Discover how your family could join you in Italy, the benefits and support dedicated to parents and children.
For information and to get support on family issues contact your host organization or the nearest EURAXESS Centre.
For general information visit the European Commission website: Your Europe - Family.
In general you may come to Italy with or be joined ONLY by the following family members:
- spouse not legally separated, 18 years old or older;
- children younger than 18;
- dependent children older than 18;
- dependent parents of the applicant for family reunion, if the applicant is the only offspring
There are several procedures for bringing your Non Eu relatives to Italy: Family reunification, Accompanying family members.
Different conditions may apply to family members willing to come or join you depending on applicant’s citizenship (If Eu or Italian please see Residence card section below).
Both procedures envisage an online application with the local one-stop shop (SUI -Sportello unico immigrazione) in Prefecture (Prefettura) and the issue, within 30 days from the request, of an entry clearance (nulla osta) prior to the entry visa.
Be informed that:
- Research visa OR research permit of stay holders are entitled to apply for family reunion regardless of the duration of their permit
- Applicants must hold a valid visa or valid permit of stay for at least 12 months (i.e. study permit of stay)
- Family permit of stay will have the same duration of the applicant’s permit.
- Dwelling suitability certificate (idoneità abitativa) is requested except for those holding a permit of stay or visa for research purposes (ricerca)
- Documents about family income (i.e. work contract, payslip, etc.) and family relations (i.e. recent marriage certificate and birth certificate for children) are required. Certificates issued by a foreign country must be legalized (or with Apostillae) and translated in Italian.
Your relatives will be able to join you in Italy once you have been settled down.
The process envisages the issue of an entry clearance (nulla osta) upon an online application with accompanying documents.
The process takes up to 90 days and it is performed by the immigration one-stop shop (SUI - Sportello Unico per l’ Immigrazione) of the local Prefecture (Prefettura).
- Only acknowledged Welfare agencies (Patronati) are entitled to submit online both the application form and the documents.
Family members have 6 months to apply for the entry visa at the Italian Diplomatic Representation (Consulate or Embassy) in their country of residence once the entry clearance is ready.
Within 8 days from their arrival in Italy, they must register at Prefecture (at SUI - Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) to collect the application kit for the permit of stay which must be sent by Post.
It is recommended to contact your host organisation or the nearest EURAXESS Centre to get support.
It addresses to relatives who travel with you when coming to Italy.
The application for the entry clereance (nulla osta) must be performed by a delegate, living in Italy, on your behalf.
Within 8 days from their arrival in Italy, they must register at Prefecture (at SUI - Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) to collect the application kit for the permit of stay which must be sent by Post.
It is recommended to contact your host organisation or the nearest EURAXESS Centre to get support.
This residence card (Carta di soggiorno per familiare di cittadino italiano o Eu) applies ONLY to Non Eu family members of Eu or Italian citizen.
The residence Card for EU Citizens' family members (Carta di soggiorno per familiare di cittadino italiano o Eu) lasts 5 years. Application must be made directly to the local Police headquarter (Questura).
A short term visa might be needed to enter Italy.
Discover the benefits dedicated to family members and children. Professional support is provided by Welfare agencies (Patronati) to apply for these benefits.
Under certain conditions, specific benefits are foreseen also if family members (i.e. spouse, children) live outside Italy.
For information and to get advice please contact your host organisation or the nearest EURAXESS Centre.
Family allowance (Assegno per nuclei familiari - ANF) is provided by INPS – National Social security Institutions.
It is paid on a monthly basis for those who are registered with INPS (Gestione separata scheme included).
Eligibility period runs from July, 1st of each year to June, 30th of the following year.
The amount depends on the household income (based on the tax year preceding July, 1st ) and the number of family members.
Tax credits for dependent children may be claimed from either parent. The credit amount varies according to the income.
Please see the EURAXESS Guide.
National Health Service (SSN) provides directly and free of charge prenatal care and medical assistance. Female workers are entitled to paid time off (permessi retribuiti) for prenatal visits and controls during working hours. Ask your hosting organization.
Family planning clinic (Consultorio) at Local Health Authorities (Azienda Sanitaria) offers professional psychological and medical prenatal support for free.
In Italy maternity benefits cover medical assistance, paid time off and cash benefits.
Maternity and parental leaves (Congedo di maternità/paternità) are foreseen by law. It could be compulsory and optional suspension of the performance of work by a working mother and father (periodo di astensione obbligatoria e facoltativa or congedo parentale). Maternity and parental leaves are paid time off.
- compulsory abstention (periodo di astensione obbligatoria) may start two months prior to the expected date of birth delivery and ending three months after the actual date of the birth delivery.
- optional abstention (periodo di astensione facoltativa or congedo parentale) covers a period of 6 months (180 days) that can be claimed until child aged 12.
Workers registered with the separate administration of INPS (gestione separata) and self-employed workers have a period of optional abstention for a period of only 3 months during the baby's three years of life.
Please contact your host organisation for information on maternity and parental leaves conditions.
Specific support and advice are provided by Welfare agencies (Patronati) for free.
For further information on the child-care system, contact the dedicated office (i.e. Social work services) of the Municipality you live in.