Italy to Issue 5 Lakh Work Permits by 2028: Benefits for Indians

Key Takeaways

• Italy will issue nearly 500,000 new work permits to non-EU nationals between 2026 and 2028.
• Indian workers are the largest foreign group, with over 330,000 residence permits issued recently.
• The Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 plan includes digital applications and quotas for key labor sectors.

Italy’s Bold Move: 500,000 New Work Permits for Foreign Workers by 2028

Italy 🇮🇹 is making a major change to its immigration policy, opening the door for hundreds of thousands of foreign workers—including many from India—to live and work in the country over the next few years. As of July 1, 2025, the Italian government has confirmed it will issue nearly 500,000 new work permits to non-European Union (EU) nationals between 2026 and 2028. This expansion, part of the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 plan, aims to fill urgent labor gaps and support Italy’s economy.

Who is affected? Non-EU nationals, especially Indian workers, stand to benefit the most. What is happening? Italy will grant around 500,000 new work permits. When? The permits will be issued between 2026 and 2028. Where? Across Italy, with a focus on sectors facing worker shortages. Why? To address labor shortages and help the Italian economy grow. How? Through a government-approved plan that sets clear quotas and streamlines the application process.

Let’s break down what this means for Indian workers, how the process works, and what changes are coming.

Italy’s Work Permit Expansion: Key Details

The Italian government’s new plan is one of the largest legal immigration expansions in recent years. Under the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028, Italy will:

• Grant about 500,000 new work permits to non-EU nationals by 2028.
• Set a quota of 164,850 permits for 2026, with the total reaching 497,550 by 2028.
• Continue and expand on earlier policies that issued over 450,000 visas between 2023 and 2025 under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government.

This move is designed to help Italy 🇮🇹 manage its changing population and meet the needs of its economy. The plan is not just about numbers; it’s about making sure the right workers are available for the jobs that need filling.

Why Is Italy Expanding Work Permits?

Italy 🇮🇹 has shifted from being a country where people used to leave for work elsewhere, to one that now needs foreign workers to keep its economy running. Several factors have led to this change:

• Aging Population: Italy’s population is getting older, with fewer young people entering the workforce.
• Labor Shortages: There are not enough workers in key sectors like caregiving, agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
• Economic Growth: The government wants to boost the economy by making sure businesses have the workers they need.
• Legal Pathways: By increasing legal work permits, Italy hopes to reduce illegal immigration and make migration safer and more organized.

Foreign nationals now make up about 8.9% of Italy’s population, showing how important immigration has become for the country’s future.

Indians: The Largest Group of Foreign Workers in Italy

Indian nationals are already the largest group of foreign workers in Italy 🇮🇹. Over 330,000 residence permits have been issued to Indians in recent years. This strong presence is expected to grow as Italy opens more opportunities.

What does this mean for Indian workers?

• More job openings: The expanded quota means more chances for skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to get legal jobs in Italy.
• Special focus on caregiving: Italy plans to issue 10,000 additional Caregiver Work Visas in 2025, a sector where Indian workers are in high demand.
• Clearer, faster process: The application system is becoming more digital, making it easier and quicker to apply.

How the Work Permit Process Works for Indian Applicants

If you are an Indian national interested in working in Italy 🇮🇹, here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Secure a Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship

• Find a job in Italy: You must first get a job offer from an Italian employer.
• Employer applies for your permit: The employer must submit a digital application for your work permit. This is done using a certified email system called PEC (Posta Elettronica Certificata).
• Digital contracts: Employers must digitally sign your employment contract, following the latest rules for 2024–2025.

2. Apply for an Italian Work Visa

• Go to the Italian consulate or embassy in India: Once your employer has approval, you must apply for a work visa (long-stay D-visa).
• Visa fee: The fee is about €116.
• Purpose: This visa lets you enter Italy for work.

