Family Reunion in Italy: The Critical Steps for Securing Your Dependents' Permits
Moving to Italy as an individual is one challenge; ensuring your entire family can join you seamlessly under the Family Reunion (Ricongiungimento Familiare) process is another. This pathway allows the principal permit holder to sponsor close family members (spouse, minor children, or adult dependent children/parents under strict conditions) to live legally in Italy. The process is notoriously meticulous, relying on two key, non-negotiable thresholds: Income and Housing Suitability.
Step 1: The Financial Test (Income Threshold)
The Italian government must be assured that the sponsor (the permit holder in Italy) has sufficient, stable income to support the entire family without relying on public assistance.
The Rule:
The minimum required annual income is tied to the Social Allowance (Assegno Sociale), which increases based on the number of dependents:
- For 1 Dependent (e.g., Spouse): The minimum income must be at least 1.5 times the annual Social Allowance.
- For 2 or more Dependents: The minimum income increases by half the Social Allowance for each additional family member.
⚠️ Critical Tip: You must prove that your income has been stable and is expected to continue for the duration of the permit. The income calculation is complex, and we strongly advise against underestimating this threshold.
‍
Step 2: The Housing Test (Accommodation Suitability)
Unlike many other visa applications, the Family Reunion process requires official certification that the sponsor's dwelling is physically large enough for the entire family.
The Requirement:
You must obtain the Certificato di IdoneitĂ Alloggiativa (Housing Suitability Certificate) from your local Comune (Municipality) or the ASL (Local Health Authority).
- What it Certifies: This document confirms that the size (square meters) and number of rooms in your property are adequate based on the number of people who will be living there, according to regional standards.
- The Process: This usually involves an inspection of the property by a technical expert or health official. This step can often be the source of significant bureaucratic delay.
‍
Step 3: The Nulla Osta (Entry Clearance) Application
The entire process begins in Italy with the sponsor applying for the Nulla Osta (Entry Clearance) through the local Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI).
- Submission: The sponsor submits all income, housing, and family documentation (marriage/birth certificates translated and legalized) to the SUI.
- Issuance: Once approved (which can take several months), the Nulla Osta is issued electronically. This document certifies that the family is authorized to enter Italy.
- Visa Application Abroad: The family members then take the Nulla Osta to the Italian Consulate in their home country to apply for the Family Visa (Visa per Ricongiungimento Familiare).
Crucial Coordination: The Nulla Osta is valid for only six months. The dependent family members must apply for and enter Italy within this timeframe. Poor coordination can cause the entire process to expire.
‍
The Move To Dolce Vita Advantage
Managing the Family Reunion process requires perfect coordination between Italian municipal requirements (Housing Certificate), national thresholds (Income), and consular procedures abroad (Visa application).
At Move To Dolce Vita, we eliminate the risk of rejection and delay by:
- Financial Due Diligence: Accurately calculating the required income based on your family size and structuring your financial documents correctly.
- Housing Certification Management: Liaising with the Comune or ASL to fast-track the mandatory Certificato di IdoneitĂ Alloggiativa.
- End-to-End Coordination: Handling the Nulla Osta application in Italy and coordinating the final Visa application with the Consulates abroad.
Don't let complex paperwork keep your family apart. Secure their legal status quickly and compliantly.
Contact Move To Dolce Vita today!
‍
