English Family reunification in Italy has long been a path not only for work and study migrants but also for families who want to build a future together. For third-country nationals (TCNs), meaning non-EU citizens, the rules on how to join or reunite with family members are detailed and sometimes difficult to navigate. In the past two years, new regulations have reshaped the system. A specific visa category now applies for family reunification, and sponsors must prove a longer period of residence before they can apply. These changes mean that families planning to settle in Italy need to prepare with even greater care.
At a glance: What’s new
Since 1 June 2024, relatives coming for more than 90 days must apply for a type D national visa for family reasons. Furthermore, as of December 2024, most sponsors need two continuous years of legal residence in Italy before they can start the reunification process. The application continues to run through the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (SUI) and the Italian consulate abroad. Sponsors must always prove adequate income, housing, and valid family relationship documents.
These reforms do not close the door to family life in Italy, but they do place a stronger emphasis on legal compliance and financial stability.
Who can sponsor and who qualifies
To sponsor family members, you must already be a legal resident of Italy with a valid permit. Under the new law, the typical sponsor will need at least two years of uninterrupted residence. Some groups are exempt, for example, holders of the EU Blue Card, workers transferred under intra-company permits, refugees, and parents of minor children.
Sponsors must show:
- A valid residence permit with enough validity remaining
- Proof of at least two years of residence (unless exempt)
- Sufficient and stable income to support the household
- A municipal certificate confirming that the accommodation meets health and safety standards
Family members who can join you include:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Children under 18
- Adult dependent children with disabilities
- Dependent parents who meet age or health conditions
It is important to note that minors are always protected: the two-year waiting period does not apply if the application is for children under 18 for family reunification in Italy.
Legal changes in detail
- A dedicated national visa
Until mid-2024, many families applied for reunification using a short-stay visa. This often led to confusion, especially when the intended stay was permanent. The reform introduced a specific type D national visa for family reasons, valid for up to a year, allowing multiple entries, and issued free of charge. By separating family cases from short tourist stays, Italy aims to streamline the process and give more clarity to both applicants and consulates. This change was formalized through the amendment to Article 23 of Legislative Decree 30/2007, effective 1 June 2024
- The two-year residence requirement
The second major reform came with Law 187/2024, which converted Decree-Law 145/2024 into permanent legislation in December 2024. This law introduced the requirement for sponsors to demonstrate two continuous years of legal residence in Italy before applying for most family reunifications. Previously, the threshold was lower, making it easier for recent arrivals to apply. The new rule reflects Italy’s intention to ensure stability and integration before allowing family reunification. Important exemptions remain in place for minor children, holders of EU Blue Cards or ICT permits, and refugees or persons with international protection
While this change has raised concerns among migrant communities, important exemptions remain. Blue Card holders, highly skilled workers, and refugees are not affected. Families with minor children also retain the right to apply for family reunification in Italy without waiting.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1 – Preparing your documents
The most time-consuming part of the process is document preparation. Sponsors should gather their residence permit, income proofs such as tax returns or payslips, and the housing suitability certificate. Family relationship documents, such as marriage or birth certificates – must be legalized and translated into Italian where required.
Step 2 – Submitting the nulla osta
The next step is filing for the nulla osta (authorization) through the SUI. Applications are submitted online using the Ministry of the Interior’s portal. The sponsor will later be called to present originals at the immigration office. Once approved, the nulla osta is forwarded electronically to the relevant consulate.
Step 3 – Visa application abroad
With the nulla osta in hand, the family member applies for the visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. They must bring passports, legalized family documents, and any additional consular forms. Since June 2024, consulates issue the dedicated type D family reasons visa instead of a tourist or short-stay visa.
Step 4 – Residence permit in Italy
After entering Italy, the family member has eight working days to request a residence permit. The application is usually started at the post office and finalized at the Questura (police headquarters). Once granted, this permit allows access to healthcare, schooling, and in most cases, work.
Documents checklist
Sponsor’s residence permit and passport
Proof of continuous residence (if subject to the two-year rule)
Tax returns, payslips, or other income documents
Housing suitability certificate issued by the municipality
Marriage or birth certificates, legalized and translated
Nulla osta authorization
Visa application form, photos, health insurance (if required)
Although the list is standard, each consulate can ask for additional items, so always confirm locally before filing.
Income requirements for family reunification in Italy
When applying for family reunification in Italy, non-EU sponsors must prove a minimum annual income linked to the assegno sociale (social allowance). For 2025, this amount is €7,002.84. The sponsor must earn at least this base amount plus 50% more for each family member they want to bring. For example, a family with two children must demonstrate an annual income of €14,005.68. In cases where two or more children under 14 are involved, the law often requires an income of at least double the social allowance, even before adding further increments. Authorities may also allow the income of cohabiting family members already living in Italy to count towards the requirement.
Example: Minimum annual income required (2025)
| Family composition | Required income (€) | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor only | 7,002.84 | Base social allowance |
| Sponsor + 1 child | 10,504.26 | 7,002.84 + 3,501.42 |
| Sponsor + 2 children | 14,005.68 | 7,002.84 + (3,501.42 × 2) |
| Sponsor + 3 children | 17,507.10 | 7,002.84 + (3,501.42 × 3) |
Practical advice
Many applicants underestimate the time required for legalization and translation of foreign documents. These steps should be started early, sometimes months in advance, especially for families with documents from more than one country. Sponsors should also check their residence history carefully. The two-year rule requires continuity. Even a short break in your stay, such as a gap in renewing your permit, could affect eligibility.
Income is another area where refusals are common. Authorities expect clear, official proofs of earnings and sometimes request updated documents. Having complete and organized paperwork reduces delays.
Do you need a lawyer?
While many straightforward applications for family reunification in Italy succeed without professional help, cases involving mixed nationalities, dependent parents, or borderline income and housing conditions often benefit from legal advice. Italian immigration lawyers can verify eligibility under the new law, prepare the nulla osta, and support you through consular procedures. They are also essential if your application is refused and you need to file an appeal.
Closing words
Family life is at the heart of immigration policy, and Italy continues to allow family reunification in Italy for third-country nationals. But recent reforms have made the process more structured and demanding. Sponsors now need to demonstrate two years of residence, while family members must enter with a dedicated visa. These changes may feel like barriers, but with careful planning they can be managed.
Families who prepare early, collect the right documents, and follow each step correctly will still find the path to Italy open. And for those unsure about the new requirements, seeking advice from professionals can provide peace of mind and a higher chance of success.
Sources
European Commission – Italy immigration law updates (2024)
Fragomen – Italy introduces new visa rules for family reunification (2024)
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and consular notices
Italian law firm Mazzeschi Legal Counsels on Law 187/2024
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