Family reunification visa in Italy: Requirements for Americans

Moving to Italy means getting to enjoy a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and tasty food, but it also means adapting to a new legal system and way of life. The family reunification visa in Italy is the legal way to bring eligible relatives of Italian residents to join them and live together in Italy.

This guide will go over what the requirements are for Americans, how the application process works, and what documents you’ll need.

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Table of contents
Understanding family reunification visa in Italy: What is it and why is it useful? Family reunification visa requirements for Americans Benefits of getting family reunification visa in Italy How to apply for family reunification visa as an American: Step-by-step guide Costs for family reunification visa in Italy

Understanding family reunification visa in Italy: What is it and why is it useful?

The family reunification visa in Italy, also known as a “National Visa for family reasons (Type D)”, lets certain non-EU family members join their Italian, EU family member, or non-EU family member who already lives in Italy or accompany them in their move.

It provides a legal route to living together, along with accessing healthcare, education, and work, and eventually going down the road to long-term residency or citizenship.

Although it does require months of planning and waiting, much like any other visa, it allows Americans to build lives in Italy with their loved ones.

The most common reasons people apply for family reunification visa in Italy

Families choose to apply for the family reunification visa for numerous reasons, including but not limited to:

• Joining a spouse or partner: In order to start or continue their lives together legally in Italy
• Bringing dependent children: Allowing children to attend school and grow up with their parent(s) or guardian(s)
• Live with dependent parents: For care and support purposes
• Reunite after long-distance separation: For families to reconvene after living apart due to work, migration, or study
• Care for elderly or disabled relatives: When a family requires support from the sponsor
• Exceptional dependency cases: In some circumstances, bringing in dependent close relatives if they rely financially or medically on the sponsor

Family reunification visa requirements for Americans

Both non-EU and EU citizens residing in Italy are permitted to apply for the National Visa for family reasons. However, the non-EU individual in Italy needs to be granted a “Nulla Osta” (clearance, authorization) by the Italian “Sportello Unico Immigrazione” (SUI). The individual will need to have had a Residence Permit for at least a year for reasons of:

• Research
• (Self-)employment
• Study
• Asylum
• Subsidiary protection
• Religious reasons

Once the Nulla Osta is issued, it needs to be used within six months.¹

Eligible family members

Unfortunately, only certain family members qualify. The visa generally applies to:

• A spouse or registered partner
• Dependent children under the age of 21
• Parents over the age of 65 of the EU citizen or of their spouse
• Dependent parents of the EU citizen or of their spouse
• Dependent adult children

Siblings and other relatives are not covered by this visa, but there may be exceptions.¹,²

Financial requirements

For verification of dependency, proof of economic remittances (transfers or sending of goods) is often required.¹ Note that there may be proof of housing and sufficient income required as well.

According to ItalianVisa, to apply for a residence card as a family member, the Italian or EU citizen living in Italy needs to prove they have a minimum gross annual income of at least €11,000 for one family member. If applying for more than one person, that number increases by €3,500 for each additional family member.³

Documentation

Having robust and required documentation is important for getting the family reunification visa. These may look different depending on your situation and the family member you are applying for.

• Nulla Osta issued by the SUI (valid within six months of issue) - only for non-EU family members of non-EU citizens
• United States passport or passport and Alien Registration Card
• Proof of economic remittances (for proof of dependency)
• Original and photocopy of your valid Driver’s License or State ID issued by the correct state (depending on your consulate)
• National Visa Application Form signed in the presence of a Consular Officer
• One recent passport-sized photograph
• A letter from the Italian/EU citizen addressed to the Consulate General of Italy
• Copy of the Italian/EU citizen’s passport
• Vital record document proving the relationship with the Italian/EU citizen
• Most recent tax return listing the applicant as a dependent (for dependents)
• Flight itinerary
• Self-addressed, pre-paid envelope to have your passport mailed back to you with an authorization form

Make sure all documents are translated into Italian by translators accredited by a Consulate General.

While the list is lengthy, the visa will be issued free of charge if you are successful. The consulate may request additional documents depending on the situation.

