Yes, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa for family members in a different country, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and reside legally.
Yes, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa for family members who are in a different country from yours. The Italian authorities allow family reunification applications to be processed at the Italian consulate or embassy in the country where your family members currently reside, even if it is not your home country. Here’s what you need to know about applying for a Family Reunion Visa for family members in a different country:
1. Application Process from a Third Country: Family members who are residing in a country other than your home country can still apply for a Family Reunion Visa through the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in their country of residence. The process and documentation requirements are the same as if they were applying from their home country.
2. Eligibility Requirements: To apply for a Family Reunion Visa for family members living in a different country, they must meet the following general eligibility criteria:
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Legal Residence in the Country of Application:
Your family members must be legally residing in the country where they are applying for the Family Reunion Visa. They must provide proof of legal status in that country, such as a valid visa, residence permit, or other documentation that proves their right to reside there. -
Proof of Relationship:
You will need to provide evidence of your relationship to the family members being sponsored. This includes documents like marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children. These documents must be translated into Italian and, if necessary, legalized or apostilled.
3. Documents Required for Family Members in a Different Country: Your family members will need to submit the required documentation to the Italian consulate or embassy in the country where they are living. These typically include:
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Proof of Relationship:
Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or legal documents confirming the family relationship with the sponsor. -
Valid Passports:
Your family members must provide their valid passports, which should have at least three months of validity beyond the intended stay in Italy. -
Proof of Financial Support:
As the sponsor, you will need to provide evidence of your financial ability to support your family members once they arrive in Italy. This can include income statements, tax returns, or proof of employment. -
Proof of Accommodation:
Documentation showing that you have suitable accommodation in Italy for your family members, such as a lease agreement or property ownership papers. -
Health Insurance:
Proof of health insurance coverage for your family members, either through the Italian public healthcare system (SSN) or private health insurance.
4. Application Procedure: The application procedure remains the same regardless of the country from which your family members apply:
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Visa Application Submission:
Your family members will need to submit their Family Reunion Visa application to the relevant Italian consulate or embassy in their country of residence. The consulate will assess the application, conduct interviews if necessary, and process the visa application. -
Processing Time:
The processing time for the Family Reunion Visa typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the consulate’s workload and the completeness of the documents provided.
5. Additional Considerations:
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Legal Status in the Country of Residence:
Ensure that your family members’ legal status in the country of residence is valid throughout the application process. If their visa or residence permit is about to expire, this could delay the application process. -
Language and Document Translation:
Documents submitted in languages other than Italian may need to be translated into Italian and, in some cases, legalized or apostilled to meet consular requirements.
6. Conclusion: Yes, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa for family members who are in a different country from yours. As long as your family members are legally residing in the country where they are applying, they can submit their application through the nearest Italian consulate or embassy. By ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate, you can facilitate the process and reunite with your family in Italy.