Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You'll submit your application in two main phases: first, your sponsor (the family member already in Italy) applies for a nulla osta (entry clearance) through the Italian Prefecture, and then you apply for the visa at an Italian consulate in your home country.
Phase 1: Nulla Osta Application (Sponsor's Responsibility in Italy)
Step 1: Gather All Required Documents
Your sponsor must collect proof of income, housing, residence status, and your family relationship. This includes:
- Tax returns and pay slips (last 3 months)
- Employment contract or hiring letter
- Housing suitability certificate from the municipality
- Copy of valid residence permit
- Your birth certificate (original, translated into Italian, and legalized via apostille)
Step 2: Submit Online Through the Ministry Portal
Your sponsor submits the nulla osta application exclusively online at https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.gov.it/AliSportello/ali/home.htm. Access requires SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) or a Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE — Italian electronic ID card).
All documents must be scanned and uploaded as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF files, with each file not exceeding 3MB.
Step 3: Receive Confirmation
The system sends an automated confirmation with the application date and time.
Step 4: Prefecture Review
The Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (Immigration Desk) at the Prefecture reviews the application. The office may request an in-person appointment to verify documents or may request additional information.
Step 5: Nulla Osta Decision
Within 90 days, the Prefecture either issues the nulla osta or denies the application. The nulla osta is valid for 6 months from issuance. Once issued, it is communicated electronically to the Italian consulate in your country of residence.
Phase 2: Visa Application (Your Responsibility Abroad)
Step 1: Schedule a Consular Appointment
You must book an appointment at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. You have 6 months from the nulla osta issuance to submit your visa application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather:
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (color, full face, front view)
- Birth certificate (original, translated into Italian, and legalized)
- Medical certificate of total disability issued by a doctor appointed by the Italian consulate in your country — this is critical and must document that you have 100% invalidity and are permanently unable to support yourself
- Proof of private health insurance valid for the Schengen Area (if required by your consulate)
- Copy of the nulla osta
Step 3: Attend Your Consular Appointment
At your appointment, you will:
- Submit the completed visa application form
- Present all original documents
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)
- Sign the application in the presence of a consular officer
Step 4: Consular Review and Visa Issuance
The consulate verifies your family relationship, medical documentation, and all requirements. If approved, you receive a Type D national visa for family reasons, valid for one year from issuance and allowing multiple entries. The visa is issued free of charge.
The consulate typically issues the visa within 30 days, though processing times vary by consulate location.
Phase 3: Entry into Italy and Residence Permit Application
Step 1: Enter Italy
You must enter Italy within the one-year validity period of your visa.
Step 2: Apply for Residence Permit Within 8 Days
Within 8 days of arrival, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari) at the Questura (police headquarters) or through the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione.
You will obtain an application kit (kit postale) from a designated post office, complete it, and submit it. The post office will schedule a biometric appointment at the Questura.
Step 3: Provide Biometric Data
At your Questura appointment, you provide fingerprints and photographs.
Step 4: Sign the Integration Agreement
Upon your first residence permit request, you must sign the Accordo di Integrazione (Integration Agreement) with the Italian State. This is a binding commitment to learn Italian and understand Italian civic life.
Step 5: Attend Civic Education Session
Within 8 days of signing the Integration Agreement, you must book and attend a Civic Education session at a CPIA (Centro Provinciale per l'Istruzione degli Adulti) or CTP (Centro Territoriale Permanente). This session covers Italian civic life and may include Italian language instruction up to level A2.
Step 6: Residence Permit Issuance
Once approved, you receive an electronic residence permit (PSE) valid for the same duration as your sponsor's residence permit.
Phase 4: Municipal Registration
Step 1: Register at Your Municipality
Within 20 days of submitting your residence permit application, register at the municipal registry (anagrafe). Bring:
- Copy of the nulla osta
- Copy of your residence permit application form
- Receipt from the post office
Step 2: Obtain Your Tax Code
The tax code (Codice Fiscale) is issued by the Sportello Unico during the residence permit request process.
Step 3: Obtain Health Insurance Card
Present your tax code and post office receipt to the local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) to obtain your health insurance card (tessera sanitaria).
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Type D family visa | Free |
| Residence permit (3–12 months) | €40 |
| Residence permit (12–24 months) | €50 |
| Long-term residence permit | €100 |
| Postal kit sending | €30 |
| Tax stamp (marca da bollo) | €16 |
| Residence permit issuance costs | €30.46 |
| Professional document translation (per document) | €50–€150 |
| Apostille certification (per document) | €10–€50 |
| Medical examination by consular doctor | €100–€300 |
| Private health insurance (annual) | €50–€200+ |
Total Estimate: €300–€1,000+ for government fees and mandatory costs, plus €500–€2,000+ if you hire an immigration lawyer or consultant.
Does not include: Professional legal assistance, additional document translations beyond those listed, travel costs to the consulate, or costs related to obtaining the Housing Suitability Certificate (which varies by municipality).
Processing Time
Nulla Osta Stage (in Italy): Official deadline is 90 days from application submission. In practice, expect 1 to 3 months depending on the Prefecture's workload.
Visa Application Stage (at Consulate): Official deadline is 30 days from application submission. In practice, expect 1 to 3 months depending on consulate workload.
Residence Permit Application (in Italy): Official deadline is 60 days from application submission. Processing times vary significantly depending on Questura workload.
Total End-to-End Timeline: Realistically, 3 to 6 months from start to finish, though cases can take longer due to Prefecture and consulate backlogs, incomplete documentation, or delays in obtaining the Housing Suitability Certificate.
Document Validity Periods:
- Housing Suitability Certificate: valid for 6 months from issuance
- Nulla osta: valid for 6 months from issuance (you must apply for the visa within this window)
- Type D family visa: valid for 1 year from issuance (you must enter Italy within this period)
- Residence permit: issued for the same duration as your sponsor's residence permit