Italy Approves 500,000 Work Permits Through 2028: A Boost for Skilled Worker Immigration and Relocation

🇮🇹 Italy’s Flow Decree: A Historic Shift in Immigration Policy

On July 4, 2025, Italy’s Council of Ministers approved a landmark immigration reform: the Flow Decree (Decreto Flussi) 2026–2028. This three‑year framework authorizes nearly 500,000 work permits for non‑EU nationals, the country’s largest allocation to date.

The move signals a strategic shift from yearly quotas to multi‑year immigration planning. It aims to provide predictability for employers, streamline skilled worker relocation, and attract global talent to fill labour shortages across Italy.
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📊 Work Permit Breakdown: Skilled, Seasonal, and Self‑Employed Workers

The Flow Decree outlines the following allocations for 2026–2028:

*Approximate numbers based on proportional distribution.

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Key highlights:

• Non‑seasonal permits (230,550 over three years) target skilled workers in healthcare, construction, and technical fields, as well as self‑employed professionals.
  
• Seasonal permits (267,000 over three years) focus on agriculture and tourism—sectors heavily reliant on migrant labour.
  

This dual approach balances skilled migration with seasonal workforce needs.

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👷‍♀️ Target Sectors for Skilled Migration

Italy’s growing economy faces workforce shortages in several industries. The Flow Decree prioritizes:

✅ Healthcare & Social Care – nurses, caregivers, and medical technicians.
✅ Construction & Infrastructure – engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople.
✅ Digital & Technology – software developers, cybersecurity experts, and ICT specialists.
✅ Tourism & Agriculture – seasonal workers to support peak demand periods.

For employers, this means enhanced access to global talent and faster hiring processes for international candidates.

🚀 Relocation Simplified: Faster and Smoother Immigration Processes

The Flow Decree introduces reforms that make relocation easier for foreign workers and their families:

• Pre‑departure training programs in countries of origin to prepare workers linguistically and culturally.
  
• Centralized digital application platforms for quicker processing of work permits and visas.
  
• Reduced bureaucracy and improved coordination between consular offices and Italian employers.
  

This is particularly beneficial for multinational companies managing employee relocation and HR teams planning cross‑border hiring.
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🌍 Strategic Alignment: Italy and EU Skilled Worker Migration Goals

Italy’s immigration reforms are consistent with the EU’s broader focus on attracting high‑skilled migrants. By establishing multi‑year quotas, Italy:

• Aligns with the EU Blue Card framework for highly qualified workers.
  
• Offers a more predictable pathway for relocation of skilled professionals.
  
• Provides opportunities for family reunification and long‑term settlement.
  

This positions Italy as a competitive destination for global mobility and foreign direct investment.
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💡 Why This Matters for Employers and Migrants

For Employers:

• Plan international hiring with multi‑year visibility on quotas.
  
• Address skill gaps with access to non‑EU talent pools.
  
• Simplify relocation for foreign employees with faster approvals.
  

For Skilled Workers:

• New legal pathways for immigration to Italy in high‑demand sectors.
  
• Streamlined processes for work permits and family relocation.
  
• Support with pre‑departure integration programs.
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Financial Context

To support the migration policy, the Council approved financial measures, including the 2024 State General Account and the 2025 budget adjustment. These ensure funding for visa processing, integration programs, and labor market initiatives, with a 2024 net balance to be financed at €107.543 million, reflecting fiscal stability to support these reforms.
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Conclusion

Italy’s 2026-2028 migration decree marks a forward-thinking approach to addressing labor shortages, attracting skilled workers, and reducing irregular migration. By streamlining relocation processes and fostering economic growth, the policy positions Italy as a hub for global talent while promoting social and economic stability. For skilled workers and industries alike, this decree opens new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

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