Bank Guarantee for Family Reunification Visa

For family reunification in 2024, the procedures and requirements align with Italian and European regulations, though they may be updated. Below are the main requirements and necessary documentation to begin the process:

1. Requirements for the applicant
   The applicant must meet certain criteria to request family reunification for their relatives. The main requirements include:
   • Valid residence permit: The applicant must be a non-EU citizen with a valid residence permit for at least one year, issued for reasons such as work, study, political asylum, subsidiary protection, or family reasons.
   • Sufficient income: The applicant must demonstrate they have a minimum income sufficient to support themselves and the family members they intend to reunite. For 2024, the minimum income must be:
     • Equal to or greater than the annual amount of the social allowance, increased by a certain percentage for each family member (in 2023, the social allowance was about €6,000 annually, but this may vary in 2024).
     • For each additional family member, the required income increases (e.g., approximately €8,000 for two people, and so on).
   • Suitable accommodation: The applicant must prove they have housing that meets the hygiene and housing standards set by Italian law. A certificate of housing suitability issued by the local municipality is required.
   • Health insurance: For parents over 65 years of age, a health insurance policy covering medical risks may be required, or they may need to be enrolled in the National Health Service (SSN).
2. Eligible family members
   The applicant can request reunification for the following family members:
   • A spouse who is not legally separated and is of legal age.
   • Minor children (including those of the spouse or born out of wedlock, if dependent).
   • Dependent adult children, if due to health reasons they cannot support themselves.
   • Dependent parents if they have no other children in the country of origin, or if they are over 65 and the applicant can prove they are the sole financial support.
3. Required documentation
   To initiate the family reunification process, the following documents are needed:
   • A copy of the applicant’s residence permit.
   • A copy of the applicant’s passport and the family member’s passport to be reunited.
   • Documents proving the family relationship: for example, a marriage certificate for the spouse, birth certificate for the children, etc.
   • Proof of income: pay slips, tax returns, employment contract, etc.
   • Certificate of housing suitability: issued by the local municipality in Italy, confirming that the housing meets the required standards.
   • Health insurance policy (if required) for elderly parents.
4. Application procedure
   The family reunification process follows these steps:
   • Submission of the application: The application must be submitted online through the Immigration Portal of the Ministry of the Interior (https://nullaostalavoro.dlci.interno.it). After completing the registration, the applicant needs to fill out the “S” form and upload the necessary documents.
   • Issuance of the permit (nulla osta): If the Prefecture approves the application and all requirements are met, the family reunification permit (nulla osta) will be issued within 90 days. This document is sent to the Italian Consulate in the family member’s country of residence.
   • Visa application: The family member abroad must go to the Italian Consulate to apply for the entry visa for family reasons, submitting the nulla osta and other documents (passport, passport-size photos, etc.).
   • Entry into Italy and residence permit application: After entering Italy, within 8 days, the family member must apply for a residence permit for family reasons at the local Police Headquarters (Questura).
5. Costs
   The main costs associated with the family reunification process are:
   • €16 revenue stamp (marca da bollo) for the application.
   • Contribution for the residence permit (ranging from €30 to €200 depending on the duration of the permit).
   • Any costs for certifying housing suitability and health insurance (if necessary).
6. Processing times
   • The nulla osta should be issued within 90 days of the application date.
   • The family member’s entry visa may take a few weeks after the issuance of the nulla osta.
   • The residence permit is issued after the application is submitted to the Police Headquarters.

Summary of the main steps for family reunification in 2024:

• Prepare the required documents: family relationship, income, housing, etc.
• Submit the online application through the Immigration Portal.
• The Prefecture issues the nulla osta.
• The family member applies for a visa at the Italian Consulate with the nulla osta.
• Enter Italy and apply for the residence permit.

This process may vary slightly in 2024, so it is always advisable to check official websites or seek assistance from a legal advisor or immigration specialist.

How long does it take to obtain a family reunification visa?

The time required to obtain a family reunification visa can vary depending on several factors, but the process generally follows these timelines:

1. Issuance of the family reunification permit (nulla osta)
   The first step in obtaining the visa is requesting the nulla osta from the Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione – SUI) at the Italian Prefecture. The expected time for the issuance of the nulla osta is a maximum of 90 days from the submission of the application, according to current regulations. However, in some cases, it may take longer if the submitted documentation requires additional checks or further information.
2. Visa application at the Consulate
   Once the nulla osta is issued, it is electronically sent to the Italian Consulate in the family member’s country of residence. The family member must personally apply for the visa at the Italian Consulate, providing the nulla osta and other documents (passport, photographs, identity documents, etc.).
   The Consulate usually processes the visa application within 30 days from the submission of the application. However, the processing time may vary depending on the Consulate, the country of residence, and the individual situation.
3. Overall timeline
   In total, the complete process may take approximately 3 to 4 months, considering the following timeframes:
   • Up to 90 days for the issuance of the nulla osta.
   • Up to 30 days for the issuance of the visa by the Consulate.
4. In more complex situations or during periods of high demand, processing times may be extended, but under normal circumstances, this is the expected timeline.

Factors that may affect processing times:

• The need for further checks on the submitted documents.
• The completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents.
• Any requests for additional information or clarifications.
• The workload of the Immigration Office or the Italian Consulate.