by Grace Wilson University of Arkansas in Fayetteville Majoring in International and Global Studies with a minor in Legal Studies. Currently (2021) attending the university’s Rome Center. Intern at Family Law Italy- Rome: a boutique law firm shortlisted by the US and UK Embassy in Rome

Email info@familylawitaly.com Website: www.familylawitaly.com

Having your family with you is an important thing. Most people do not want to be separated from their children or partners. But how can you bring your family to Italy if you are working or going to school. Bringing your family members to live with you in Italy is possible under a special visa. However, the process can be tedious and there are quite a few documents needed to apply for the visa.

The first thing you need to know is who a family reunification visa is valid for, this includes; your spouse (if not legally separated and under 18), civil partners, unmarried children under the age of 18 (this can include children of your spouse and children born out of wedlock), dependent or disabled children who are over 18, and dependent parents[1].

In the case of dependent parents, you would have to prove that your parents do not have any other living descendants in the country of origin and you have to prove their health condition and dependent status. For applying for the reunification visas applicants will need to appear in person. You must provide the completed application form, valid passport or travel document, valid residence permit, entry clearance, proof of relationship, residence card with at least 1 year validity, (in the case of minors) written parental consent, and one way travel ticket reservation[2].

In order to bring your immediate family to Italy you also have to prove that your family income is at least 5,953.87 a year plus half of that amount for each family member you are bringing to Italy. You will also have to prove that you have adequate private housing in Italy.

A second way that you can bring your family to Italy is to apply for family cohesion. To gain this recognition you have to be of the same kinship, and like the family reunification process, you have to have a certain income and adequate housing[3]. The process for family cohesion is quite similar to family reunification. A marriage that happened in Italy can give you the right to family cohesion if you have been legally residing in Italy for at least one year. It is important to remember to go through all the appropriate steps and channels for arriving in Italy and for bringing your family to live with you. Illegally residing in Italy is obviously against the law and you can face fines, imprisonment, or expulsion.

Having a family together is important, for more information of family reunification and family cohesion you can look at the Italian Consulate website or at www.mondaq.com/italy/general-immigration/1015854/family-reunification-and-family-cohesion.

[1] Family Reunification.” Consolato Generale D’Italia Londra, Governo Italiano, 12 Mar. 2021, conslondra.esteri.it/consolato_londra/it/i_servizi/per_chi_si_reca_in_italia/family-reunification.html

[2] “Family Reunification.” Consolato Generale D’Italia Londra, Governo Italiano, 12 Mar. 2021, conslondra.esteri.it/consolato_londra/it/i_servizi/per_chi_si_reca_in_italia/family-reunification.html.

[3] Boccadutri, Calogero. “Family Reunification and Family Cohesion – Immigration – Italy.” Welcome to Mondaq, Boccadutri International Law Firm, 15 Dec. 2020, www.mondaq.com/italy/general-immigration/1015854/family-reunification-and-family-cohesion.

by Grace Wilson University of Arkansas in Fayetteville Majoring in International and Global Studies with a minor in Legal Studies. Currently (2021) attending the university’s Rome Center. Intern at Family Law Italy- Rome: a boutique law firm shortlisted by the US and UK Embassy in Rome

Email info@familylawitaly.com Website: www.familylawitaly.com

Having your family with you is an important thing. Most people do not want to be separated from their children or partners. But how can you bring your family to Italy if you are working or going to school. Bringing your family members to live with you in Italy is possible under a special visa. However, the process can be tedious and there are quite a few documents needed to apply for the visa.

The first thing you need to know is who a family reunification visa is valid for, this includes; your spouse (if not legally separated and under 18), civil partners, unmarried children under the age of 18 (this can include children of your spouse and children born out of wedlock), dependent or disabled children who are over 18, and dependent parents[1].

In the case of dependent parents, you would have to prove that your parents do not have any other living descendants in the country of origin and you have to prove their health condition and dependent status. For applying for the reunification visas applicants will need to appear in person. You must provide the completed application form, valid passport or travel document, valid residence permit, entry clearance, proof of relationship, residence card with at least 1 year validity, (in the case of minors) written parental consent, and one way travel ticket reservation[2].

In order to bring your immediate family to Italy you also have to prove that your family income is at least 5,953.87 a year plus half of that amount for each family member you are bringing to Italy. You will also have to prove that you have adequate private housing in Italy.

A second way that you can bring your family to Italy is to apply for family cohesion. To gain this recognition you have to be of the same kinship, and like the family reunification process, you have to have a certain income and adequate housing[3]. The process for family cohesion is quite similar to family reunification. A marriage that happened in Italy can give you the right to family cohesion if you have been legally residing in Italy for at least one year. It is important to remember to go through all the appropriate steps and channels for arriving in Italy and for bringing your family to live with you. Illegally residing in Italy is obviously against the law and you can face fines, imprisonment, or expulsion.

Having a family together is important, for more information of family reunification and family cohesion you can look at the Italian Consulate website or at www.mondaq.com/italy/general-immigration/1015854/family-reunification-and-family-cohesion.

[1] Family Reunification.” Consolato Generale D’Italia Londra, Governo Italiano, 12 Mar. 2021, conslondra.esteri.it/consolato_londra/it/i_servizi/per_chi_si_reca_in_italia/family-reunification.html

[2] “Family Reunification.” Consolato Generale D’Italia Londra, Governo Italiano, 12 Mar. 2021, conslondra.esteri.it/consolato_londra/it/i_servizi/per_chi_si_reca_in_italia/family-reunification.html.

[3] Boccadutri, Calogero. “Family Reunification and Family Cohesion – Immigration – Italy.” Welcome to Mondaq, Boccadutri International Law Firm, 15 Dec. 2020, www.mondaq.com/italy/general-immigration/1015854/family-reunification-and-family-cohesion.

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