year, €503.27 per month) not less than:

1) €9,813.77 per n. 1 family member to be reunited (even if under 14 years old)
2) €13,085.02 per n. 2 family members to be reunited (even if one of these is under 14 years old)

3) €16,356.28 per n. 3 family members to be reunited (even if one of these is under 14 years old)

4) €19,627.53 per n. 4 family members to be reunited (even if one of these is under 14 years old)

5) €22,898.79 per n. 5 family members to be reunited (even if one of these is under 14 years old)

6) €26,170.04 per n. 6 family members to be reunited (even if one of these is under 14 years old)

7) If two or more children under 14 years of age are reunited, the minimum income required for 2024 euros is: €13,085.02.

For any other reunited person, in addition to two or more children under 14 years of age, the amount of €3271.26 for each person must be added to the amount of €13,085.02.

Availability of accommodation that complies with health and hygiene requirements, as well as housing suitability, ascertained by the competent municipal offices.

7. Filing the Application

• Submit Nulla Osta Request: The Nulla Osta is an authorization from the Italian government for family reunification. Apply for it online through the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (SUI).
  • Required Documents: Include a copy of your residence permit, proof of income, and housing documents.
  • Waiting Period: The SUI will review your application within 180 days.

8. Applying for the Visa

• Italian Consulate: Once the Nulla Osta is granted, family members can apply for the visa at the Italian consulate in their home country.
  • Documents: They will need to bring a copy of the Nulla Osta, passport, and additional forms that the consulate may require.

9. Post-Visa Approval

• Travel to Italy: Upon receiving the visa, family members can travel to Italy.
• Residence Permit Application: Within eight days of arrival, family members must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local police headquarters (Questura).

Important Tips and Considerations

• Language Barrier: Most documents and procedures are in Italian, so having a translator or attorney might be useful.
• Renewals and Updates: Ensure timely renewals of residence permits and report any changes in personal information.
• Legal Assistance: Consulting immigration lawyers can simplify the process if complex situations arise.

Applying for a Family Reunification Visa can be time-consuming and demanding, but knowing the steps and requirements upfront helps. A properly completed application ensures that families can unite and begin their lives together in Italy.