Benefits of getting family reunification visa in Italy

Receiving a family reunification visa means getting the opportunity to build a comfortable and stable life in Italy with your loved ones. Here’s what you can gain:

• Legally live together: Italy can become home, and there’s no need to rely on short-term or tourist visas.
• Work and study in the country: Adults can work or enroll in school, while children can integrate into the school system.
• Healthcare access: Get full coverage through Italy’s public healthcare system.
• Social support: Eligible residents can receive parental benefits or support for dependents with special needs.
• Long-term options: Apply for a permanent residence permit after five years (after registering as a tax resident and proving level A2 Italian)³
• Travel freedom: Having a residence permit means easier travel around the Schengen Area with extra visas
• Easier money management: Make banking and everyday spending easier, with access to Italian bank accounts and eligibility for financial services. After becoming a permanent resident, you can even consider buying property with a mortgage

How to apply for family reunification visa as an American: Step-by-step guide

While moving your family to Italy may seem complicated at first, applying for the National Visa for family reasons can be tackled step by step to make the process more straightforward.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

The first question to ask is: “Does my family member qualify for the visa?” Typical eligible relatives include spouses or registered partners, dependent children or parents, and other close relatives in special cases (such as care needs).

If you aren’t sure whether the individual qualifies, speak with the Italian consulate near you before starting the application.

Step 2: Gather all documents

Prepare and bring together all the necessary paperwork according to your situation, which depends on the family member you are applying for and whether you are an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen as the applicant.

Although not listed above, documents could include proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, a criminal background check, and other forms. It all depends on the family relationship, the consulate’s requirements, and whether you’re applying from the U.S. or Italy.

The best course of action is to contact the official Italian consulate in your area. Then, ensure all documents are translated into Italian through the right channels and apostilled.

Step 3: Submit your application

If you’re submitting from the U.S., submit your application at the nearest Italian consulate, either in person or by mail, depending on instructions.

For those submitting in Italy, the application is typically done online.

There may be fees associated with your application, which you will likely pay during your submission. If the consulate requires more information, this may delay processing times.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

The consensus among sources is that processing times can take between 45 and 90 days, and receiving the visa can take up to 120 days. Timelines depend on the consulate’s workload, your location, and whether additional documents or clarification are required.

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit

Once you’re approved, the family member(s) can travel to Italy and must apply for a residence card within 8 days of entry.³ The applicant will also need to register their fingerprints at the police headquarters and submit other relevant documents.

Step 6. Renew when necessary

A National Visa for Family Reasons is issued with a duration of one year.¹

Residence permits are valid for five years and renewable, as long as the holder is not away from Italy for six continuous months or more. After five years of holding a residence permit, they can apply for permanent residency.³

Costs for family reunification visa in Italy

The cost to apply for an Italian family reunification visa depends on where you’re applying, the consulate you’re applying through, whether the relative is non-EU or EU, and other factors. Some consulates provide the service free of charge, while others can charge several hundred euros. There may also be charges for translation and legal fees if you choose to seek extra help.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a family reunification visa in Italy?

Processing times can range from 2 to 6 months, depending on the consulate, your location, the completeness of your documentation, and how busy the consulate happens to be. After arriving in Italy, it’s also required to apply for the residence permit, which may take several weeks.

Can I bring my brother or sister to Italy?

While the National Visa for family reasons is typically only for dependent parents and children and spouses, and registered partners, siblings could be included in special cases, especially if they are financially dependent or require care from the sponsor. Approval is on a case-by-case basis by Italian authorities, so they may be able to grant a visa to a sibling.

Can digital nomads reunify their family in Italy?

Yes. As long as the digital nomad is living in Italy on a legal residency permit, like a self-employment visa or an Elective Residency Visa, they can apply for family reunification for qualified family members. They usually need to show sufficient income and accommodation to support the family.

Are there language requirements?

There are currently no Italian language requirements for the visa itself. However, applying for permanent residency requires level A2 Italian.

Your path to family life in Italy

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Sources

1. Consolato Generale d’Italia Toronto - National Visa for family reasons for non-EU Family members of EU citizens (settlement in Italy)
2. Consolato Generale d’Italia a Los Angeles – Italian Visa for Family Reasons
3. ItalianVisa – Family members of an EU citizen

Sources checked 01/29/2026