Which family members qualify
- Spouse aged 18 or over, not legally separated.
- Minor children, including the spouse's or adopted children.
- Dependent adult children who cannot support themselves due to total disability.
- Dependent parents with no other children in their home country, or parents over 65 when the other children cannot support them for serious health reasons.
Requirements for the person already in Italy
- A valid residence permit of at least one year (work, study, family, long-term, etc.).
- Minimum income based on the assegno sociale, increased for each family member.
- Suitable housing, with a housing suitability certificate from the Comune.
- Health insurance for parents over 65.
Requirements have been updated in recent years; we check those in force when you apply.
Step by step
- Online nulla osta application to the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (Prefettura).
- Appointment at the Prefettura to check documents.
- With the nulla osta, your relative applies for the family reunification visa at the Italian Consulate.
- Within 8 days of arriving, they apply for the family residence permit.
Family members of Italian or EU citizens
If your spouse, registered partner, child or parent is an Italian or EU citizen, more favourable rules apply: no nulla osta is needed and the family member can apply for the residence card for family members of EU citizens, valid for 5 years, even from within Italy.
How we help
- We check whether your income and housing meet the requirements.
- We file the nulla osta application and go with you to the Prefettura.
- We prepare the Consulate documents with your relative.
- If there are delays or a refusal, we step in and appeal.
Documents usually required
- Your residence permit and passport
- Employment contract, payslips and tax return
- Rental contract or title deed and housing suitability certificate
- Marriage or birth certificates, apostilled and translated
- Family members' passports
- Health insurance for parents over 65
The exact list depends on your case, your home country and the office (Questura, Consulate or Comune). We give you the final list in the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does family reunification take?
The law allows 90 days for the nulla osta, but it depends heavily on the Prefettura. Then you add the Consulate visa processing time.
Can my family come as tourists and apply in Italy?
Generally not for standard family reunification. For family members of Italian or EU citizens there are routes from within Italy. We assess your case.
What income do I need?
It is based on the annual assegno sociale, increased for each family member; with two or more children under 14 there is a specific calculation. We work out the exact figure for you.
Can I bring my partner if we are not married?
Standard reunification requires marriage. For partners of Italian/EU citizens in a documented stable relationship there are other options.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.