What is a Family Permit?
The residence permit for family reasons It is the residence permit issued to family members of foreign citizens regularly resident in Italy. It is regulated by theArticle 30 of the Consolidated Law on Immigration (Legislative Decree 286/1998) and represents the conclusion of the family reunification process.
Unlike family reunification – which is the procedure with which the family member residing in Italy obtains the nulla osta to allow the relative to enter - the permit for family reasons is the final document which allows the reunited family member to stay and work in Italy.
Who is entitled to leave for family reasons?
The following individuals may obtain a permit for family reasons:
Host Family Requirements
The foreign citizen requesting family reunification must demonstrate that he or she possesses:
- Valid residence permit of a duration of not less than one year (employee work, self-employment, asylum, study, religious reasons, subsidiary protection)
- Minimum annual income: no less than the annual social security benefit (approximately €6,542 in 2026), increased by half for each family member to be reunited. For two or more children under 14, an income equal to double the social security benefit is required.
- Suitable accommodation: a dwelling that complies with the minimum parameters set by the regional law for public residential building, certified by the Municipality (housing suitability)
Required Documents
To apply for a residence permit for family reasons, you will need:
- Passport valid with entry visa for family reunification
- Tax ID code (available from the Revenue Agency)
- Marriage certificate (for the spouse) or birth certificate (for children/parents), translated, legalized and with Apostille
- Revenue stamp from €16.00
- 4 passport photos passport size
- Declaration of hospitality or certificate of suitability for housing
- Income documentation of the host family member (CUD, pay slips, tax return)
- Receipt of payment of the contribution of €30.46 on postal account no. 67422402
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Obtaining an Entry Visa
The family member abroad must submit an application for a family reunification visa to the Italian Consulate/Embassy in their country, attaching the nulla osta issued by the Sportello Unico for Immigration.
2. Entry into Italy and Declaration of Presence
Within 8 working days Upon entering Italy, the family member must present himself in Questura to declare his presence.
3. Sending Kit Postale (Form 209)
Go to an authorized post office to send the Kit Postale with the completed Form 209, attaching all the required documentation. The shipping cost is €30.00.
4. Call in Questura
The Questura will summon the applicant for the photo-signaling (fingerprint detection) and document verification.
5. Withdrawal of the Permit
Once the investigation is completed, Questura notifies the availability of the residence permit in electronic format (passport-sized residence card).
Duration and Renewal
The permit for family reasons has the same duration of the residence permit of the family member who obtained the reunification (generally 1 or 2 years). Upon expiration, it can be renewed if the requirements persist.
Important aspects:
- Right to work: the holder of the permit for family reasons can carry out employed or self-employed work without the need to stipulate a residence contract
- Permit autonomy (art. 30, paragraph 5, TUI): in the event of separation, dissolution of marriage or death of a family member, the permit can be converted into a permit for employee work, self-employment or study.
- Long-term permitAfter 5 years of continuous regular residence, it is possible to apply for an EU long-term residence permit.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Unregistered marriageIf the marriage celebrated abroad has not been registered in the Italian registry, the process is blocked. It is necessary to proceed with the transcription at the Municipality.
- Non-legalized documentsForeign certificates without a certified translation, consular legalization, or apostille will be rejected. Always check bilateral agreements with the country of origin.
- Insufficient incomeIf the host family member's income is below the minimum threshold, the application will be rejected. The incomes of multiple cohabiting family members can be combined.
- Long times: the complete procedure (from nulla osta to the release of the permit) may require 6-12 monthsA well-prepared application reduces delays
Warning: The most common mistakes cost months
Even a single incorrectly filled-in field, a missing document or a missed deadline can make reject your application — with months of delay and additional costs to resubmit it.
With ImmigraFacile this does not happen:
Frequently Asked Questions
Family reunification is the process by which a family member residing in Italy requests a nulla osta permit to allow their relative to enter Italy from abroad. The permit for family reasons is the residence permit issued to the family member upon arrival in Italy. They are two phases of the same process.
The permit for family reasons has the same duration as the permit of the family member requesting reunification (1 or 2 years). Upon renewal, if the requirements persist, it is renewed for the same duration. After 5 years, it is possible to apply for an EU long-term residence permit.
Requirements: valid passport with entry visa, tax code, translated and legalized/apostilled marriage or birth certificate, €16 revenue stamp, four passport-sized photos, declaration of hospitality or housing suitability, and proof of income for the host family member.