Italy is one of the best countries to migrate to, imbued with architecture, opera, film and fashion. The country not only allows easy entry to immigrants but also welcomes their families under the Italy Dependent Visa or the Family Reunification Visa. Y-Axis will assist you with your visa application process so you can effortlessly join your family in Italy.
You or your family would be eligible to apply for an Italy Dependent Visa if:
Students from non-EU countries can bring their family members under specific conditions. Your spouse and children qualify for a residence permit if you have a study visa valid for at least 12 months.
The process has several requirements:
The procedure and required documents might change based on your Italian city of residence, number of family members, and nationalities involved. Your family members can apply for the residence permit once you have all necessary documentation (notarized, legalized, apostilled, and/or translated).
Family members joining students get special benefits. Their permit allows them to:
You must first get authorization called "Nulla Osta" through the Single Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico Immigrazione) at your destination city's Prefecture to begin the process.
Italian law clearly outlines which family members can apply for the family reunification visa based on their relationship with the sponsor. You need to understand the specific criteria for each relationship category to determine if you qualify.
The Italy Dependant Visa accepts only spouses who are not legally separated and are at least 18 years of age. Both traditional marriages and civil unions qualify, including same-sex civil partnerships.
You must provide documents that confirm your relationship before applying. These documents include marriage certificates or civil partnership papers. Your certificates must be registered with Italian authorities.
New applicants should know that spouses and civil partners who enter Italy with this visa receive a one-year residence permit. This permit lets your spouse start working right after arriving in Italy.
Children below 18 years can join their parents through family reunification. This includes biological children, adopted children, children born out of wedlock, and stepchildren. You must show birth certificates or adoption papers to prove the parent-child relationship.
The other parent must give written consent for children under 18 (if applicable). A notary must verify this consent, and both parents need to submit passport photocopies.
Some adult children may also qualify in special cases. Children over 18 who cannot support themselves due to serious health conditions that cause total disability are eligible. These cases require complete medical records to prove total disability.
Parents must meet one of these two criteria:
Parents over 65 must get health insurance that never expires and covers illness, accidents, and maternity. They need this insurance within eight days of arriving in Italy.
Bank statements, financial support documents, or affidavits must validate the parent's financial dependence on you.
Italy doesn't have a specific visa for unmarried partners, but long-term partners can take different paths to reunification. Since 2016, Italy recognizes de facto cohabitation through the "legge Cirinnà" (Law No. 76 of May 20, 2016).
De facto cohabitants must meet these requirements:
The cohabitation contract helps non-EU citizens apply for a family permit because Italian authorities recognize stable relationships with EU citizens through this registration.
Unmarried partners without a cohabitation contract must first follow standard visa procedures. After arriving, they can register their cohabitation with Italian municipalities, which might lead to family-related permits later.
The Italy Dependent Visa or family reunification Visa is generally processed within 3 weeks. It may get delayed if there are no available slots for visa application interview appointments or if certain documents are missing or found incorrect.
The Nulla Osta authorization may take longer than the Visa to be processed, and sometimes, it can range from 4 months to a year to get you authorized.
Navigating the Italy Family Reunification Visa process can be a challenging procedure. Y-Axis is to assist you with all your visa requirements. Our team of visa and immigration experts will guide you with:
Our Accreditations | |||
 |  |  |  |
The main requirements include a valid Nulla Osta (authorization for family reunification), proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), evidence of sufficient financial resources, and proof of accommodation in Italy. The sponsor must also demonstrate an annual income of at least €5,830.76, plus 50% of that amount for each additional family member.
The entire process typically takes between 30 to 90 days. However, obtaining the Nulla Osta alone can take 90 to 180 days, and after approval, visa issuance may take an additional 1-3 months. It's important to start the process well in advance of your intended travel date.
Yes, holders of the family reunification visa can work in Italy without limitations once they receive their residence permit. This applies to spouses, civil partners, and other eligible family members, providing them with the opportunity to seek employment immediately upon arrival.
While there isn't a specific unmarried partner visa, long-term partners can potentially qualify through Italy's recognition of de facto cohabitation. Partners must register their cohabitation at the city hall (comune) and meet certain criteria, such as being adults free from existing marriages or civil unions.
After arriving in Italy, you must register with the local Registry Office (Anagrafe) and apply for a residence card at the Questura (police headquarters) within 8 working days. This step is crucial for legalizing your stay and accessing various services in Italy.
