Family Reunification Visa (Ricongiungimento Familiare)

The Family Reunification Visa (Ricongiungimento Familiare) is the legal pathway for non-EU citizens residing in Italy to bring their close family members to live with them. This process is designed to protect the right to family unity, allowing you to sponsor your spouse, children, or dependent parents for long-term residency.

Unlike a standard tourist visa, this is a two-stage process that begins with an authorization from the Italian authorities within Italy (the Nulla Osta) and ends with a long-stay National Visa (Type D) issued in the family member's home country. This pathway is distinct from "Family Member of an EU Citizen" procedures, which follow much simpler rules if the sponsor is an Italian or EU national.

Recent changes under Decree-Law 145/2024 have extended the legal timeframe for the government to process the Nulla Osta (entry clearance) from 90 days to 150 days. Due to administrative backlogs in major cities, the actual wait time can often exceed six months.

Furthermore, the "Silence-Consent" rule—which theoretically allows you to request a visa if the government doesn't respond in time—is rarely honored by consulates. You should wait for the formal electronic clearance before proceeding with the visa application abroad.

Once your family member arrives in Italy and obtains their Permesso di Soggiorno per Motivi Familiari, they enjoy extensive rights:

• Right to Work: Family permit holders can seek employment or start a business in Italy without needing a separate work authorization.
• Access to Services: Full access to the National Health Service (SSN), public education, and social services.
• Travel Rights: The right to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
• Path to Permanent Residency: After five years of legal residence in Italy, family members may apply for the EU Long-Term Resident Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo), provided they meet income and language requirements.
• Path to Citizenship: Time spent on a family permit counts toward the 10-year residency requirement for Italian citizenship by naturalization.