Family Visa
How to Register Cohabitation in Italy: Costs and the FAMIT Card
Learn how to register cohabitation in Italy, what it costs, and how it can help a foreign partner apply for the FAMIT residence card.
7 min read·Mar 29, 2026Read article
Italian
Cohabitation Agreement
Legal protection for your relationship in Italy
Flexible alternative to traditional marriage
Regulation and protection of property rights
Required for FAMIT card applications
Recognized by Italian authorities
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Introduction
What You Need to Know
Understanding the cohabitation agreement recognized by Italian law
The cohabitation agreement (convivenza di fatto) is a legal instrument under the Cirinnà Law (No. 76/2016) that grants specific rights and protections to couples who choose to live together without marriage. It is available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples with no minimum cohabitation period or income requirements.
Both partners must be of legal age and free from existing marriages or civil unions. At least one must be registered in the municipality where the declaration is filed. Registration takes place at the municipal registry office with both partners present.
For couples with a non-EU partner, the agreement enables the foreign partner to apply for the FAMIT residence card, valid for five years, granting full work authorization, healthcare access, and Schengen travel.
Ready to start your journey? Follow the steps below to understand the complete process.
Step 1
Who can sign a Cohabitation Agreement?
To register a cohabitation agreement it is necessary that:
👥
Required
Legal age
Both partners must be of legal age
💍
Required
Marital status
Not be married or in another registered partnership
⚖️
Required
Absence of impediments
No relationships of kinship, affinity or adoption exist between the partners
🏠
Required
Residence
At least one of the two must have residence in the municipality where the declaration is presented
💕
Required
Stable cohabitation
The couple must cohabit stably and have an emotional relationship as a couple
Benefits
No income requirements or minimum cohabitation duration are required. The cohabitation contract is strongly recommended for obtaining the FAMIT permit.
Step 2
Required Documents
Complete document checklist for your application
📋
Personal Documents
Valid identity document of both partners
Tax code of both partners
Birth certificate (for Italian citizens) or equivalent document
Single status/nulla osta for foreign citizens (translated and legalized)
🏠
Residence and Stay Documents
Valid residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
Residence certificate or self-certification
Substitute declaration attesting the absence of impediments
📝
Cohabitation Contract
Cohabitation contract (strongly recommended for obtaining the FAMIT permit as it demonstrates to the Immigration Office the seriousness and stability of the relationship)
Registration with notary or lawyer for legal validity
Translation & Legalization
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Italian and legalized with apostille or consular authentication. The cohabitation contract must be stipulated and registered with a notary or lawyer to have full legal validity.
We Handle Everything
With Future Italian, every document is properly prepared and every step is guided. We handle the bureaucracy while you focus on your relationship.
Step 3
Application Process
From start to finish: here's everything that happens step by step
Gathering all necessary documents: identity documents, tax codes, birth certificates, single status for foreign citizens and valid residence permits.
How long does it take?
2-4months
We Handle Everything
How Future Italian Can Help You
Registering a cohabitation agreement and obtaining the FAMIT permit requires in-depth knowledge of Italian procedures and careful management of all documents. With Future Italian, every step is guided by experts who understand the importance of legally protecting your relationship.
Personalized consultation
Assessment of the specific case and requirements, analysis of necessary documentation and consultation on tax and legal advantages
Document assistance
Support in obtaining foreign documents, managing translations and legalizations/apostilles, stipulation and registration of the cohabitation contract
Compilation/submission support
Assistance in compiling declarations, accompaniment to municipal offices and support for FAMIT permit applications
Case monitoring
Verification of progress status, control of FAMIT issuance times and assistance in case of supplementary requests
Post-issuance support
Assistance for FAMIT permit renewal, support for residence or situation changes and consultation for eventual conversion to Italian citizenship
You focus on your love. We take care of the legal protection. With Future Italian, you're never alone
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about this service
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