FAMIT Permesso: are you a family member of an Italian citizen?

What is the FAMIT permesso

Some family members of Italian and European citizens have the right to come and live in Italy with a regular residence permit. Since 2023, the law has separated permesso di soggiorno based on whether the reference person is an Italian or a European citizen. On one side, there are mobile Italian/European citizens, who have moved within the European Union for work or other reasons, and for whom the Carta di Soggiorno (Residence Card) for family members of EU citizens must be requested. On the other side, there are static Italian citizens, who have always lived in Italy, and for whom it is now possible to apply for the FAMIT permesso.

The FAMIT permesso di soggiorno allows the holder to work and study in Italy, to access the National Health Service (SSN) and therefore medical care, and it can be converted into a work residence permit. Unlike the Carta di Soggiorno for family members of EU citizens, the FAMIT permit does not allow the holder to work in other EU countries; it only allows travel within the Schengen area for short periods.

Who can apply

Family members of Italian citizens who are entitled to apply for the FAMIT permesso di soggiorno are:

• The spouse: the person legally married to the Italian citizen;
• The registered partner: the person with whom the Italian citizen has entered into a registered and Italy-recognised union, such as a civil union;
• Minor children or stepchildren;
• Adult children or stepchildren who are financially dependent on the Italian citizen: in this case, the Italian citizen must prove that the children are financially dependent;
• Parents or parents-in-law who are financially dependent on the Italian citizen: also in this case, the Italian citizen must prove that the parents or parents-in-law are financially dependent.

Italy may also facilitate the issuance of the permit for other categories of people, such as:

• Dependent relatives of the Italian citizen (e.g. siblings, uncles/aunts, brothers, sisters, nieces/nephews);
• People who live with the Italian citizen in the country of origin;
• People who, for serious health reasons, need the personal assistance of the Italian citizen.

Be aware! Unlike the first list, however, these categories do not have an automatic right to obtain the FAMIT permesso di soggiorno, and Italy is not obliged to accept the application. Each case is assessed individually, so this should be taken into account.

How to apply

The family member of an Italian citizen must book an appointment at the relevant Italian embassy and apply for a Type D visa (family reunification visa), providing at least the following documents:

1. Invitation letter from the Italian citizen and the Italian citizen’s identification document;
2. Translated and legalised documents proving the family relationship (e.g. marriage certificate or family status certificate);
3. In cases where the family member is dependent, proof of financial support provided by the Italian citizen. The financial support must be sufficient to cover or help cover the essential living costs of the non-EU family member.

Embassies may request additional documents depending on their internal procedures. To know which documents are required and how to submit the visa application, you should check the website of your embassy and the dedicated website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Once in Italy, within 48 hours of arrival you must contact the local authorities to declare your residence. In addition, you have 8 days to submit the application for the issuance of the residence permit at the Questura (police station). The application can be submitted via the Kit Postale or, if the service is available, through the Prenota Facile platform. In some Questure, you can go directly to the Immigration Office and book an appointment.

Attention! The way you submit the application depends on the city you are in. Also, remember that inside the kit postale you must include photocopies (never originals) of the documents indicated in the kit.

The documents to be submitted at the Questura are:

• Passport of the foreign national;
• Documents of the Italian citizen (ID card or passport and tax code);
• Proof of the family relationship (e.g. marriage certificate), translated and legalised;
• Proof of actual cohabitation (e.g. declaration of accommodation, known as cessione di fabbricato);
• 4 passport-size photos;
• €16.00 revenue stamp (marca da bollo);
• Completed Modello 209 for the permesso di soggiorno application or completed postal kit;
• Declaration by the Italian citizen confirming financial support for the family member and proof of their income;
• Family status certificate and residence of the Italian citizen;
• Rental contract or property deed of the Italian citizen’s home, together with the certificate of housing suitability;
• Payment of the €30.46 postal bulletin.

Duration and renewal of the permesso

The residence permit has a duration of 5 years and can be renewed as long as the family ties with the Italian citizen remain. It can be converted into a work residence permit. Remember, however, that in order to renew the FAMIT residence permit, you must have maintained residence together with the Italian family member.