Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You'll apply for your child's family reunification visa in two main stages: first, your parent or guardian in Italy obtains authorization from the Italian government, then your child applies for the actual visa at an Italian consulate. The entire process typically takes 3–6 months.
Stage 1: Nulla Osta (Entry Authorization) — Sponsor in Italy
Your parent or guardian in Italy begins by applying for a nulla osta (authorization for family reunification) from the local Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione, or SUI) at the Prefecture (Prefettura) in the province where they live.
How to submit:
- Visit the Ministry of Interior's online Services Portal (Portale Servizi)
- Register using SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale), Italy's public digital identity system
- Complete and submit the nulla osta application form online
- Alternatively, your sponsor can submit the application in person at the local Prefecture or with help from accredited municipal offices or national associations
Processing time:
- Legal maximum: 150 days (about 5 months)
- Typical: 60–90 days, though this varies by Prefecture
- The Prefecture may call your sponsor in for an in-person appointment to verify documents
After approval:
- The nulla osta is valid for 6 months
- It is communicated electronically to the Italian consulate in your country of residence
- You must apply for your visa within this 6-month window
Stage 2: Visa Application — Child at Italian Consulate
Once the nulla osta is issued and sent to the consulate, you apply for your family reunification visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
How to apply:
- Contact the Italian consulate in your country to book a visa appointment
- Attend your appointment in person at the consulate
- Submit all required documents (see the Required Documents section below)
- The consulate will verify your family relationship and review your paperwork
Processing time:
- Typically 3–6 weeks to several months, depending on the consulate's workload
- Some consulates process applications within 30 days, but delays are common
Visa validity:
- Your visa is valid for 365 days (one year) from issuance
- It allows multiple entries into Italy
- You must enter Italy within this validity period
Stage 3: Entry into Italy
You enter Italy using your family reunification visa stamped in your passport. You must enter within 6 months of the nulla osta issuance (or within your visa's 12-month validity, whichever comes first).
Stage 4: Residence Permit Application — Child in Italy
Critical deadline: Within 8 days of arrival in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari) at the local police headquarters (Questura) or through the Immigration Desk.
How to apply:
- Obtain a postal kit (kit postale) from Poste Italiane (Italian postal service)
- Complete the forms in the kit
- Submit the kit at a post office counter (Sportello Amico)
- Attend a scheduled appointment with the immigration office to provide biometric data (fingerprints)
Processing time:
- The residence permit is typically issued within 2–3 months of application
Permit validity:
- Your residence permit is valid for the same duration as your sponsor's residence permit
- For example, if your sponsor holds a 2-year work permit, your family residence permit will also be valid for 2 years
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nulla Osta application — revenue stamps (marca da bollo) | €32 (two stamps at €16 each) |
| Family reunification visa | Free |
| Residence permit contribution fee (3–12 months) | €40 |
| Residence permit contribution fee (12–24 months) | €50 |
| Postal kit fee | €30–40 |
| Revenue stamp for residence permit application | €16 |
| Postal kit administrative costs | €30 |
| Electronic residence permit card issuance | €30.46 |
| Subtotal for core visa and permit fees | €178–208 |
Additional costs not included in the table above:
- Translation and legalization of documents: €200–500+ (depending on the number of documents and your country of origin)
- Private health insurance (if required): €80+ per month
- Consulate service fees (some consulates): €30–40
- Courier or mailing costs: Variable
Total estimated cost: Approximately €338–348 for core visa and permit fees alone. If you need private health insurance for at least one month, budget an additional €80–100.
Processing Time
Overall Timeline
The typical total processing time from your sponsor's initial nulla osta application to your residence permit issuance is 3–6 months.
Detailed Breakdown by Stage
Nulla Osta application to approval: 60–150 days
- Legal maximum: 150 days
- Typical: 60–90 days
- Varies significantly by Prefecture
Nulla Osta validity period: 6 months
- You must apply for your visa within this window
Visa application to approval: 3–6 weeks to several months
- Varies significantly by consulate
- Some consulates process within 30 days; others take longer due to workload
Visa validity: 365 days (one year)
- You must enter Italy within this period
Residence permit application to issuance: 2–3 months
- Must be submitted within 8 days of arrival in Italy
Factors That Affect Processing Speed
- Prefecture or consulate workload: Some offices process applications faster than others
- Document completeness: Missing or incorrect documents cause delays
- Housing verification: New on-site municipal inspections under Law 187/2024 may add time
- Parental consent verification: If required, verifying the other parent's consent can extend timelines
- Your age: If you are approaching 18, ensure the application is submitted and approved before your 18th birthday