Italian Family Visa (Family Reunification) 2026
Complete Process: From Italy to Sri Lanka
If you are a resident of Italy, here are the complete legal steps to follow when bringing your family members (spouse, children, or parents). This guide is prepared in accordance with Articles 28 and 29 of the Italian Immigration Law (Legislative Law 286/98).
Phase 01 Tasks to Complete in Italy (Prefettura Process)
1. Applying for the Nulla Osta
First, you must submit an online application via the Portale ALI (https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it/). Depending on the family member you are sponsoring, you must fill out forms S1, S2, or S3.
2. Eligibility Requirements:
- Housing Certificate (Idoneità Alloggiativa): You must obtain a certificate from the Comune stating that your home is suitable for the number of residents.
- Income Report: Your annual income must exceed the 'Social Allowance' (Assegno Sociale) limits. (The required income increases as the number of family members increases).
- Residence Permit: You must hold a Permesso di Soggiorno with a validity of at least one year.
Important: The issued Nulla Osta is only valid for 6 months. The visa application must be submitted in Sri Lanka within this period.
Phase 02 Legalization of Documents in Sri Lanka
Once the Nulla Osta is received, your family members in Sri Lanka should follow these steps:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Get original certificates (Marriage/Birth) certified by the Consular Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- VFS Legalization: Submit the certified documents and their Italian translations to the VFS Global center. This is sent to the Italian Embassy via VFS to be legalized.
Spelling Check:
There is a chance of spelling errors in the documents translated and certified through VFS. Ensure with 100% certainty that the spellings exactly match your passport before submission and after receiving them. A single letter error can result in visa rejection.
There is a chance of spelling errors in the documents translated and certified through VFS. Ensure with 100% certainty that the spellings exactly match your passport before submission and after receiving them. A single letter error can result in visa rejection.
Timeframe: As the legalization of documents usually takes several months, please prepare well in advance.
Phase 03 Visa Application (VFS Visa Application)
As the final step, you must book an appointment with VFS Global and submit the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least 16 months.
- Original Nulla Osta.
- For parents over 65: Evidence that there are no other children in Sri Lanka to care for them.
- For minor children: Parental Consent from both parents.
Phase 04 After Arriving in Italy
- Within 48 Hours: Notify the authorities (Declaration of Hospitality).
- Within 8 Days: Submit the postal kit (Kit Giallo) for the residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno).
