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Italy has announced it will issue 500,000 work visas for non-European countries from 2026 to 2028, aiming to fix worker shortages and encourage legal migration, according to Reuters.
The Italian government confirmed that 164,850 new permits will be granted in 2026, with a total of 497,550 work visas expected by the end of 2028 under the new plan.
This is Italy’s second major immigration policy by the current right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following a previous plan to issue 450,000 visas between 2023 and 2025.
While encouraging legal migration, Italy also plans to tighten its stance against illegal immigration, including stricter sea patrols and faster deportation of undocumented migrants.
Authorities say legal migration will benefit Italy’s economy, while illegal entry will face tougher restrictions, including limiting activities of NGOs rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean.
Italy is facing an urgent labor crisis in agriculture, construction, and industry due to a shrinking population. In 2024, there were 281,000 more deaths than births.
This population drop has led to a net decline of 37,000 people, bringing the national total to 58.93 million, raising alarms about long-term economic sustainability.
Research by Osservatorio Conti Pubblici shows that Italy must bring in at least 10 million migrants by 2050 to avoid a major population collapse and labor force decline.
The Coldiretti lobby, representing farmers, praised the move, saying the new visa policy will help meet workforce needs in farming, especially during harvest and food production seasons.
Interior Minister Matteo Panettiere said Italy is determined to open legal immigration channels that support key economic sectors without risking national security or legal violations.
How to apply for an Italian Work Visa (2025)
Check Italy’s “Decreto Flussi” Quota
Italy issues most work visas under the Decreto Flussi, an annual immigration quota that opens for a limited number of foreign workers.
- Check if Italy is currently accepting applications at nullaostalavoro.dlci.interno.it
- Employer Applies for Work Authorization (Nulla Osta)
Your future Italian employer must:
- Register on the immigration portal.
- Submit a request for a Nulla Osta al lavoro (authorization to work).
- Wait for approval from the local immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
- Processing time: Usually several weeks to 2 months.
Apply for the Work Visa at the Italian Consulate
Once the Nulla Osta is approved:
- Book an appointment at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Submit the following documents:
Required Documents:
- Completed Long-Stay Visa Application Form (National Visa D)
- Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, valid 3+ months after your stay)
- Copy of the Nulla Osta
- Recent passport-size photos
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of financial means (or job contract)
- Visa fee (~€116, varies by country)
- Additional documents (based on visa type, e.g., seasonal, intra-company, etc.)
- Travel to Italy and Apply for Residence Permit
Upon arrival in Italy, within 8 days, you must:
Apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) at the local post office. Finalize your paperwork with the immigration office.
