Decreto Flussi: Italy to Issue 165,000 Work Visas in 2025

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Key Takeaways

Italy plans 165,000 work visas for 2025 to address labour shortages and support its ageing population under Decreto Flussi.
Reforms include caregiver visas, skilled worker pathways, and seasonal roles, targeting critical sectors like healthcare, IT, and construction.
Streamlined application processes and biometric updates aim to attract foreign talent, ensuring Italy’s economic and demographic stability.

Italy’s decision to significantly expand its work visa program for 2025 reflects a clear response to ongoing labour shortages and challenges tied to an ageing population. Under the Decreto Flussi program, the country will introduce 165,000 work visas, including an additional 10,000 specifically for caregivers. These measures are intended to attract foreign professionals to fill crucial roles across various industries, and they highlight the country’s strategic approach to immigration and workforce planning. Below, we analyze the key aspects of this reform and its broader implications.

Italy’s Labour Market Challenges

Italy 🇮🇹 faces significant demographic challenges, including a rapidly aging population and a declining birth rate. These issues have put immense pressure on the labour market, causing shortages across healthcare, construction, hospitality, and technology. To address these concerns, the government has recognized the need to bring in foreign workers to stabilize its workforce and support economic progress. Without such measures, these critical industries may struggle to function effectively. Experts widely consider immigration reform an essential avenue for tackling this labour crisis.

Decreto Flussi: Italy to Issue 165,000 Work Visas in 2025

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has adopted a measured strategy that addresses these shortages while maintaining control over illegal immigration. By introducing legal and structured immigration pathways, including the caregiver visa quota, her policies aim to provide a balanced solution to Italy’s dual needs of economic growth and population support.

Decreto Flussi: Structured Immigration Pathway for 2025

One of the standout features in Italy’s labour strategy is the Decreto Flussi program. For 2025, this program will make 165,000 work visas available, spanning both seasonal and non-seasonal positions. Seasonal visas predominantly target roles in industries like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality—sectors that typically require extra hands during peak periods. On the other hand, non-seasonal visas prioritize skilled professionals needed in fields such as IT, logistics, construction, engineering, and healthcare. This bifurcated approach reflects Italy’s intent to strategically address sector-specific labour deficits while offering structured legal pathways for foreign nationals.

The non-seasonal work visa is particularly appealing for skilled professionals aiming to integrate into Italy’s long-term workforce. The Decreto Flussi’s focus on targeted economic needs ensures that incoming workers will directly contribute to high-priority sectors.

Caregiver Visas: Addressing Italy’s Aging Population

The addition of 10,000 caregiver work visas is a critical element of the 2025 reforms. This specific visa aims to address the growing demand for caregivers in light of Italy’s aging population. With a significant proportion of citizens aged 65 and older, the country faces increasing needs in elderly and disability care. According to analysis featured on VisaVerge.com, this demand has outpaced the domestic labour supply, creating opportunities for international caregivers to fill this critical gap.

Eligibility for these visas is relatively straightforward. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from an Italian employer and relevant caregiving experience or certifications. While formal qualifications are not mandatory, the ability to demonstrate practical skills in elder care can strengthen an applicant’s chances. Additionally, caregivers can anticipate an average annual salary of €24,814, with hourly rates ranging from €12 to €15 depending on experience and location. This competitive compensation provides further incentive for foreign nationals to consider caregiving roles in Italy.

Caregivers are expected to follow a defined application process. This includes completing the Long Term Application Form D via the VFS Global website, submitting all necessary documents, and attending an interview at the nearest Visa Application Centre. The relatively streamlined pathway underscores the government’s urgency in securing caregivers to address this pressing societal need.

Other Visa Categories for 2025

Beyond caregiver visas, Italy has expanded its work visa framework to include multiple categories that appeal to a diverse range of applicants:

Seasonal Work Visas: Reserved for industries like farming, hospitality, and tourism, these visas are ideal for short-term roles lasting up to nine months.
Skilled Worker Visa (Non-Seasonal): Aimed at professionals in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and construction, this visa option requires a Nulla Osta (work permit) to be approved by the employer.
Self-Employment Visa: Geared toward entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors looking to establish their businesses in Italy.
EU Blue Card: This visa targets highly skilled workers in fields such as IT, engineering, and finance. It offers a flexible route for individuals seeking advanced professional opportunities in Italy.

Each category comes with unique requirements, yet they all underscore the Italian government’s broader commitment to welcoming talents suited to sustain and grow its economy.

Biometric and Procedural Adjustments

Beginning January 2025, the Italian consular visa application process will undergo notable procedural changes. Individuals applying for national visas (e.g., EU Blue Card, family reunification visas) must now submit biometric data, including fingerprints, during their consular interviews. Though this requirement adds a step in the application, it modernizes the system and enhances security standards. Moreover, the removal of prior notification of rejection during applications aims to simplify approval timelines.

Those applying for long-term visas, such as D visas, must also book and attend individual appointments for biometric collection at consulates. The new requirements reflect Italy’s efforts to adopt advanced technology while aligning with EU-wide policies on border management.

