The family reunification visa, pursuant to Articles 28 and 29 of Regulation 286/1998 and subsequent amendments and integrations, allows entry into Italy, for the purposes of a long-term stay, to foreign nationals with a relative residing in Italy that intends to exercise their right to maintain or restore family unity.
The visa for accompanying family members allows foreign nationals to enter Italy accompanied by their family members.
In order to obtain a family visa, foreign nationals must hold a special authorization, a clearance (nulla osta) for “accompanying family member” or “family reunification”, issued by the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione at the Prefecture of their place of residence, and transmitted electronically directly to the Consular Offices.Before applying for a visa for accompanying family members it is necessary to apply for a clearance at the SUI – Sportello Unico Immigrazione of the Prefecture in city where they are staying.
To request the clearance for family reunification, you must have accrued, at the time of the request, an uninterrupted period of legal residence of at least two years in the national territory.
The issuance of the clearance must be requested, after registering with a SPID digital identity, by filling in the appropriate forms on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
Alternatively the applicant, if abroad, can appoint a delegate. The delegated person can be an Italian or foreign colleague, already in Italy, with a valid residence permit. For information on how to delegate you can contact the relevant Italian Embassy or one of the assistance offices (Patronati) indicated below.
Attention: it is not easy to obtain a clearance for accompanying family members so it is recommended to contact the Italian Embassy in your country of residence well in advance. The Italian Embassy will provide all the information and can give useful suggestions. The list of Italian Embassies and Consulates can be found at this link.
General documentation to be produced (non-exhaustive list)
- have an annual minimum income that is at least equal to the annual amount of the social allowance (EUR 7.002,97 in 2025), increased by half the social allowance amount for each accompanying family member. If the income is earned abroad, the documents must be translated and legalised by the competent Italian Embassy
- availability of “appropriate” accommodation in Pisa, documented by a copy of the lease agreement duly registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, housing suitability and health and hygiene certification, verified by the competent local offices
- proof of family relationship. The certificates of family relationship (certificate of family status, marriage certificate, birth certificate) must be legalised by the Italian Embassy and accompanied by a certified Italian translation, made by the Embassy or by an official translator.
For accommodation, if you are abroad, it is recommended to book a hotel in Pisa for at least one month.
Recommended facilities:
For more suggestions, please check this page on accommodation for international students.
Assistance offices (Patronati) in Pisa:
If the request for a clearance for accompanying family members is successful, the delegate will be summoned by the Sportello Unico Immigrazione to collect the clearance, which will then be forwarded to the researcher. The Sportello Unico will send the clearance to the Italian Embassy or Consulate.
Applying for a visa for accompanying family members is only possible after obtaining the clearance.
After obtaining the visa and arrival in Italy, non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit within the first 8 days of arrival.
