ricongiungimento

Ricongiungimento, in immigration law, refers to the process that allows a family member of a person who already resides in another country to join them there. The concept is aimed at preserving family unity and is typically provided for under national laws and international or regional directives.

In the European Union, the right to family reunification is largely shaped by the EU Family Reunification Directive (2003/86/EC), which allows third-country nationals legally residing in a member state to sponsor certain family members for residence. Member states implement the directive with national rules that set conditions such as the sponsor’s lawful residence, adequate income or resources, health insurance, and suitable housing. The precise eligible family members and the procedural steps vary by country.

In Italy, ricongiungimento familiare applies to non-EU nationals who hold a valid residence permit and wish to bring immediate family members, typically a spouse and dependent children. The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income, suitable housing, and health coverage. Applications are generally filed with the competent authorities (often the Questura or Prefecture) and require documentation such as marriage and birth certificates, proof of relationship, and translations or apostilles. If approved, the joining family receives a residence permit linked to the sponsor’s status and may be subject to renewal and integration requirements. Denial can occur for reasons including public policy, security concerns, or lack of resources.

The process varies by country and can be lengthy, but its purpose remains to reconnect families separated by migration while balancing public policy and social integration considerations.