Streamlined Application Steps

Irrespective of the visa type, there are standardized procedures applicants should follow when pursuing work opportunities in Italy:
1. Check if the desired industry is covered under the Decreto Flussi program.
2. Secure a job offer from an Italian employer, which is typically the first essential step.
3. Obtain Nulla Osta (a work permit issued in Italy) through employer sponsorship.
4. Submit the visa application at the closest Italian consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country.
5. Await approval for the national visa, which authorizes entry into Italy.
6. Within eight days of arriving in Italy, visit the local immigration office to apply for the permesso di soggiorno, or residence permit.

This detailed procedural framework ensures a transparent approach for both the applicants and the Italian government.

The expansion of work visas contributes not only to the short-term resolution of labour shortages but also to long-term economic stability. Foreign workers bring skills, innovation, and economic contributions, particularly in sectors essential to Italy’s infrastructure and services. Moreover, initiatives like the caregiver visa directly address social challenges posed by an ageing population, ensuring adequate support for vulnerable groups.

By aligning immigration policies with economic and demographic realities, Italy sets an example for other nations experiencing similar challenges. Programs like the Decreto Flussi highlight the importance of carefully managed immigration frameworks that cater to diverse workforce needs.

Concluding Thoughts

Italy’s 2025 work visa reforms, under the wide-reaching Decreto Flussi program, mark a decisive shift in addressing workforce challenges while opening the door for foreign talent. With 165,000 visas available, including the 10,000 caregiver visas, this strategy is poised to stimulate economic growth, address sector-specific shortages, and provide robust support to an ageing population. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s careful balancing of increased legal immigration pathways with tighter control over illegal migration reflects the pragmatic urgency of the moment.

For individuals eager to work in Italy, these reforms signal significant opportunities. Whether you are a skilled worker, a caregiver, or someone exploring seasonal roles, understanding the eligibility criteria and application processes is paramount. With the government’s commitment to streamlined procedures and targeted demand-focused programs, 2025 represents a critical year for Italy’s labour market and beyond. For further details, consult Italy’s official immigration portal: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information.

Italy to expand work visa program, adding 165,000 new visas in 2025
Italy plans to allocate up to 165,000 work visas and an additional 10,000 caregiver-specific visas in 2025 under its Decreto Flussi program, part of reforms to address labor shortages and support economic growth.

Why it matters:
Italy’s aging population and declining birth rate have left key industries such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality struggling to find workers. This visa expansion aims to fill those gaps while creating legal pathways for foreign labor.

The big picture:
Italy’s decision to increase its visa quotas is a response to critical worker shortages. By targeting both seasonal and non-seasonal roles, plus allocating specific visas for caregivers, the government hopes to balance economic needs with demographic challenges.

165,000 work visas are dedicated to seasonal and non-seasonal industries, such as agriculture, tourism, IT, and engineering.
10,000 additional caregiver visas will address the nation’s elderly care crisis.

By the numbers:
– €24,814: The average annual salary for caregivers in Italy.
– 452,000: Total work visas allocated under the Decreto Flussi program for 2023-2025.
– 8 days: Deadline to apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) after arriving in Italy on a work visa.

State of play:
Starting January 2025, new procedures will simplify Italy’s long-term visa application processes but require biometric data collection for national visa applicants, including those seeking employment and student visas.

Caregiver focus:
Italy’s 10,000 additional caregiver visas specifically aim to attract workers to care for an aging population.
– Eligibility: A job offer and caregiving experience or relevant certifications.
– Salary: Typically ranges between €18,908 and €28,809 annually.

Application process:
To apply for a caregiver visa, follow these steps:
– Complete Visa Form D and book a consular appointment.
– Pay fees and attend the appointment with all required documents.
– Await visa approval by the Italian embassy.

Between the lines:
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains firm on controlling illegal immigration but is expanding legal pathways, recognizing the importance of foreign labor in addressing Italy’s economic needs.

Yes, but:
While these reforms are promising, they may face bottlenecks from administrative delays and high demand, particularly for caregiver roles amid global competition for skilled workers.

The bottom line:
Italy’s visa expansion offers significant opportunities for foreign professionals, particularly in caregiving and high-demand industries. Prospective applicants should act early, ensuring they meet eligibility and application requirements to benefit from streamlined processes and available quotas.

Learn Today

Decreto Flussi: An Italian program regulating the annual quota of work visas for foreign workers in specific sectors.
Nulla Osta: A work permit in Italy required for non-EU citizens, issued by the Italian government through employer sponsorship.
EU Blue Card: A visa for highly skilled professionals allowing them to work and reside in European Union member countries.
Biometric Data: Personal physical characteristics, like fingerprints, collected during visa applications to verify identity and enhance security measures.
Permesso di Soggiorno: An Italian residence permit necessary for long-term stays, typically issued after entering the country with a visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

Italy’s 2025 work visa reforms under Decreto Flussi address labor shortages and an aging population. Offering 165,000 visas—10,000 for caregivers—it targets critical industries like healthcare, construction, and IT. By aligning immigration with economic needs, Italy ensures workforce stability while welcoming foreign talent. A balanced, strategic solution to demographic and economic challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com