Family reunification: application process
A foreign national who is regularly staying in Italy is allowed to start the family reunification application process. The principle of family unity is found in Art. 28 of the Consolidated Immigration Act, which expressly states the right to maintain the integrity of the family.
Index
- Who can apply for family reunification?
- Who is the beneficiary of the family reunification application?
- The procedure for the clearance
- Entry visa and issuance of a residence permit for family reunification
Who can apply for family reunification?
The application can be submitted by the following holders of a valid residence permit in Italy:
- Holders of a long-term residence permit
- Holders of a residence permit of at least one year for study, work, protection, or family reasons
- Holders of an income
- Holders of suitable housing
Specific requirements for the application for family reunification
If the applicant fails to prove that he/she has adequate income as required by law, his/her application will be rejected.
The minimum income required is equal to the amount of the social allowance increased by 50% for each family member for whom entry into Italy is requested. The following table can help with the calculation.
ANNUAL RECEIPT INCOME
| 1 family member | 9,813.76 € |
| 2 family members | 13,085.02 € |
| 3 family members | 16,356.27 € |
| 4 family members | 19,627.27 € |
| 5 family members | 22,898.78 € |
On the other hand, regarding housing eligibility, specific requirements such as compliance with sanitation standards and the square footage of housing are stipulated by law:
– 14 sq m for one person
– 28 sq m for two people
– 42 sq m for three people
– 56 sq m for four people
– 10 square meters more for each additional person exceeding four
Who is the beneficiary of the family reunification application?
It may be requested for:
– The spouse (who is of legal age)
– The civilly joined partner(s)
– Dependent children over the age of majority with disabilities
– Dependent parents who are disabled or over 65 and have no other children in the country of origin or, if there are, are unable to support them
– Minor children
For the latter, the following table on required income can help.
| REUNIFICATION WITH CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE | Annual Income |
| Request for 1 minor 14 years old + 1 adult | 13,085.02 € |
| Request for 1 minor 14 years old + 2 adults | 16,356.27 € |
| Request for 1 minor 14 years old + 3 adults | 19,627.27 € |
| Request for 1 minor 14 years old + 4 adults | 22,898.78 € |
| Request for 2/3/4/5… minor 14 years old + 1 adult | 16,356.27 € |
| Request for 2 or more minors 14 years old + 2 adults | 19,627.27 € |
| Request for 2 or more minors of 14 years + 3 adults | 22,898.78 € |
| Request for 2 or more minors of 14 years + 4 adults | 26,170.03 € |
The procedure for the clearance
The application is triggered by the request for clearance to the Prefecture. Specifically, the following documents must be submitted:
- Photocopy of the residence permit and passport of the person making the application
- Photocopy of the passport of the family member
- Family certificate of the applicant
- Marriage certificate translated by consular authorities
- Documentation proving the family relationship
- Documentation for housing eligibility
- Documentation showing income
- Documentation issued by the employer, if the applicant has a regular contract in Italy for employment
Entry visa and issuance of a residence permit for family reunification
The Prefecture, upon receipt of the correct documentation, will check that all the requirements established by law are met. In case of a positive outcome, it will issue the clearance to obtain a Visa for entry into Italy.
As with all residence permits, once the foreign national enters Italy, he or she must apply for the relevant permit within eight days.
