TRANSLATION DISCLAIMER - The official text is the Italian version of the website. Any discrepancies or differences created in the English translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the Italian version of the website
Relevant legislation: Legislative Decree No. 30 of 6 February 2007 as amended.
Non-EU family members of an EU citizen who are eligible to apply are: the spouse or partner (in a registered partnership), direct descendants under the age of 21 or who are dependants, and those of the spouse; dependent direct ancestral relatives and those of the spouse or partner (in a registered partnership).
Since June 2024, the “family reasons” visa has been reintroduced for non-EU family members who intend to permanently reunite with Italian or European Union citizens residing in Italy. The application must be submitted to the Italian Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence.
RESIDENCE CARDS/PERMITS
ELECTRONIC RESIDENCE CARD FOR EU FAMILY MEMBERS: for family members of Italian or European Union (EU) citizens who exercise the right to move and reside freely within the EU, residence card is valid for 5 years in the case of first issue and for minors under 18, upon renewal valid for 10 years for adults who have acquired the right to permanent residence (production cost € 30.46). On remind non-UE family members of Italian or European Union citizens already residing in Italy that residence cards issued in paper format are no longer valid from 3 August 2023 and must be updated in electronic format.
FIVE-YEAR ELECTRONIC RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR FAMILY REASONS: for family members of Italian citizens who have NOT exercised the right to move and reside freely within the EU (so-called static citizens), five-year electronic residence permit is renewable and convertible into a residence permit for work (production cost €30.46).
ANNUAL / BIENNIAL ELECTRONIC RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR FAMILY REASONS for cohabiting relatives of Italian citizens within the 2nd degree of kinship who cannot apply for the residence card/permit abovementioned due to lack of requirements (e.g. insufficient economic resources, degree of family ties, etc.). Valid for 1 year, renewable (production cost €70.46). Relevant legislation: Legislative Decree 25 July 1998 n. 286 as amended.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE FIRST ISSUE:
(for those living in Arezzo and province)
1 - € 16.00 revenue stamp
2 - 4 recent and identical passport-sized photographs
3 - a valid passport - bearing an entry visa, where applicable - and a photocopy of its relevant pages (there is no need to photocopy blank pages)
4 - documents confirming the existence of a family relationship to an EU citizen and, where applicable, a certificate confirming the status of dependent family member of an EU citizen (for example: copy of the documentation issued or certified by the Italian Consulate that affixed the entry visa for family reasons or other suitable documentation for those who are already legally resident in Italy for another reason)
5 - self-certified Statement of cohabitation (and of maintenance if the applicant is a dependent family member of an EU citizen) duly undersigned by the EU citizen who must state the full current permanent address where they live together under the same roof, along with a certificate of registration of the EU citizen issued by the Anagrafe (Registry Office of the municipality of residence). If the EU citizen is Italian, a photocopy of his/her valid identity document will suffice in lieu of the certificate of registration
6 - up-to-date supporting evidence, if any, that the applicant is financially independent or that he/she is dependent on an EU citizen
7 – postal payment slip certifying the payment of € 30.46 for residence card / five-year residence permit or € 70,46 for annual residence permit. Pre-printed payment slips are available at post offices with "Sportello Amico" inside.
8 - For parents over sixty-five, see the note at the bottom.
HOW TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION (first time)
- Within 8 working days of entering Italy if in possession of a long-term visa for family reasons (visa letter “D”)
- after three months from entering Italy in the absence of a long-term family visa
- at any time if in possession of a national residence permit issued for other reasons and wish to replace it, provided with the requirements set out in Legislative Decree 30/2007.
By application kit in an open envelope to submit to the “Sportello Amico” of the post office. The appointment for the subsequent presentation at the Police Headquarters will be provided by the post office. Free and qualified assistance for completing the application kit can be obtained from the Patronati (trade union-based institutions) which have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Interior. They will also provide a list of the required documents ant the kit too. The list of the Patronati and Post Offices offering this service can be searched by municipality at www.portaleimmigrazione.it Alternatively, from March 10, 2025, it is possible to book an appointment through the PrenotaFacile platform at https://prenotafacile.poliziadistato.it/it/login. Registration is required. Further information on how the service works is available in the FAQ section of PrenotaFacile at https://prenotafacile.poliziadistato.it/it/faq
See also: Hospitality for non-EU citizens: obligations for those who, in any capacity, provide accommodation
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DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RENEWING OR UPDATING A PREVIOUS RESIDENCE CARD/FIVE YEARS RESIDENCE PERMIT:
(for those living in Arezzo and province - please note: the Immigration Office reserves the right to ask for additional documentation if necessary):
1 - € 16.00 revenue stamp
2 - 4 recent and identical passport-sized photographs
3 - Valid passport in original (to be shown) and photocopy (all pages)
4 - Expiring EU family member residence card/permit
5 - updated documents relating to accommodation and proof of financial means, if any
6 – postal payment slip certifying the payment of 30.46 euros for the electronic residence card/five-year residence permit. Pre-printed payment slips are available at post offices with "Sportello Amico" inside.
HOW TO SUBMIT THE RENEWAL/UPDATE APPLICATION
- Before the expiration of the previous residence permit (preferably at least 60 days before the expiration)
By application kit in an open envelope to submit to the “Sportello Amico” of the post office. The appointment for the subsequent presentation at the Police Headquarters will be provided by the post office. Free and qualified assistance for completing the application kit can be obtained from the Patronati (trade union-based institutions) which have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Interior. They will also provide a list of the required documents ant the kit too. The list of the Patronati and Post Offices offering this service can be searched by municipality at www.portaleimmigrazione.it Alternatively, from March 10, 2025, it is possible to book an appointment through the PrenotaFacile platform at https://prenotafacile.poliziadistato.it/it/login. Registration is required. Further information on how the service works is available in the FAQ section of PrenotaFacile at https://prenotafacile.poliziadistato.it/it/faq
PLEASE NOTE: cohabiting relatives of Italian citizens within the second degree of kinship, who cannot apply for the card or the five-year residence permit provided for by Legislative Decree no. 30/2007 due to the lack of sufficient economic resources or because they are not included in the "family members" provided for by art. 2 of the aforementioned legislation, must request the renewal/update of the annual/biennial residence permit exclusively with the postal kit.
PARENTS OVER SIXTY-FIVE - the non-dependent live-in parent over sixty-five of an Italian citizen, who entered Italy after November 5, 2008, for the electronic residence permit needs a full health insurance coverage valid throughout Italy or the registration with the Italian national health service (for information please contact the Local Health Unit showing the receipt of application issued by the Police Headquarters). If the insurance is taken out after applying for the residence permit, the relevant documents must be submitted to the Immigration Office in the shortest possible time.