Italy increases the number of seasonal work visas to 165,000 in 2025. Learn about the new rules for seasonal workers, changes in procedures, application deadlines and visa costs

Italy is easing restrictions on seasonal workers to address labor shortages. In particular, the country plans to accept 165,000 seasonal workers this year and is simplifying the employment process. The new rules give more chances for seasonal work in Italy for citizens of Nepal, Moldova, Mexico and other countries around the world.

Everything you need to know about the procedure for obtaining an Italian visa for seasonal workers and the current rules as of 2025 is described in this article.

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Seasonal workers in Italy can work until they receive a permit

The Italian government has adopted a new directive that allows seasonal migrant workers to continue their work legally, even while waiting for a decision on their residence permits. The measure is aimed at protecting workers' rights, reducing illegal employment and preventing financial hardship among foreign workers.

What has changed for seasonal workers in Italy in 2025?

According to the new rules, seasonal migrants will be able to start or continue working even before the decision to change their residence permit is taken, provided that certain requirements are met:

- Provide proof of the application for the change of seasonal permit to a non-seasonal work permit.

- Submit the Unilav electronic form, which registers the employment with the Ministry of Labor.

- Ensure that the employment relationship is registered with the INPS (Italian Social Security Institute), especially for domestic workers.

This step aims to address the problem that exists in the Italian immigration system, which is characterized by both labor shortages and high levels of illegal migration, as well as to close regulatory gaps that previously made workers vulnerable to exploitation and financial problems due to delays in administrative procedures.

How many seasonal workers will Italy accept in 2025?

To address the labor shortage, Italy intends to increase the number of work visas for 2025 to 165,000, a significant increase compared to 151,000 visas in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023. Of this number, about

- 93,550 visas will be allocated specifically for seasonal workers, who play an important role in sectors such as agriculture and tourism. For comparison, the quota for seasonal workers for 2024 is 89,050 people.

- 10,000 work visas are planned to be issued for foreigners in the care sector, which is particularly important due to the country's aging population.

It is worth noting that in 2025 Italy is experiencing a significant shortage of workers in the construction and healthcare sectors, which creates new opportunities for foreign workers.

Who needs an Italian seasonal work visa?

Italy offers a special seasonal work visa for those seeking temporary work, particularly in seasonal industries. This visa is intended primarily for non-European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) citizens. Seasonal visas are most often required for work in agriculture, horticulture, tourism and hospitality.

How to find seasonal work in Italy?

To apply for a seasonal work visa, you must first have a job offer from an Italian employer that meets the requirements for seasonal employment.

- Popular sectors for seasonal work

1. Agriculture: harvesting (fruit, vegetables), working in vineyards, olive groves and livestock.

2. Tourism and hospitality: working in hotels, restaurants, bars, on beaches and in other tourist areas.

- Where to find seasonal work in Italy?

1. EURES: national job search platform in Europe, where you can find offers in Italy.

2. Infojobs: popular site for searching for vacancies throughout Italy.

3. Indeed and Glassdoor: international platforms with the ability to filter by profession and region.

4. Monster: another resource for searching for vacancies, with the ability to upload a resume.

How to get an Italian seasonal work visa?

Your future employer must apply for a work permit in Italy. The process of obtaining a permit is called Nulla Osta al Lavoro and involves the approval of your employment by the relevant authorities in Italy, which allows you to work officially in the country.

Once you have received a work permit, your employer will notify the Italian consulate, which will issue you a visa. Visas for seasonal workers are issued through Italian embassies or consulates. Contact the relevant migration agency in your country of residence.

Residence permit in Italy for seasonal workers

Upon arrival in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit. This must be done at a one-stop shop, where you will be instructed on the next steps. To do this, you will need to provide documents (passport, visa, proof of residence) and undergo a fingerprinting procedure.

Application Deadline for Italian Seasonal Work Visa in 2025

You can apply for a seasonal visa to Italy within the deadlines set by the Decreto Flussi, in 2025 these are:

- From January 1 to March 31, 2025 - applications are submitted by Italian employers who want to hire seasonal workers.

- From April 1 to May 31, 2025 - applications from citizens of non-EU countries are accepted.

For what period is an Italian seasonal work visa issued?

The work permit is issued for a period of 20 days to 9 months, depending on the duration of the seasonal work. If there is a possibility of continuing the employment relationship, the permit can be renewed.

Cost of a seasonal visa to Italy

- The cost of a visa for citizens of non-EU countries is 116 euros.

- Residence permit: 40 euros – for stays of 3 to 12 months, 50 euros – for stays of 12 to 24 months, 100 euros – for long-term stays.

- Other administrative costs: 30 euros – for sending a postal package, 16 euros – excise stamp, 30.46 euros – for issuing documents.

Obtaining a seasonal work visa to Italy opens up great opportunities for workers from different countries. Stay up to date with the current application deadlines, provide the correct documentation and follow all requirements to make the process easy and hassle-free. Italy offers excellent conditions for seasonal workers, and this path can be a start for longer-term opportunities in the country.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to find out all the requirements for obtaining a seasonal work visa to Italy.

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Reminder! In 2025, Croatia is experiencing an acute shortage of seasonal workers, so the state plans to issue work permits to 70,000 foreigners. We have already told you which industries are in high demand, as well as what the country's wage level is and what requirements are imposed on foreigners looking for work.

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