Italy Family Reunification Visa (Dependant Visa) Guide

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.

The Italy Family Reunification Visa, often referred to as a dependant visa, is a long-stay visa (Type D) that allows non-EU family members to join their relatives who are lawfully residing in Italy. Before applying for the visa, the sponsor in Italy must obtain a Nulla Osta (entry clearance) from the immigration office. Once the visa is granted, the family member can travel to Italy and must apply for a residence permit for family reasons (Permesso di Soggiorno per motivi familiari). This visa reflects Italy’s commitment to protecting family unity under its immigration laws.

The visa is available to close family members of foreign nationals legally residing in Italy.

Eligible dependants include:

• The spouse or registered partner, aged 18 or older, not legally separated.
• Minor children under 18, whether biological, adopted, or born out of wedlock, provided both parents consent where required.
• Adult children who are financially dependent or unable to support themselves due to disability.
• Dependent parents, especially those over 65 or those without other children who can provide for them.
• The sponsor in Italy must hold a valid residence permit of at least one year at the time of application.

Applicants are typically asked to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with sufficient validity.
• Copy of the sponsor’s residence permit in Italy.
• The nulla osta authorization document.
• Proof of family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, often legalized or translated.
• Evidence of the sponsor’s income and financial stability, such as payslips, contracts, or tax returns.
• Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy, such as a rental contract or ownership documents.
• Medical or dependency certificates for parents or adult children if applicable.
• Additional documents requested by the Italian consulate, including visa application forms and photographs.

Note: After arriving in Italy, the dependant must apply for a residence permit within eight days.

Sponsors must prove an annual income at least equal to the amount of the Italian social allowance, which increases depending on the number of family members being sponsored. For one dependant, the income must equal the social allowance; for two, it must be at least 1.5 times the allowance; and higher amounts are required for additional dependants. In practice, the income requirement starts at around €8,000–€9,000 per year for one family member, though this figure can vary depending on the number of dependants and local immigration offices. Sponsors must also show proof of adequate housing in Italy.

The process has several stages. First, the sponsor in Italy must apply for the nulla osta, which can take up to 90 days to be issued. After this, the dependant applies for the visa at the Italian consulate, which usually takes one to three months to process. Once the dependant enters Italy, they must apply for a residence permit, which may take additional weeks or months depending on local offices. Overall, the entire process typically takes three to five months but can be longer if documents are missing or local offices face delays.

The family reunification visa application fee is generally around €116, though in certain cases (such as family of EU or Italian citizens) it may be exempt. In addition, dependants must pay fees when applying for the residence permit after arrival, which vary depending on the type and duration of the permit but usually include administrative charges and a fee for the electronic residence card. Since fees can differ slightly by consulate or province, applicants should confirm the exact amount before applying.

To obtain a Nulla Osta (entry authorization) for family reunification (dependent visa) in Italy, the sponsor in Italy (or their appointed representative) submits a request via the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Unified Immigration Desk) in the province where they reside. This process often requires preparation of proof of income, housing, family relationship, and legal status. Legal firms, immigration consultancies, or specialized visa service providers can assist with document gathering, online submission, liaison with local Prefettura (Prefecture) or Questura, and follow-ups. Some also monitor the application status and request updates or clarifications from Italian authorities.

You can engage immigration law firms or visa consultancies that specialize in Italy or EU visas. These firms offer end-to-end assistance—from eligibility assessment to preparing forms, tracking progress, and handling appeals. In several countries, certified immigration consultants or legal practices have divisions for Italian immigration. For cross-border cases, Italian firms with branches or partnerships abroad also assist. Some relocation firms also provide visa and family reunification packages. Be sure to choose services that are authorized (registered with appropriate legal or immigration bodies) and have positive client reviews for Italy visa work.

Documents not in Italian must be translated by a certified or sworn translator (sometimes called “traduttore giurato” in Italy). After translation, the signature must typically be certified by a Notary Public and then legalized or apostilled (depending on whether your country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention). In the UK, for instance, the translator’s signature is certified and then legalized by the UK Legalisation Office (FCDO). The Italian consulate or local courts may also certify the translation or require additional attestation. Always check with the relevant consulate which translators and legalization method they accept.

In the UK, there are agencies and legal firms that specialize in Italian visa and immigration services. These might include Italian immigration law offices with UK branches or Europe-wide visa consultancies offering services to UK residents for Italian family reunification, dependent visas, and relocation. Some Italian law firms offer “Italy Visa Assistance” services, including handling the full process on behalf of visa seekers. When selecting an agency, ensure they have experience with Italian consular procedures in the UK, are familiar with the relevant consulate (e.g. Italian Embassy in London, consulates in Manchester, Edinburgh) and are authorized to act as legal or visa representatives.

A common path is the family reunification (ricongiungimento familiare) route: if you legally reside in Italy, you can request a Nulla Osta to bring dependent parents, provided you meet income, housing, and sponsorship criteria. For parents over 65 or with health issues, additional medical documentation may be needed to show dependency. In some cases, private health insurance may be required until they are integrated into the Italian health system. Leasing or owning suitable accommodation is important, as is having sufficient income to support them without public assistance. Some countries also allow applying via the Italian consulate abroad once the Nulla Osta is obtained.

Support can come from multiple sources:

• Italian consulates or embassies in your country of residence—they often publish visa guidance and process family visa applications.
• Local immigration offices in Italy (Prefettura, Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) for the sponsor’s applications in Italy.
• Certified law firms or immigration specialists in both your country and Italy who handle family reunification cases.
• Translation & legalization services to prepare documents per Italian requirements.
• Expats / relocation networks (for example, agencies helping expatriates in Italy) which may offer visa-consulting and integration services.