Family reunification with a non-EU citizen residing in Italy
This procedure allows a non-EU national holding a valid Italian residence permit to bring their family members to Italy. The applicant must have an income and accommodation that meet the requirements.
Specification reviewed on
Required documents
The list below is exhaustive. Each document is described as it must be submitted, including the most common errors that lead to rejection.
Identity
Passports of the sponsor and the beneficiaries
You must provide copies of the pages of your passport and of those of your family members abroad. Only the pages showing the passport number and personal details are required. All scans must be grouped into a single file.
Common errors
- Forgetting the family members' passports or submitting the documents in separate files may cause delays.
Sponsor's residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno)
You must provide a copy of your valid carta di soggiorno (residence card) or permesso di soggiorno (residence permit). If your residence permit has expired, you must enclose the copy of the expired permit as well as the receipt for your renewal application.
Common errors
- An expired residence permit not accompanied by the receipt for the renewal application is a ground for rejection.
Sponsor's tax code (Codice fiscale)
You must provide a copy of your personal tax code.
Common errors
- This document is rarely a source of error.
Certificate of household composition of the sponsor (Certificato di stato famiglia)
This certificate is issued by your municipality of residence. A self-certification is also accepted.
Common errors
- This document is rarely a source of error.
Proof of family link
The beneficiary must submit a certified copy of the certificate that proves the family link with the sponsor (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Common errors
- Submitting a simple copy instead of a certified copy, or a document that has not been translated and legalised according to the consulate's requirements.
Resources
Proof of income
The documents vary depending on your professional status. For employees, the contract (Unilav), the latest tax return (or all payslips if the employment is less than a year old) and a certificate from the employer (Modello S3) less than one month old are required. For the self-employed, a company registration extract (visura camerale) less than 30 days old, balance sheets and tax returns are generally required. Each status (domestic worker, company director, etc.) has a specific list of documents.
Common errors
- Expired documents (employer's certificate, company registration extract) or an incomplete list of documents for your specific professional status.
Insurance
Health insurance commitment for a parent over 65 years of age
If you are applying for reunification for a parent over 65 years of age, you must provide a declaration by which you commit to taking out a private health insurance policy for them. This insurance must cover all risks within the national territory.
Common errors
- Providing the insurance policy directly instead of the declaration of commitment, which is the document required at this stage.
Travel insurance
The beneficiary must take out travel insurance for their arrival in Italy. The details of the cover are not specified.
Common errors
- An insurance policy that does not cover the visa's validity period or that does not meet the required standards for the Schengen area.
Accommodation
Proof of availability of accommodation
Depending on your situation, provide one of the following documents: the tenancy agreement (contratto di affitto), the loan for use agreement (contratto di comodato d'uso) or the deed of sale (contratto di compravendita). Tenancy or loan for use agreements must have a minimum duration of six months from the date of the application and be accompanied by their proof of registration.
Common errors
- A tenancy agreement or loan for use agreement with a duration of less than six months or not registered with the tax authorities.
Certificate of housing suitability (Certificato di idoneità alloggiativa)
This certificate is issued by the municipality and certifies that the accommodation meets the standards for family reunion. A copy of the receipt of the application for this certificate is accepted. For the reunion of a single child under the age of 14, this certificate can be replaced by other documents, in particular a declaration of hospitality from the owner (Modello S1).
Common errors
- Requesting a generic certificate instead of the one specific to family reunion (per finalità di ricongiungimento familiare).
Owner's consent (Modello S2)
If you are a tenant or being hosted, you must provide a declaration from the owner(s) of the property (form S2) consenting to host your family members. This document is not required if you are the owner, or if you are only reuniting with a child under 14 years of age (in which case form S1 is used).
Common errors
- Forgetting the signature of one of the owners or using the wrong form.
Identity document of the owner(s)
If you are a tenant or being housed, you must provide a copy of the identity document of each owner of the accommodation. Each copy must be signed by its holder.
Common errors
- An unsigned copy or the omission of the identity document of one of the co-owners.
Other documents
Family reunification authorisation (Nulla Osta)
The beneficiary must present a copy of the Nulla Osta issued in Italy by the Sportello Unico (Single Desk for Immigration). The consulate receives the original electronically, but a paper copy must be presented at the visa appointment.
Common errors
- Do not bring a paper copy on the day of the appointment.
Flight booking
The beneficiary must provide a flight ticket booking. The layovers on the final ticket purchased must be identical to those indicated on the booking.
Common errors
- Purchasing a flight ticket with a different itinerary from the one on the initial booking.
Visa application form (Modulo D)
The beneficiary must complete and submit the national visa application form (type D).
Common errors
- A form that is incorrectly filled out, incomplete, or signed in the wrong place.
Payment of the visa fee
The applicant must pay the visa application fee. The amount is updated quarterly and must be checked on the consulate's website before the appointment.
Common errors
- Providing an incorrect amount due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Have your situation reviewed
Having the list does not indicate whether your situation will lead to a successful outcome. The questionnaire takes a few minutes and an adviser will send you a written opinion within one working day, whether your application is admissible or not.