To encourage family cohesion and unity, if a foreign citizen holds an entry visa for subordinated employment, self-employment that is not occasional, or for study or for religious motives, independently of the length of their stay, the same relatives for whom reunification is permitted may enter Italy accompanying him/her.

The same procedure for family reunification applies for accompanying relatives, and the same documents are required. Applicants may make use of a proxy to lodge the application for the permit (Form T).

In addition to the documents which must be presented at the appointment with the Prefecture Service, the proxy must also present:

• a photocopy of the proxy’s personal identity document
• a proxy in favour of an Italian or foreign citizen regularly residing in Italian, authorising him/her to submit the application for permit/s for the accompanying relatives, written by the foreign citizen who has already obtained the visa for the motives specified above, signed – on the relevant form available at the diplomatic-consular delegation – before the Consulate officer.

Foreign relatives of Italian or EU citizens do not need to apply for a permit from the Prefecture Service, but must apply directly for a visa at the Embassy.