The family reunification visa for Italy allows non-EU citizens to bring their family members to Italy to live with them. This visa is typically granted to family members of non-EU residents who already hold a valid residence permit in Italy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying for a family reunification visa:
Eligibility for Family Reunification:
The following family members are typically eligible for reunification:
- Spouse (must be over 18 years old and legally married to the applicant).
- Children under 18 years of age (biological or adopted).
- Adult dependent children (if they cannot support themselves due to severe health conditions).
- Dependent parents of the applicant or spouse (if they do not have adequate family support in their home country).
To apply for family reunification, the sponsor (the person already residing in Italy) must meet certain criteria.
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Requirements for the Sponsor:
The sponsor must:
- Hold a valid residence permit in Italy for at least 1 year for work, study, asylum, or family reasons.
- Have adequate housing that meets the minimum standards for size, health, and safety (e.g., a certificate of suitability from the local municipality).
- Show proof of sufficient income to support the family members. The minimum income requirements are:
- For 1 family member: At least €9,982.36 per year.
- For 2 family members: At least €13,309.82 per year.
- For each additional family member, an additional sum is required.
Obtain a Nulla Osta (Authorization) for Family Reunification:
- The sponsor must apply for a Nulla Osta (authorization for family reunification) from the local immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) in Italy.
- This application can be submitted online through the Italian Ministry of Interior’s website.
- The Nulla Osta will only be issued if the sponsor meets all the requirements regarding housing, income, and residency.
Wait for the Nulla Osta Approval:
- The immigration office will assess the application and issue the Nulla Osta typically within 90 days.
- Once approved, the Nulla Osta is sent electronically to the Italian embassy or consulate in the country where the family member(s) reside.
Prepare Required Documents for Visa Application:
After the Nulla Osta is granted, the family member(s) can apply for the family reunification visa at the Italian consulate or embassy. The required documents usually include:
- Visa application form: Fully completed and signed.
- Valid passport: With at least two blank pages and valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Two recent passport-sized photos: Following Schengen visa standards.
- Copy of the Nulla Osta (authorization).
- Proof of family relationship: Such as marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificate for children, etc. These documents must be translated and legalized if issued outside the EU.
- Proof of accommodation: Such as the rental contract or housing certificate showing that the family has a suitable place to live.
- Proof of sufficient income: If not already provided by the sponsor in the Nulla Osta process.
Submit the Visa Application:
- The family member must attend an appointment at the Italian consulate or embassy in their home country to submit the visa application.
- They will also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Pay the Visa Fee:
- The visa fee is generally €116, though it may vary slightly depending on the consulate.
Wait for Processing:
- Visa processing times can take up to 90 days, but it may be shorter depending on the embassy or consulate.
Receive the Visa and Travel to Italy:
- Once the visa is approved, it will be stamped into the passport, allowing the family member(s) to enter Italy.
Apply for a Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno):
- After arriving in Italy, the family member(s) must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days.
- This application can be made at the local post office, followed by an appointment at the immigration office (Questura) for an interview and biometrics.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Nulla Osta is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, so the family member(s) must apply for the visa within this time.
- It’s essential that the marriage or birth certificates are properly legalized and, if necessary, translated into Italian.
- The family members will initially receive a residence permit for the same duration as the sponsor.