Italy Family Reunion Visa (National Visa D)
Family Reunion visas reunite family members (specifically husbands/wives, children, parents) economically dependent on sponsors legally resident in Italy. Must be authorized through NULLA OSTA issued by competent Italian Authority — the Nulla Osta lists eligible family members and is valid for 6 months from date of issue. Your application accepted only with valid Nulla Osta.
Heads up — Italy Visa Checklists Vary by Jurisdiction
The info below is per the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi (North Jurisdiction).
Italy splits visa decisions across 4 Indian consulates — New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru — each with slightly different document checklists, fees rounding, and processing nuances. The requirements listed on this page match the New Delhi (North) jurisdiction.
New Delhi (North) jurisdiction covers
SureshotVisa helps Indian applicants across all states (and Indian citizens abroad) — not just New Delhi. If you reside in a Mumbai / Kolkata / Bengaluru jurisdiction state (or outside India), reach out and we'll confirm the exact checklist and steps that apply to your consulate.
Processing
30 working days processing
Stay Duration
Long-term — matching sponsor's residence
Starting Fee
€116
Apply At
13 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Italy visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1North jurisdiction — Applications from residents of New Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh are decided by the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi. Place of passport issue does NOT determine jurisdiction — residence does. Applications from other jurisdictions go to Mumbai / Kolkata / Bengaluru consulates with slightly different checklists.
- 2Applicant MUST mention their OWN working phone number on the application form and at the counter — not the agent's or representative's number. The Embassy reserves the right to verify, and non-compliant applications may be judged incomplete.
- 3Visa applications must be submitted in the country where the applicant has continuously lived for the last 6 months — proof of residence required. The Embassy cannot process applications from visitors to India (even Indian nationals abroad).
- 4Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages. For Short-term visas, 6 months validity from travel date is required.
- 5Travel medical insurance is mandatory for ALL Schengen visa applicants — minimum €30,000 coverage, valid throughout Schengen territory, covering the entire stay (or repatriation for multi-entry). Only approved Indian Travel Insurance companies are accepted (see VFS Italy site for the current list); alternatively, policies from countries where claims are recoverable in Schengen States.
- 6Polio vaccination certificate required IF applicant is from / stayed >4 weeks in: Afghanistan, Kenya, DRC, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic (vaccination must be 4 weeks to 12 months before travel).
- 7Photo specs: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, light/white background, color, ≤6 months old, 80% face zoom, non-smiling, no sunglasses/hat (unless religious). Stick (don't staple) on the application form.
- 8The Embassy reserves the right to ask for additional documents or a personal interview even if not mentioned on the official checklist.
- 9Visa fee, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are NON-REFUNDABLE if the application is refused or withdrawn while under processing.
- 10D-Type (Long Term) visa applications must be submitted by APPLICANTS ONLY. Representatives / accompanying persons are NOT allowed inside the Italy Visa Application centres in New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh.
- 11Applicant must clearly write active email address + telephone number on first page of visa application form (field 16).
- 12Visa application accepted ONLY with valid Nulla Osta — Italian sponsor must obtain it from competent Authority first.
Who Can Apply
- Spouse (husband/wife) of sponsor legally resident in Italy
- Children (minor or adult dependent) of sponsor
- Economically dependent parents of sponsor
- Must be on the Nulla Osta issued by Italian Authority
Not eligible under this visa:
- Family members of EU/Italian citizens — use Family EU Reunion D (free)
- Non-dependent adult family members — not eligible
- Siblings, cousins, in-laws — not under Family Reunion category
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Visa Fee (Category D) | €116 |
| VFS service charge | ₹631 |
Embassy fees are set in EUR by the Embassy of Italy — the INR equivalent shown is approximate and depends on the daily exchange rate. VFS Service Charge is ₹631 per applicant (inclusive of all taxes). Payment accepted via cash at VFS or Demand Draft in favour of 'VFS GLOBAL SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED' (one banking instrument per applicant). Optional services: Courier Facility ₹795, Courier Assurance ₹631, Premium Lounge ₹4,669. Visa fee and service charges are NON-REFUNDABLE if the application is refused by the Embassy of Italy or withdrawn while under processing.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !Nulla Osta (original, valid 6 months from date of issue)
MUST book appointment within 6 months of Nulla Osta issuance. Once appointment booked, Nulla Osta remains valid even if appointment date falls after expiration.
- !Application form (D) — fully completed + signed
- !One recent passport-size photograph (white bg)
- !Valid passport (≤10 years, 3 months validity beyond visa duration, 2 blank pages)
- !Personal cover letter
Documents for Each Family Category (check specific checklist)
- ○Requisite Documents for Family Reunion Visa for Dependent Parents
If visa is for parents.
- ○Requisite Documents for Family Reunion Visa for Joining Spouse
If visa is for spouse.
- ○Requisite Documents for Family Reunion Visa for Children
If visa is for minor/dependent adult children.
Relationship + Name Verification
- !Name, surname, place of birth, date of birth, spouse/parents names on passport MUST match all other documents
Including birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate, S.D.M order.
- !Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, S.D.M. orders
Must bear specific attestations.
- ○For documents issued in New Delhi
SDM attestation + MEA apostille.
