Are dependent parents eligible for the Family Reunion Visa in Italy?

Yes, dependent parents are eligible for the Family Reunion Visa in Italy, provided you meet the income, accommodation, and dependency requirements.

Yes, dependent parents are eligible for the Family Reunion Visa in Italy, but certain conditions must be met to ensure that you can financially support them. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements and process for sponsoring dependent parents for a Family Reunion Visa.

1. Eligibility to Sponsor Dependent Parents:
To sponsor your dependent parents for a Family Reunion Visa, you must be legally residing in Italy, either as an Italian citizen, a non-EU national with permanent residency, or an EU national. Additionally, you must meet the income and accommodation requirements to show that you can adequately support your parents financially upon their arrival in Italy.

2. Proof of Dependency:
One of the key factors for sponsoring your parents is proving their dependency on you. To be eligible for a Family Reunion Visa, your parents must be financially dependent on you. This means you need to show that they rely on you for support, especially if they are elderly or unable to support themselves. Common documents to prove dependency include:

  • Financial Support Documents:
    Provide bank statements, proof of income, or affidavits from your parents showing their financial reliance on you.

  • Affidavit of Dependency:
    If necessary, submit an affidavit that formally states that your parents depend on you for their financial support.

3. Required Documentation for Dependent Parents:
You will need to submit the following documents to prove your relationship with your dependent parents and your ability to support them:

  • Proof of Relationship:
    Provide your birth certificate to establish the relationship between you and your parents.

  • Proof of Dependency:
    As mentioned, financial documents and affidavits are required to demonstrate that your parents are dependent on you.

  • Proof of Accommodation:
    You must show that you have suitable accommodation for your parents in Italy. This can be done by submitting a lease agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from your landlord confirming that your accommodation can support your parents.

  • Income Proof:
    You need to show that you have sufficient income to meet the financial requirements for family reunification. This can include salary slips, tax returns, or an employment contract. The minimum income requirement varies depending on the number of dependents you are sponsoring, but it must be enough to cover living expenses for you and your parents.

4. Applying for the Nulla Osta:
Before your dependent parents can apply for the Family Reunion Visa, you must apply for and obtain the Nulla Osta. This document is issued by the Italian authorities and authorizes family reunification. You will submit your application for the Nulla Osta at the local Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) in Italy. Once approved, the Nulla Osta is forwarded to the Italian consulate or embassy in your parents’ home country.

5. Visa Application Process:
Once the Nulla Osta is issued, your dependent parents can apply for the Family Reunion Visa at the Italian consulate. The visa application process may take 1 to 3 months, depending on the consulate's workload and the completeness of the documents.

6. Residence Permit in Italy:
After arriving in Italy, your parents must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days. This permit allows them to stay in Italy legally.

Conclusion:
Dependent parents are eligible for the Family Reunion Visa in Italy if you can prove their dependency on you and meet the financial and accommodation requirements. By providing the necessary documentation, such as proof of dependency and income, you can apply for the Nulla Osta and then submit the visa application for your parents. Once approved, your parents can join you in Italy and live with you legally.