Yes, if you're a non-EU citizen living in Italy, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa to bring your eligible family members to join you.
Yes, as a non-EU citizen living in Italy, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa to bring your eligible family members to join you in the country. The Family Reunion Visa is specifically designed for non-EU residents to reunite with their spouses, children, and other dependent family members in Italy. Below is a detailed guide on how to apply for the visa as a non-EU citizen living in Italy:
1. Eligibility to Apply for the Family Reunion Visa:
As a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa for your family members under the following conditions:
- Valid Residence Permit: You must hold a valid residence permit in Italy. You must have been living in Italy for at least one year to be eligible to sponsor a family member. The permit should be for a long-term stay, such as for work, study, or family reasons.
- Eligible Family Members: You can sponsor family members such as:
- Your spouse (husband or wife).
- Your minor children (under the age of 18).
- Dependent adult children (over 18), provided they are financially dependent on you.
- Your parents or other dependent relatives, subject to additional requirements.
2. Obtain Nulla Osta (Clearance Certificate):
Before your family members can apply for the visa, you must first apply for a Nulla Osta (clearance certificate) at the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (Immigration Desk) in Italy. This document grants permission for your family members to join you in Italy. You will need to prove that:
- You have adequate income to support your family members.
- You have suitable accommodation for them in Italy.
The Nulla Osta is valid for six months from the date of issuance. Your family members must apply for the visa within this timeframe.
3. Prepare the Required Documentation:
Once you have obtained the Nulla Osta, your family members must submit the necessary documents as part of their visa application:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity beyond the visa’s expiration date.
- Passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm).
- Original and copy of the Nulla Osta.
- Proof of family relationship, such as marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children.
- Proof of financial means to demonstrate that you can support your family members (e.g., pay slips, tax returns, or bank statements).
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental contract or property ownership documents).
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Italy.
4. Submit the Visa Application:
Your family members must submit their visa application at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in their home country. During the appointment, they will need to provide biometric data and the necessary documents. The consulate will review the application and process the visa.
5. Await Processing:
The processing time for the Family Reunion Visa can vary depending on the consulate, but it typically takes several weeks or months. Once the visa is approved, it will be affixed to their passport, allowing them to travel to Italy.
6. Upon Arrival in Italy:
Once your family members arrive in Italy, they must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days of their arrival at the local Questura (police station). The residence permit is typically valid for two years and can be renewed.
Conclusion:
As a non-EU citizen living in Italy, you are eligible to apply for a Family Reunion Visa to bring your eligible family members to Italy, provided you meet the requirements for income, accommodation, and relationship proof. By obtaining the Nulla Osta, submitting the visa application with necessary documents, and applying for a residence permit upon arrival, your family can join you in Italy to live and enjoy the benefits of family reunification.