Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is an Italian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Italy
You can live in Italy with the citizen through whom you have this right, without an ordinary immigration permit.
Your card proves your right and is valid for five years, but you can exercise your right without it.
After five continuous years of lawful residence with that citizen, you gain permanent residence and can request a permanent residence card.
Move with your family
You can join or accompany the citizen through whom you have your right to another EU country under its family residence rules.
A stay over three months depends on that citizen's circumstances and the host country's registration or card rules.
Study in Italy
You can study in Italy and work while you study.
Work in Italy
You can work for an employer or work for yourself, and change employer or activity.
Some work is reserved by law for Italian citizens.
Travel in Europe
You can travel in the EU with a valid passport.
A valid residence card normally removes the entry-visa requirement when you accompany or join the citizen through whom you have your right, including when entering Italy.
Get consular help
When accompanying the citizen through whom you have your right, you may be covered by EU consular protection as their family member.
Whether you are covered depends on the rules of the country providing help.
Use public healthcare
Your access to public healthcare depends on your entitlement under Italy's health service or health insurance rules.
Your residence card is not health insurance.
Access public support
You have equal treatment with Italian citizens for available public services and benefits, under each benefit's rules.
Social assistance may be excluded for the first three months unless you qualify through work or another law.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your police office
Find the immigration office at the police headquarters responsible for the place where you live in Italy.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Questura handles the carta di soggiorno familiare UE for someone living in your city, Italy?”
Get the application form
Get Modulo 209 for the residence card application.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get Modulo 209 for the carta di soggiorno familiare UE in Italy?”
Fill in the form
Fill in and sign Modulo 209, including the details of any minor children whose cards you are requesting or whose details need to be included.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Modulo 209 for the carta di soggiorno familiare UE in Italy?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the police office.
See required documentsHand in your application
After you have been in Italy for three months, hand in your signed form and documents at your police office using its submission procedure; bring originals and copies. Pay the required stamp and card-production costs using the office’s payment instructions, and keep your application receipt.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a carta di soggiorno familiare UE application at the Questura in your city, Italy?”
Attend any later appointment
Go to the police office if it asks you to return for fingerprints or a document check.
Find appointment informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend a Questura fingerprint appointment for a carta di soggiorno familiare UE in Italy?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the police office to decide your application, and answer any requests for more information or documents.
See how to follow upSearches DuckDuckGo for “How can I follow up on a carta di soggiorno familiare UE application in Italy?”
Collect your card
When the police office asks you to collect your card, go there with the requested photographs and original identification. Your card is evidence of your right to live in Italy as a family member of an EU citizen.
Find collection informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my carta di soggiorno familiare UE from the Questura in Italy?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Child's birth certificate
Get your Italian child's birth extract showing both parents' names. If it was issued in Italy, show the original and bring a copy for the residence card application.
Child's residence record * *
Get your Italian child's registration certificate from the municipality in Italy, or the receipt showing that your child has requested registration. Bring the original and a copy for the residence card application.
* Only if you apply for the residence card in Italy.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Documents and records
Keep a valid passport and card, register your residence and report changes to your address, family relationship or the citizen's qualifying status.
The card is valid for five years and needs replacement or renewal, but its expiry does not automatically end your residence right.
Time outside Italy
Temporary absences of up to six months per year are protected.
One absence of up to twelve months is protected for important reasons such as pregnancy, maternity, serious illness or study.
Residence can be lost
You may lose residence if the citizen's qualifying right, your family tie or required dependency ends, or you exceed the protected absence periods.
Some people can stay independently; permanent residence ends after more than two consecutive years abroad.
Removal is possible on public-order or security grounds, with stronger protection for permanent residents.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Italy interested in Italian visas
Request to joinItaly Family Visa & VFS Updates
Facebook group for people living in Italy interested in Italian visas (Bangla & English)
Join on FacebookItaly Family Reunion Visa Information
Facebook group for people living in Italy interested in Italian visas (English & Urdu)
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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