Breaking News: Italy Introduces Stricter Family Application Rules for Foreign Nationals. The Italian government has announced new, stricter rules for family applications submitted by foreign nationals residing in the country or moving to Italy. With the exception of those holding residence permits for international protection, foreign nationals can now bring eligible family members—including spouses, disabled adult children, and parents under specific conditions—only after completing at least two continuous years of legal residence in Italy.
Importantly, this new rule does not apply to minor children under 18, who remain eligible to join their parents without the two-year waiting period.
The regulation is expected to affect future family applications. There is still uncertainty about how the rule will be enforced, and further clarifications are expected from Italian authorities.
Additionally, stricter housing requirements have been introduced. Municipalities will now issue Housing Suitability Certificates only after verifying the number of occupants in the residence and ensuring that all required conditions are met. This adds another layer of complexity for applicants seeking to bring family members to Italy.
Giuditta Petreni has over 10 years of experience in assisting companies and business investors with relocation of managers and staff to Italy. Giuditta has extensive experience advising corporate and private clients on a full range of Italian immigration categories. She is fluent in Italian and English.