How to Apply for a Family Reunification Visa with an Italian Citizen

🎙️ Podcast: Immigration Law🎧 Title: How to Apply for a Family Reunification Visa with an Italian Citizen Welcome to a new episode of the Immigration Law podcast.I’m Attorney Fabio Loscerbo, and in this episode I’ll explain, in practical terms, how to apply for a family reunification visa with an Italian citizen. The right to family reunification is established by Legislative Decree No. 30 of 2007, which implements European Directive 2004/38/EC, and it’s also grounded in Articles 2, 3, 29, and 31 of the Italian Constitution as well as in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.It’s a subjective right, designed to protect the ability of family members of Italian or EU citizens to live together in Italy. Those residing abroad must apply to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, submitting the visa application along with documentation proving the family relationship, economic dependence, and the availability of suitable housing in Italy.The application can also be sent via certified email (PEC), and the administration is required to receive it and start the procedure. In practice, many consulates rely on the VFS Global platform to manage appointments and document submissions.However, it sometimes happens that the system does not include the proper category for “other dependent family members,” such as brothers or sisters.In these cases, the application can still be submitted via PEC: the lack of a specific option in the system cannot prevent someone from exercising a right established by law. If the diplomatic mission fails to reply or simply refers the applicant to general websites, the individual may file an urgent application under Article 700 of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure before the Court of Rome, which has jurisdiction over matters involving Italian consular offices.The judge can order the administration to schedule an appointment or allow the formal submission of the visa application. In summary, family reunification is a procedure that gives real effect to a right recognized by both national and European law.The public administration must ensure that individuals can submit their applications, that these are examined properly, and that a reasoned decision is issued. I’m Attorney Fabio Loscerbo, and this is Immigration Law — the podcast that clearly explains the rules and tools of immigration law in Italy.