- ○For documents issued in other States (UT Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, J&K, HP, UP, Uttarakhand)
SDM/Deputy Commissioner attestation + Home Secretary/NRI Office attestation (Capital of State) + MEA apostille.
- ○If birth certificate issued on basis of late registration order by SDM: copy of the order
Other Mandatory
- !DICHIARAZIONE SOSTITUTIVA DI ATTO DI NOTORIETÀ (ART 47 DPR N. 445 DEL 28/12/2000)
Declaration of Substituting Act of Notory.
- !Original + 1 copy of ALL documents
- !Representatives NOT allowed inside VFS — only applicants
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Sponsor in Italy files for Nulla Osta
At competent Italian Authority — listing eligible family members. Nulla Osta valid 6 months from issue.
Applicant books VFS appointment within 6 months of Nulla Osta
Once appointment booked, Nulla Osta stays valid even if appointment is after expiration.
Gather relationship documents + attestations
SDM + Home Secretary/NRI Office + MEA apostille (depending on issue state).
Prepare DICHIARAZIONE SOSTITUTIVA DI ATTO DI NOTORIETÀ
Special notary declaration required.
Submit at VFS — applicant only, no representatives inside
€116 + ₹631. Processing 30 working days.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen (C) Visa Application Form — English
Print back-to-back, fully completed and signed by the applicant. A separate form is required per applicant.
Schengen (C) Visa Application Form — Italian
Italian-language version of the same form.
National (D) Visa Application Form
For all long-stay (>90 days) Category D applications.
Declaration on Travel Health Insurance
Mandatory declaration confirming €30,000 minimum coverage from an approved Indian insurer (or approved Schengen alternative).
Processing Time (Waiver) Declaration
Waiver acknowledging standard processing time and the Embassy's right to extend it.
Data Protection Form
Privacy consent for data handled by VFS / Embassy.
DoV Application Form (for Study visas)
Declaration of Value required for study visas when CIMEA alternative not accepted by the Italian university.
DICHIARAZIONE SOSTITUTIVA DI ATTO DI NOTORIETÀ (ART 47 DPR N. 445 DEL 28/12/2000)
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply 3–4 weeks before travel — early enough to handle Embassy extension (up to 45 days), not so early that bookings become stale.
- Fill the application form online at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/ita/ BEFORE visiting VFS — most VFS centres have limited on-site PCs and filling there creates long queues.
- Italian-language documents are preferred for Business / Family Reunion invitation letters — if originals are in Italian, include an English translation only when required by the Embassy.
- Buy travel health insurance ONLY from the approved Indian insurers list (VFS Italy maintains the current list) — insurance from non-approved providers is rejected even with €30k+ coverage.
- Indian documents (birth/marriage/relationship certificates) need to be duly apostilled by MEA. Italian certificates are to be requested via the ANPR portal with QR code.
- Financial documents: last 6 months personal bank statements (not business accounts), stamped/signed by branch manager. Last 3 years ITR with barcode + Challan receipts strengthen the case.
- Book VFS appointment IMMEDIATELY after Nulla Osta issuance — don't wait. Nulla Osta is 6-month valid, but processing time + appointment slots can eat that window.
- Name spelling MUST match across passport, Nulla Osta, birth/marriage certificates — mismatched documents cause refusal.
- If documents issued in Haryana/Punjab/UP/other states: you need TWO attestations (SDM + Home Secretary/NRI) BEFORE MEA apostille. This is extra work — plan accordingly.
- Entry of representatives inside VFS office is RESTRICTED — only applicants are allowed. Family members and friends stay outside.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Nulla Osta expired or invalid
- 2.Appointment booked after Nulla Osta expiration without valid earlier booking
- 3.Name/DOB spelling mismatch between passport and relationship documents
- 4.Indian documents missing required state-level attestations before MEA apostille
- 5.DICHIARAZIONE SOSTITUTIVA declaration missing or incorrectly filled
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nulla Osta?+
What's the difference from Family EU Reunion?+
Why does name spelling matter so much?+
Processing time?+
Why do different states need different attestations?+
Can my in-laws come?+
Let us prepare your Italy Family Reunion Visa — (National Visa D) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Italy Visa Types
Italy Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens travelling to Italy for tourism, sightseeing, and non-business leisure — up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Italy Business Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay business visa for Indian professionals making conferences, negotiations, or exploratory business visits in Italy — up to 90 days.
Italy Visit Visa — Family & Friends (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting family members, relatives, or friends in Italy — up to 90 days. EU-national family members use a separate streamlined category.
Italy Research Visa — Short Term (Schengen Type C)
Free-of-charge Schengen short-stay research visa for Indian researchers visiting Italy for research activity (≤90 days) with a Host Agreement (Convenzione di accoglienza).
Italy Religious Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian religious workers (priests, pastors, preachers, teachers) travelling to Italy for up to 90 days for religious work.
Italy Study Visa — Short Term (Schengen Type C)
Free-of-charge Schengen short-stay study visa for Indian students undertaking courses ≤90 days in Italy, typically for entrance tests or short programs.
Italy Sports Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for professional and amateur Indian sportspeople, judges, and adjudicators participating in sports events in Italy.
Italy Transit Visa (Schengen Type C) — Seafarers
Schengen transit visa for Indian applicants who have flight or ship connection in Italy — typically for seafarers joining/disembarking ships at Italian ports.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Italy website and Embassy of Italy. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.