Family

Family cohesion

Coesione familiare-ricongiungimento in sede

Family cohesion allows the family member to apply for a family residence permit directly in Italy ONLY IF he/she has all the requirments and the documentation requested for the family reunification procedure. 

Family member can enter Italy for 90 days or less according to the entry visa or without it if they are exempted from it. Before the expiry date of the visa or by 90 days, family member needs to apply for  family cohesion to keep staying legally in Italy. 

No need to get the entry clereance for family (nulla osta)  and the relative visa. 

Make sure to:
- declare the presence (for family cohesion it is always required)
- submit the property disposal at  Questura.

Both papers must be included in the request for the permit of stay.

 

Who can apply?
It can only be requested by the Non Eu family member of a Non Eu citizen already legally resident in Italy. 

Who is eligible?
Eligible family members are the same as those for family reunification

What are the conditions to apply?
The same as those for family reunification. Family members can apply for family cohesion provided that the person to join in Italy:

  • is legally resident in Italy (for reasons such as study, research, work, etc.);
  • has sufficient income to maintain all the family members;
  • has a suitable accommodation (please visit Idoneità abitativa webpage).

 

How to apply?

Family member need to apply for family permit of stay to the local Questura by sending the immigration kit at the post office. For minors please visit Residence permit for minors webpage. 

For information about cost, documents to be included, etc. please read carefully Family residence permit webpage

It is also necessary to demonstrate certificates regarding the family relation (birth and/or marriage certificate or other deeds relating to the family status).

Certificates or any other documents issued by a foreign authority other than Italian need to be translated in Italian and legalised by the Italian Embassy to be accepted once in Italy or by the Italian courthall. Documents with apostille are legally recognised in Italy provided that they are translated in Italian.

Things to Know

Make sure to have the certificates ready and to meet all the requirements when applying at local Questura for the residence permit.

Non EU family members who apply for family reunion/hold a family permit of stay are entitled to register with the Italian National Health System for free or by paying an annual feeClick here for more info.