Family reunification
ricongiungimento familiare
A non-EU national living legally in Italy can bring their spouse and children through a two-stage process. The sponsor first applies online to the Prefecture's Single Desk for Immigration (Sportello Unico) for clearance (nulla osta), which checks the sponsor's permit, income and housing. With the nulla osta, the family member applies for a visa at the Italian consulate, then reports to the Single Desk within 8 days of arrival to request the residence permit.
Life in Italy
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
73
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
23–43%
Income tax (national)
VAT 22%
IRPEF 23% up to EUR 28,000, 33% to EUR 50,000, 43% above; plus regional (about 1.23-3.33%) and municipal (up to 0.8%) surcharges.
Living
1
Happiness
#36 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU spouses (18 or over, not legally separated) or civil partners and minor children of a non-EU national legally resident in Italy.
Eligibility
Sponsor's permit
The sponsor holds an EU residence card, EU Blue Card, EU long-term residence permit, or a residence permit of at least 1 year for work, asylum, study, religious or family reasons.
Sponsor's prior residence
Since Law 187 of 9 December 2024, the sponsor must have at least 2 years of legal, uninterrupted stay in Italy before applying. This does not apply to EU Blue Card holders or intra-corporate transferees.
Family members
A spouse aged 18 or over, not legally separated (civil partners are treated the same way), and unmarried minor children. A sponsor already married to another spouse living in Italy cannot apply.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementIncome
- Document checklistOnline nulla osta application
- Steps to applyThe sponsor applies online to the Prefecture's Single Desk for Immigration for t
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Italy
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Italy
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyNational (D) visa for study - university enrolment
- Work permitsEntry for non-seasonal subordinate work within the Decreto Flussi quotas
- Asylum & protectionInternational protection in Italy
- CitizenshipConcessione della cittadinanza italiana per residenza
