VISA FEE: FREE
A specific regime, different from that provided for under the Italian Immigration Act (Legislative Decree 286/1998), applies to family members of Italian or EU so-called “active” citizens, meaning those who exercise their right to free movement, as regulated by Legislative Decree No. 30 of 6 February 2007, which transposes EU Directive 2004/38/EC.
In this case, the visa is issued free of charge, through a priority procedure, and no Nulla Osta is required.
Under Article 2 of Legislative Decree 30/2007, the following are considered eligible family members:
- the spouse or the partner in a same‑sex civil union;
- children under 21 years of age, or over 21 if dependent, including those of the spouse or civil‑union partner;
- dependent parents, including those of the spouse or civil‑union partner.
Article 3 of the same decree does not grant a right to the issuance of a family visa but requires the Member State to facilitate the entry of other family members who, although not falling within the categories listed above, can demonstrate that they are cohabiting with or economically dependent on the EU citizen in the country of origin. The same provision applies to a partner with whom the EU citizen has a stable, duly attested relationship, even if not formalised as marriage or civil union. In such cases, the documentation submitted—such as proof of cohabitation, financial support, or stable correspondence—will be assessed to verify the genuine nature of the relationship.
What documentation is required?
To obtain the visa, the applicant must submit, in addition to the duly completed and signed application form, a valid travel document and passport photos:
- Appropriate documentation proving the family or marital relationship with the Italian or EU citizen. For example:
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- Marriage certificate and related registration with the Italian municipality of residence for the spouse/partner in a same‑sex civil union;
- Full birth certificate / adoption decree / judicial order of foster care or guardianship, as well as the travel authorisation of the non‑accompanying parent, for minor children.
For children over 21 years old, proof of dependency must also be provided (bank transfer receipts for the two years preceding the visa application and the current year, complete and organised by month); - Full birth certificate of the foreign national legally residing in Italy and of the visa applicant, and proof of dependency on the EU citizen with whom reunification is sought (bank transfer receipts for the two years preceding the visa application and the current year, complete and organised by month), for dependent parents.
PLEASE NOTE: Civil status documents must be legalised in advance by the Consular Office of the Embassy and accompanied by an Italian translation certified by the same Office. These services are also provided through VFS, where appointments must be booked.
PLEASE NOTE: All documents and judicial measures referenced in the marginal notes of civil status records must also be attached (these do not require prior legalisation).
Any corrections required (e.g., discrepancies in dates of birth or marriage) must be made according to national legislation in force and must appear in the marginal notes, or a photocopy of the civil status register containing the original act must be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: The submission of false or forged documents constitutes a criminal offence and results not only in visa refusal but also in the transmission of a criminal report to the competent Italian Public Prosecutor’s Office.