Family Cohesion: What It Is and Who Can Apply

Family cohesion allows a foreign national who is already legally present in Italy to obtain a residence permit for family reasons by joining a family member who is legally living in the country.

Unlike family reunification, the family member is already in Italy. Therefore, a new entry visa is not required and, normally, there is no need to obtain prior authorisation from the Immigration Desk.

This procedure mainly concerns family members of non-EU foreign nationals. Different rules may apply to family members of Italian or EU citizens.

Who can apply?

Family cohesion may be requested by:

  1. a spouse or a partner in a legally recognised civil union;
  2. unmarried children under the age of 18;
  3. dependent adult children who are unable to support themselves because of total disability;
  4. dependent parents, in the cases established by law.

The family member with whom cohesion is requested must be legally residing in Italy and hold a residence permit that allows family unity.

What are the main requirements?

It is generally necessary to provide evidence of:

  1. the family relationship through official documents;
  2. sufficient income;
  3. suitable accommodation;
  4. the genuine nature of the family relationship and, when required, actual cohabitation.

Documents issued abroad must normally be translated and legalised or provided with an Apostille. Health coverage may also be required for parents over the age of 65.

Certain exceptions apply, particularly to beneficiaries of international protection.

How is the application submitted?

The application is generally submitted using the postal application kit. In some cases, particularly when the applicant is in Italy for a lawful short stay, the Police Headquarters may require a different procedure.

If the previous residence permit has expired, the application for conversion may be submitted within one year of its expiry. However, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible and check the instructions of the competent Police Headquarters in advance.

Duration of the permit and the right to work

The residence permit for family reasons normally has the same duration as the permit held by the family member with whom cohesion is requested. It can be renewed together with that permit.

It allows the holder to work as an employee or as a self-employed person and provides access to education, vocational training and the services established by law.

Important information about the two-year requirement

Following recent legislative changes, some Police Headquarters require the family member already residing in Italy to have completed two years of legal residence for certain categories of relatives.

However, the application of this requirement to family cohesion is not uniform and has also been challenged in court decisions. It is therefore advisable to check the individual circumstances before submitting the application.