Family Reunification for Dependent Parents

The family reunification visa (Visto per Ricongiungimento Familiare) is a long-stay national D-type visa that allows non-EU citizens legally residing in Italy to bring eligible family members from abroad, including dependent parents. This pathway is governed by Legislative Decree No. 286/1998 (Testo Unico Immigrazione), which has been in effect since January 1999, and reflects Italy's constitutional commitment to family unity.

As of March 2026, this pathway remains active and accepting applications. However, significant recent legislative changes and pending reforms have made it more restrictive. On December 11, 2024, Law 187/2024 introduced a requirement that sponsors must have two continuous years of legal residence in Italy before applying for family reunification (with specific exemptions). More critically, on February 11, 2026, the Italian government approved a draft law proposing to remove dependent parents from eligible family categories entirely, leaving only minor children and spouses as eligible members. This bill is still subject to parliamentary discussion and has no confirmed passage date as of March 2026—but it represents a significant uncertainty for this pathway.

If you are considering sponsoring a dependent parent, you should understand that the legal landscape is shifting, and the window for applying under current rules may be closing.

Law 187/2024 (December 11, 2024)

The most significant recent change is the introduction of the two-year continuous residence requirement for sponsors. This came into force on December 11, 2024, and increased the threshold from one year to two years. If you have been in Italy for less than two years, you cannot currently sponsor a dependent parent unless you hold one of the exempted permit types (EU Blue Card, ICT, Investor Visa, or international protection status).

Pending Draft Law (February 11, 2026) — Critical Uncertainty

On February 11, 2026, the Italian government approved a draft law proposing substantial changes to family reunification eligibility. The key proposed change directly affecting this pathway is:

Removal of dependent parents as eligible family members: The draft proposes to eliminate the possibility of reuniting with parents and adult disabled dependent children, leaving only minor children (under 18) and spouses (with marriage formally registered in Italy) as eligible family categories.

This bill is still subject to discussion and possible amendments in Parliament. No confirmed passage date or final resolution has been announced as of March 2026. However, if this draft becomes law, the dependent parents pathway would cease to exist.

What this means for you: If you are considering sponsoring a dependent parent, you should act promptly if you currently meet eligibility criteria. The window for applying under current rules may be closing.

Once your residence permit for family reasons is granted, you have the following rights:

Residence and Work

• Right to reside legally in Italy
• Right to work without restrictions
• Right to access employment and change employment freely

Healthcare and Social Services

• Right to register with Italy's National Health Service (SSN) and access public healthcare
• Right to benefit from social services available to residents
• Right to access education and training

Travel

• Right to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Path to Permanent Residence

• After 5 years of continuous and legal residence, right to apply for long-term EU residence status (Permesso di Soggiorno CE per Lungo Soggiornanti), which provides permanent residence rights and freedom to work anywhere in the EU

Status Change Options

• If your sponsor's circumstances change (death, divorce, or separation), your residence permit may be converted to one for subordinated work, self-employed work, or study, allowing you to remain in Italy independently