Italy opens 497,550 work visas for foreigners for 2026-2028. Check out the new quotas, popular vacancies in agriculture, construction, tourism, healthcare and industry. Learn about the benefits, types of visas and requirements for legal employment in Italy

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The Italian government has approved a large-scale legal migration program that provides for the issuance of 497,550 work visas for third-country nationals between 2026 and 2028. The main goal is to fill critical staffing gaps in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, tourism and industry.

This article discusses employment prospects in Italy for citizens of Nepal, Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco and other countries, popular positions and available visas.

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New employment quotas in Italy: phased implementation until 2028

The program provides for a gradual increase in the number of work permits:

- 2026 - 164,850 permits

- 2027-2028 - the remaining permits, to reach a total of 497,550

This is the second major wave of Italy's opening of the labor market to foreigners, after more than 450,000 permits were issued in 2023-2025. The decision is part of a comprehensive approach: on the one hand, the fight against illegal migration, and on the other, the legalization of work in places where the economy cannot function without foreigners.

Why does Italy urgently need foreign workers?

Italy is facing a demographic crisis that is seriously affecting the labor market:

1. Population decline: in 2024, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births by 281,000 people.

2. Net decline: the population decreased by another 37,000 people.

3. Aging of the nation: the proportion of elderly people is increasing, while the number of young people entering the labor market is falling.

4. Chronic shortage of personnel: sectors that require manual labor cannot fill vacancies.

Experts from the Osservatorio Conti Pubblici predict that in order to maintain the current population level, Italy will need to attract at least 10 million immigrants by 2050.

In which sectors are there the most vacancies for foreigners in Italy?

The greatest need for labor is observed in the following areas:

- Agriculture

Italian farms are in dire need of seasonal workers - harvesters, field workers, operators at agricultural enterprises.

- Construction

Due to active infrastructure projects, the country is looking for both skilled (masonry, electricians) and unskilled workers.

- Tourism and hospitality

Restaurants, hotels and travel companies need cooks, waiters, maids and technical staff.

- Healthcare

Medical institutions are looking for nurses, caregivers for the elderly and service staff.

- Industry and manufacturing

Factories and factories are experiencing a shortage of machine operators, technicians, mechanics.

Popular Jobs in Italy for Foreign Workers

Foreigners planning to work in Italy should pay attention to the following sectors, where there is currently the greatest demand for labor:

- Agriculture

Seasonal harvesters and field workers are most in demand, especially during the fruit, vegetable and grape harvest.

- Construction

The country is actively implementing infrastructure projects, so workers, bricklayers, electricians, as well as repair specialists are being sought.

- Hospitality and Tourism

With the resumption of tourism activity, cooks, waiters, cleaners, maids and hotel staff are needed - especially during the summer season.

- Healthcare

Due to the shortage of medical personnel, many vacancies have opened for nurses, caregivers for the elderly and auxiliary medical personnel.

- Manufacturing

Italian factories and plants are looking for machine operators, technicians, mechanics - both full-time and on a contract basis.

Benefits of the new Italian policy for foreign citizens

The new program opens up wide opportunities for legal employment in Italy for citizens of non-EU countries:

1. Simplified application procedure

Visa processes have become more digitalized and understandable, which reduces barriers for migrants.

2. More vacancies in key areas

New quotas create real chances of finding work where there is a shortage of personnel.

3. Protection and rights of workers

Foreign workers will have legal status, access to healthcare and social protection.

4. Possibility of long-term residence

A simplified procedure is provided for changing a temporary or seasonal visa to a long-term one.

5. Better integration

Digital agreements between employers and employees have been introduced, which simplifies adaptation and reduces bureaucracy.

What does this mean for the legal migration system?

Despite the general tightening of controls on illegal migration, Italy is showing a willingness to expand legal employment pathways. According to Interior Minister Matteo Piantedozi, the new strategy is a “realistic and necessary approach” that combines economic interests, security and social stability.

Work visa for Italy in 2025

If you are not an EU citizen and want to work in Italy, you will need a work visa. There are several different types of visas that you may be eligible for, depending on your citizenship and the type of work you intend to do in Italy. The most common visas for working in Italy are:

1. Seasonal work (agriculture and tourism)

The visa is issued for a period of up to 9 months. It provides for the possibility of changing the place of work, but not the type of activity. If the document is reopened, the candidate has priority over others in terms of quotas. An employee who has been invited by the same employer for seasonal work for 2 consecutive years is entitled to a long-term residence permit for a period of up to 3 years.

2. Working for an Italian employer

After obtaining a visa for employment, a foreigner is required to submit documents for a temporary residence permit within 8 days of arrival in Italy. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to submit to the consulate a plan for the employee's further development within the company where he is employed.

3. Working for an Italian employer for highly qualified specialists

The so-called blue (or blue) card of the European Union is issued by the police commissioner in the province where the specialist lives. To confirm the level of qualification, the candidate must provide a nostrified diploma of education, certificates of advanced training and language proficiency, as well as recommendations from former employers. Suitable for professionals in the fields of IT, engineering, healthcare and finance.

4. Visa for an individual entrepreneur

On these grounds, entrepreneurs whose activities are not legally regulated by Italian or other EU citizens can obtain a visa. In this case, the work permit is issued not by the employer, but by the employee himself. He also submits documents confirming sufficient finances and the ability to reside in the country and run a business.

5. Skilled worker visa (Decreto Flussi - non-seasonal work visa)

Designed for professionals in key industries such as construction, healthcare and IT. A job offer from an Italian employer and approval of Nulla Osta (work permit) are required before applying.

6. Caregiver work visa

Candidates need previous experience or a certificate in the field of care, as well as confirmation of employer sponsorship and information about the availability of residence.

Important! Outside of the quotas, translators, foreign language teachers at universities, as well as professors or candidates for a scientific degree who come to teach and conduct scientific activities can find work in Italy.

To permanently reside in Italy, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit. We have already told you about the types of permits and the features of the document processing procedure.

Italy's decision to open almost half a million work visas is a historic chance for citizens of countries outside the EU to find stable work and build a life in one of the leading countries in Europe. If you dream of legal employment abroad, 2026-2028 may be your opportunity.

If you are planning to apply for a work visa to Italy, you should contact qualified migration lawyers who will help you choose the right type of visa, prepare all documents and avoid mistakes in the application process. Expert support significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining a permit and further legal stay in the country.

Get advice from qualified professionals to make this journey with confidence and without unnecessary stress.

Reminder! Moving to Italy is an opportunity to discover a new quality of life among culture, sun and gastronomic masterpieces, but it is also associated with certain difficulties. We have already told you what challenges expats in Italy face in 2025 and how to prepare for them.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Italy;

Legal advice on immigration to Italy;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Italy;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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