Bringing your family to Italy after you are recognized

Who is this for

People with refugee status (and, per AIDA July 2026, subsidiary protection) who want a spouse, minor children, dependent adult children or dependent parents to join them.

Requirements

Beneficiaries of protection are exempt from the income, housing and two-year-residence conditions asked of other foreigners. If official documents cannot be obtained, other evidence can be accepted. TO VERIFY: exact documentary rules, and whether special protection holders qualify (generally they do not use this easier route).

Steps

1. Check your permit type with a free legal adviser.
2. Request the nulla osta (entry clearance) from the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione at the Prefettura through the Interior Ministry online portal (https://libertaciviliimmigrazione.dlci.interno.gov.it/sportello-unico-limmigrazione). Do it soon after recognition: easier conditions are tied to prompt requests (TO VERIFY the time limit, often cited as 3 months).
3. Family applies for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate with the nulla osta. Some embassies are very slow; courts have ordered action in such cases.
4. After arrival the family goes to the Questura for a family-reasons residence permit within 8 days.
5. Recognized unaccompanied minors can ask to bring their parents under a special rule. Ask a legal adviser.

Costs & timing

Some fees for visas and permits apply. Timing: months to a year or more. CIR, Caritas and ASGI can help with documents.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until the easier-conditions window closes.
• Sending originals with no copies.
• Not listing your family when you first applied for asylum. Always declare your relatives.

Where to get help

Free, confidential help exists. You never need to pay anyone to apply or to appeal. See "Free help for people seeking protection" (protection-free-help-directory) and the UNHCR Italy help site (https://help.unhcr.org/italy/). If you are in danger now, call 112 (free emergency number).