The complete guide for requesting a residence permit for family reunification in Italy

The first part of the procedure for applying for a residence permit for family reunification is carried out entirely by the non-EU citizen legally residing in Italy. It is the so-called invitee who will have to inquire about the documentation to initiate reunification with his or her family members in the country of origin. It is advisable to contact associations working in the field of immigration and law firms and the CAF and patronages. These entities provide advices and practical support to non-EU citizens, partially removing language and bureaucratic barriers. Some recommended steps during this stage include:

• Search for detailed information: Identify local institutions and resources that can provide detailed information on the family reunification procedure.
• Consultation of professionals: Contact legal experts or immigration practitioners for personalized advice and clarification on any specific concerns or issues.
• Exploration of available options: carefully consider the options and requirements for a family reunification residence permit, taking into account your individual circumstances and family needs.
• Advance planning: Start the process in advance, considering the timelines and requirements needed to successfully complete the family reunification process.

The main document required to start the family reunification practice is undoubtedly the clearance/Nulla Osta. This is an authorization from the Italian authorities to proceed with the application for a visa and, consequently, residence permit for family reunification. The application for clearance/Nulla Osta involves two conditions that the non-EU invitee must meet:

1. Demonstration of income reflecting legislative criteria (Table 1 and 2 below);
2. An accommodation with a certificate of housing eligibility (Table 3).

Having obtained these documents, the inviter can apply for clearance by logging in with SPID credentials to the Sportello Unico Immigrazione, the institutional portal of the Ministry of the Interior. The timeline for clearance/Nulla Osta can be as long as 180 days after the request, so it is advisable to act early. Once the clearance is obtained, the inviter will be ready to proceed with the next step in the family reunification process, allowing the applicant to move forward in applying for a family entry visa.

Having obtained clearance/Nulla Osta from the inviting party, namely the non-EU citizen holding a residence permit in Italy (point 2), the applicant(s) in the country of origin comes into play. The applicant, who belongs to the categories listed in (3), can turn to the website of the Italian Embassy in the country of origin, or to the Visa for Italy portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to find out what documents are required for a visa to enter Italy.

Documentation for applying for an entry visa for family reunification in Italy consists of the following items:

1. Certificate of family membership of the inviter: The applicant must submit documents showing the family relationship with the inviter, such as birth or marriage certificates;
2. In the case of a minor outside of marriage, declaration of consent by the parent outside of marriage;
3. Clearance/Nulla Osta applied for and obtained by the applicant (in Italy);
4. passport and passport photos;
5. visa application form.

It should be reported that, depending on the case, Italian authorities may require additional documents to screen the request. Welcome Association Italy suggests reviewing the documentation before submitting it to consular/diplomatic authorities. That’s to avoid forgetfulness or non-compliance that could result in a visa denial.

The applicant, namely the non-EU citizen who is a family member of the invitee, will have eight days from his or her entry into Italy to formalize his or her application for a residence permit for family reunification. This process takes place at the Stopertello Unico Immigrazione usually located at the Prefecture of the place of residence. During this stage, the applicant must:

• Fill out the Integration Agreement: this is a document attesting to the applicant’s commitment to integrate into Italian society and abide by the country’s laws.
• Validate visa documentation: The applicant must submit all entry visa and clearance documents, which will be validated by the relevant authorities.

Among the documents to be attached when applying for a residence permit for family reunification there might be the health coverage, which complies with the current regulations of the Consolidated Immigration Act. The request for this document arises from the status of the non-EU citizen legally residing in Italy.

• If the invitee is in Italy with a permanent residence permit or for work reasons (self-employed or subordinate) the applicant, will automatically be enrolled in the National Health Service (NHS). He will then be exempt from the need to attach an health coverage.
• If the invitee holds a residence permit that does not imply mandatory enrollment in the NHS, automatically, the applicant will have to present private health coverage.
• If the applicant, regardless of the invitee’s status, is a family member over the age of 65, private health coverage will be required by the Italian authorities.

The cost of voluntary membership at NHS for family reunification varies according to income, and amounts to a minimum of €2,000.00. Due to the high cost of NHS membership, many foreigners choose private health coverage, with significantly lower figures.

At this point, the Prefecture will be the one to provide the applicant(s) the forms to be submitted later through the Poste Italiane’s Sportello Amico.

Upon delivery of the postal kit, the applicant will obtain the payment receipt, a document proving the application for a residence permit for family reunification. There are codes in the receipt that allow you to track the progress of the practice from the restricted area of the institutional website Immigration Portal. From this portal in fact, the applicant can:

• Take note of the date of the appointment at the Police Headquarters for photo fingerprinting;
• inquire about the date of issuance of the physical residence permit.

Parallel to the applicant’s arrival in Italy, the inviter has an important responsibility to fulfill. Must fill out and deliver to the Italian authorities the “Cessione di fabbricato.” This document attests the inviter’s willingness to accommodate the applicant and is part of the documentation required by the Prefecture or Police Headquarters for the issuance of a residence permit for family reunification.

The“Cessione di Fabbricato” includes detailed information about the inviter’s place of residence, as well as the address where the applicant will reside during his or her stay in Italy. It is important to complete this document correctly and provide all the required information to avoid delays or complications in the process of issuing a residence permit.

Once this step is completed, both the applicant and the invitee will have fulfilled their respective initial responsibilities in the family reunification process. It is advisable to maintain constant contact with the relevant authorities and closely monitor the progress of the practice through the Immigration Portal to ensure a smooth procedure.

Following this procedure, the applicant formalizes his residence permit application for family reasons in Italy. This residence permit allows the applicant to enroll in academic institutions and/or work, regularizing him or her in the eyes of the Italian authorities. The duration of the applicant’s family residence permit overlaps with the duration of the invitee’s residence permit.

This implies that 60 days before the expiration of the residence permit, both parties will have to apply for a residence permit at the relevant police headquarters. During the renewal process, it is important to ensure that you have all the required documents and comply with the procedures established by the relevant authorities.

Any delay in renewing the residence permit could cause legal problems and difficulties in obtaining services and rights related to legal residence in Italy. To avoid this kind of situation, Welcome Association Italy suggests that its members begin the renewal process sufficiently in advance of the expiration of the residence permit to avoid possible complications and interruptions in the legal stay in Italy.

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3