{"id":6661,"date":"2026-10-14T18:15:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T16:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shimmigrations.com\/family-reunification-italian-citizens\/"},"modified":"2026-10-14T18:15:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T16:15:30","slug":"family-reunification-italian-citizens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shimmigrations.com\/en\/family-reunification-italian-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"Family Reunification with an Italian Citizen: Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our guide to family reunification<\/a>, we have already explained the requirements and procedure for family reunification between a foreign national living in Italy and their family members.<\/p>\n

Family reunification with an Italian citizen or an EU citizen<\/strong> applies to the foreign family members of Italian or EU citizens who live in Italy or are returning to Italy. It follows similar principles but with considerable simplifications<\/strong> and additional safeguards.<\/p>\n

What is the legal basis for family reunification with an Italian citizen?<\/h2>\n

As always, let us start from the facts: from what is written in the law, which gives rise to citizens\u2019 rights and to the duties of the Public Administration towards them.<\/p>\n

The legal cornerstone of family reunification with an Italian citizen in Italy<\/strong> is Legislative Decree (D.Lgs.) no. 30 of 2007<\/a>, entitled \u201cImplementation of Directive 2004\/38\/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States\u201d.<\/p>\n

It contains the basic rules from which circulars and court rulings were later produced, defining and gradually clarifying the details of more specific cases, as we will see below.<\/p>\n

Of course, Legislative Decree no. 286 of 25 July 1998<\/a> (the Testo Unico Immigrazione, or Consolidated Immigration Act, TUI) also contains important provisions on this subject, in particular Article 19, which prohibits the expulsion of certain family members of Italian citizens, who are entitled to a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit).<\/p>\n

Which family members can join an Italian citizen?<\/h2>\n

Family reunification of non-EU nationals with an Italian citizen extends the right to family unity to more degrees of kinship than ordinary reunification with a foreign national.<\/p>\n

First of all, Article 2 of Legislative Decree no. 30 of 2007 defines a \u201cfamily member\u201d of a Union citizen as:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. the spouse<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
  2. the partner<\/strong> with whom the Union citizen has contracted a registered partnership on the basis of the legislation of a Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage and in accordance with the conditions laid down in the relevant legislation of the host Member State;<\/li>\n
  3. direct descendants<\/strong> who are under the age of 21 or are dependants, and those of the spouse or partner;<\/li>\n
  4. dependent direct relatives in the ascending line<\/strong> and those of the spouse or partner referred to above.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Article 3 then extends the right: \u201cThe host Member State shall, in accordance with its national legislation, facilitate entry and residence for the following persons:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. any other family member<\/strong>, irrespective of nationality, who, in the country from which they have come, is a dependant or a member of the household<\/strong> of the Union citizen, or where serious health grounds strictly require the personal care of the family member by the Union citizen;<\/li>\n
    2. the partner<\/strong> with whom the Union citizen has a durable relationship, duly attested.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Family reunification for a wife, spouse or civil partner<\/h3>\n

      As provided for by Article 2, family reunification with an Italian citizen is guaranteed to the spouse or civil partner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Under Article 3, the partner (de facto cohabiting partner) with whom the European Union citizen has a durable relationship<\/strong>, duly attested by official documents, is also entitled to family reunification with an Italian citizen.<\/p>\n

      Please note: de facto cohabitation presupposes<\/strong> living together, and therefore also the registered residence of the foreign family member, which, however, cannot be registered without a residence permit<\/strong>. This topic deserves to be dealt with separately, so we recommend reading our dedicated guide.<\/p>\n

      Family reunification for children<\/h3>\n

      Direct descendants<\/strong> (children, including adopted or foster children, grandchildren, etc.) under the age of 21, or dependants, and those of the spouse<\/strong> or same-sex civil partner are entitled to family reunification with an Italian citizen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      The definition of \u201cdependent family member\u201d is not clear, but the following aspects can be taken into account:<\/p>\n