Italy has introduced a new decree-law designed to make it easier for foreign workers to enter the country and to modernise the way immigration is managed. Adopted in September 2025, the reform aims to respond to labour market shortages, reduce administrative delays, and improve protections for foreign nationals. The measures build on tools tested earlier in 2025 and mark a significant change towards a more efficient and predictable immigration system.
One of the most important changes concerns the timing of work authorisations. Previously, deadlines were linked to the date on which an application was submitted. Under the new law, deadlines begin only once the application is officially allocated within the annual quota system. This creates a clearer and more predictable process for employers, who can plan staffing needs with greater certainty.
The decree also expands the verification of employers’ declarations to additional categories of residence permits, including those for highly skilled workers and researchers. The aim is to improve compliance while still making it possible for companies to bring in specialists who are in high demand.
The law consolidates several procedures first trialled in 2025. These include the use of pre-filled applications, which reduce errors and speed up the submission process. In addition, there is now a limit on how many requests a single employer can file, helping to ensure fairer access to quotas. This limit applies not only to general employment but also to seasonal work, a sector known for very high volumes of applications.
A key improvement is the protection for workers waiting for their residence permits to be converted from one status to another. These individuals will now be allowed to remain in Italy and work legally while the conversion process is under way. This prevents unnecessary gaps in employment and provides stability both for workers and for employers who rely on them.
The decree also strengthens the position of foreign nationals who are victims of exploitation or domestic violence. Their residence permits will now be valid for twelve months, and they will have access to social inclusion benefits. This expanded protection aims to help vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives and avoid falling into irregular or unsafe working conditions.
In addition, the law removes family and care workers from the quota system altogether. Given the constant demand for workers in these sectors, this exemption allows households and care organisations to hire the staff they need without depending on limited annual quotas.
Another important update is the strengthening of controls around job changes. Workers changing employment must do so in a way that remains consistent with the conditions of their residence permit. This is intended to prevent irregular employment situations and ensure that the original purpose of the permit is observed.
Family reunification procedures have also been updated and aligned more closely with EU standards. Deadlines have been extended, giving applicants and authorities more time to prepare and assess documents properly. This should reduce unnecessary refusals and help families navigate the system with less uncertainty.
Seasonal industries such as agriculture and tourism will see some of the most direct benefits. The use of pre-filled applications and the introduction of submission limits per employer should help distribute opportunities more evenly and reduce system overload. At the same time, employers in these sectors should be prepared for stricter verification requirements and the need to maintain accurate documentation.
Overall, the new decree-law reflects Italy’s broader effort to modernise immigration management. The reforms aim to balance the country’s economic needs with the need for a clearer, fairer and more secure system for foreign workers. Employers benefit from simpler processes and more predictable timelines, while foreign nationals gain stronger protection and improved legal certainty.
For organisations that rely on foreign talent, the decree reinforces the importance of proactive planning and compliance. Employers should review their recruitment procedures, update internal policies, and ensure that employment arrangements harmonize fully with the new rules.
Italy’s updated framework marks a meaningful step towards a more efficient and transparent immigration system, a system better equipped to meet the demands of today’s labour market while providing greater stability and protection for workers.