What is the minimum income required in 2026?

To reunite 1 family member: annual income equal to the annual social allowance (approx. €6,947). For 2 members: amount equal to the social allowance + 50%. For 3 or more: amount equal to twice the social allowance. Income is evidenced by CUD, 730, Modello Unico or, for self-employed, tax return. The income of a cohabiting spouse can be combined.

Can I apply for family reunification with a fixed-term work permit?

Yes, provided the permit has at least 1 year of remaining validity at the date of application. Seasonal permits or permits for medical treatment do not give the right to family reunification.

What happens if the application is rejected?

You can appeal to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) within 60 days of the rejection notice, or make an extraordinary appeal to the President of the Republic within 120 days. It is strongly advised to use a lawyer or an immigrant rights association (e.g. ASGI, CARITAS).

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Family reunification: how to bring your family to Italy

Family reunification allows non-EU foreign nationals legally resident in Italy to bring their family members to live with them. The procedure is started at the Single Immigration Desk (SUI) at the Prefecture of their city. Timelines are long (6-18 months) and income and housing requirements must be scrupulously met.

Authority

Prefettura — Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione

Time

60 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Valid residence permit (not seasonal, not short-term study) — at least 1 year remaining validity
✓Minimum annual income equal to the social allowance (approx. €6,947 for one family member, increases for each additional member)
✓Suitable accommodation: habitability certificate issued by the Municipality
✓Documents for the family member to be reunited: passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (apostilled and translated)
✓€16 revenue stamp + secretarial fees

Step-by-step procedure

Check requirements and eligible family members

The following can be reunited: spouse not legally separated (must be at least 18 years old); minor children (including the spouse's, if dependent and unmarried); adult children who are totally disabled and dependent; dependent parents, if the applicant has no other siblings in the country of origin, or if over 65 and other family members cannot provide for them due to serious health reasons. Not eligible for reunification: siblings, grandparents, unmarried partners (except recognised civil unions).

EU citizens (and their family members) follow a different, simpler procedure based on Directive 2004/38/EC.

Submit the application to the Single Immigration Desk

The application is submitted to the SUI at the Prefecture for your province of residence. In many provinces an appointment can be booked online (portale immigrazione.gov.it). Bring all original documentation + copies: residence permit, passport, apostilled family documents, habitability certificate, CUD or 730 form to prove income, hospitality declaration.

The habitability certificate is requested at the Municipality office where the property is located. Time: 2-8 weeks.

Wait for the nulla osta and visa for your family member

After the investigation (3-12 months), the Prefecture issues the nulla osta for family reunification. The family member abroad must then go to the Italian Consulate in their country to apply for a family reunification visa (type D), presenting the original nulla osta. Within 8 days of entering Italy, the family member must go to the Police Headquarters (Questura) to apply for a residence permit for family reasons.

The visa must be applied for within 1 year of the nulla osta being issued: after that it expires.

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Portale Immigrazione — Sportello Unico

Ministero dell'Interno — Prefettura

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Prefettura — Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione

Phone

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.