Italy To Issue 497,550 Non-EU Work Visas From 2026–2028 To Address Labour Shortage

• The Italian government is implementing a new visa quota policy.
• The policy will provide nearly 500,000 work permits to non-EU nationals.
• The work permits will be issued over a three-year period, from 2026 to 2028.

The Italian government has announced a new visa quota policy that will grant close to half a million work permits to non-European Union nationals over a three-year period, from 2026 to 2028. This move is designed to bridge growing labour gaps in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing.

The initiative, approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet, forms a key part of Italy’s broader migration and economic strategy. It builds on a similar plan carried out between 2023 and 2025, during which more than 450,000 work permits were issued.

Breakdown of Work Permit Allocation

Under the new plan, Italy will issue a total of 497,550 work permits to foreign nationals from outside the EU. The distribution will take place as follows:

• 2026: 164,850 permits
• 2027–2028: Remaining permits issued in phases

This quota is aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term workforce shortages in the country.

Demographic Pressures Prompt Policy Shift

Italy’s decision is largely driven by a combination of population decline and a shrinking workforce. In 2024, the country recorded 281,000 more deaths than births, contributing to a net population decrease of 37,000 people. This continues a downward trend that has lasted more than ten years.

Experts warn that without intervention, Italy could face serious economic consequences. Estimates suggest that the country will require at least 10 million foreign workers by 2050 to sustain its economy and maintain public services.

Sectors Targeted by the Policy

The government stated that the number of permits reflects actual demand from Italian businesses and is based on previous application patterns. Key sectors expected to benefit include:

• Agriculture: Supported by Coldiretti, Italy’s largest farmers’ organization, which sees the policy as vital for rural economies and food supply.
• Construction: Labour shortages persist, especially in regions with major infrastructure developments.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Seasonal employment in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies remains difficult to fill.
• Healthcare: Demand is rising for nurses, caregivers, and other medical staff due to the ageing population.
• Manufacturing: Northern industrial hubs are seeking skilled machine operators, technicians, and engineers.

Opportunities for Foreign Workers

The expanded visa program offers new hope for job seekers outside the EU. Recent reforms have simplified the application process by introducing digital submissions and faster approval timelines, making it easier to apply for Italian work permits.

Foreign workers will also benefit from improved legal protections, including access to public healthcare and social security benefits similar to those enjoyed by Italian citizens. Additionally, restrictions on changing permit status such as converting seasonal permits to long-term ones have been relaxed, allowing for greater stability and the possibility of permanent residency.