Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens: What it is and when you can apply

The Carta di Soggiorno for family members of EU citizens is an electronic residence permit, valid for 5 years and renewable. It is intended for non-EU family members living in Italy with an EU citizen, for example, an Italian citizen.

With this card, you can:

• legally reside in Italy
• work in Italy (without needing another permit)
• study in Italy
• access public services, if eligible

Who is considered a family member?

According to the law (art. 2 of Legislative Decree 30/2007), family members include:

• • the spouse
  • the civil partner

• children under 21 years old

• children over 21 if they are dependent on the EU citizen

• children of the spouse or partner (same conditions)
• parents or parents-in-law if they are dependent on the EU citizen

When can you apply?

You must apply for this permit within 90 days of entering Italy via the Prenotafacile.it website:

• if you stay in Italy for more than 3 months
• if the EU citizen legally resides in Italy

Be aware of the difference between: 

• Static EU citizen, which is a person who has never lived or worked in two EU countries. For example: an Italian citizen who lives in Italy
• Mobile EU citizen: a person who has lived or worked in two different EU countries. For example: an Italian citizen who works in Spain.

What to bring with you to the Questura

After obtaining an appointment to request your carta di soggiorno, remember to bring:

• valid identity document
• visa (if required)
• certificate proving family relationship (marriage, birth, etc.), original and translated (both legalized)
• documents proving that the EU citizen lives and works/studies in Italy or has sufficient resources
• declaration of hospitality (dichiarazione di ospitalità), to be submitted within 48 hours of arrival at the local police station or municipality (Comune)

The Questura issues a receipt, which proves that the application was submitted correctly.