You can find more details about the visa application process on the official Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

3. Work Permit Authorization

• Employer’s responsibility: Before you travel, your employer must get official authorization for your work permit. This is part of the Decreto Flussi quota system, which sets the number of foreign workers allowed each year.
• Stay within quotas: Only a certain number of permits are available each year, so timing and preparation are important.

4. Apply for a Residence Permit

• Within eight days of arrival: After you arrive in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit within eight days.
• Fees: The cost depends on how long you plan to stay:
  • €40 for stays of 3–12 months
  • €50 for stays of 12–24 months
  • €100 for long-term permits or if you are a highly qualified worker

You can download the residence permit application form from the official police website.

5. Long-Term Residence

• After five years: If you live in Italy legally for five years, you can apply for long-term residence status.
• Requirements: You must show you have enough money to support yourself and a place to live.

What Is the Decreto Flussi?

The Decreto Flussi is the main law that controls how many foreign workers can enter Italy each year. It sets quotas for different types of jobs and countries. The new Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 is much larger than past versions, showing Italy’s commitment to legal, organized migration.

Digitalization: Making the Process Easier

One of the biggest changes is the move to digital applications. Employers now use certified email and digital signatures to apply for work permits. This:

• Reduces paperwork
• Speeds up processing
• Makes the system more transparent

For workers, this means less waiting and fewer chances for mistakes or lost documents.

Why Is This Important for Italy and Indian Workers?

For Italy 🇮🇹

• Fills urgent job gaps: Sectors like caregiving, farming, and construction need more workers than Italy can supply on its own.
• Supports the economy: More workers mean more growth and a stronger social security system.
• Reduces illegal migration: By offering legal ways to work, Italy hopes to cut down on people entering the country without permission.

For Indian Workers

• More legal opportunities: With more permits available, it’s easier to find a legal job and build a life in Italy.
• Better protection: Legal status means workers have rights and protections under Italian law.
• Path to long-term residence: After five years, workers can apply for long-term status, making it easier to settle and bring family members.

What Sectors Are Most in Need?

Italy 🇮🇹 has identified several sectors where foreign workers are especially needed:

• Caregiving: Taking care of the elderly or people with disabilities. Italy’s aging population means this sector is growing fast.
• Agriculture: Seasonal work on farms, especially during harvest times.
• Construction: Building and maintaining homes, offices, and public spaces.
• Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and tourism services.

The government may adjust quotas for each sector as needs change.

What Are the Challenges?

While the new policy is a big step forward, there are still some challenges:

• Competition for permits: With set quotas, not everyone who applies will get a permit. It’s important to apply early and have all documents ready.
• Integration: Moving to a new country can be hard. Learning Italian and understanding local customs helps with settling in.
• Changing rules: Immigration laws can change. It’s important to check official sources for the latest updates.

Expert Opinions: Balancing Needs and Concerns

Many experts see the new work permit plan as a smart response to Italy’s problems with an aging population and not enough workers. Labor economists say bringing in foreign workers is key to keeping Italy’s economy strong and making sure there are enough people paying into the social security system.

Political analysts point out that even though Italy’s government is right-wing, it recognizes that the country needs immigrants to fill jobs and keep the economy healthy. The government is trying to balance public concerns about migration with the real needs of businesses and families.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach aims to create a fair system that benefits both Italy and the workers who come from abroad.

What’s Next? Future Developments

The Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 is expected to be fully in place by early 2026. Here’s what to watch for:

• Possible changes to quotas: The government may adjust the number of permits for different sectors as labor needs change.
• More digital tools: The application process will likely become even more digital and user-friendly.
• Better monitoring: Italy plans to improve how it checks that workers and employers follow the rules.

Practical Steps for Indian Applicants

If you’re an Indian worker interested in Italy’s new opportunities, here’s what you should do:

1. Start job hunting early: Look for job offers from Italian employers, especially in high-demand sectors.
2. Prepare your documents: Make sure your passport, educational certificates, and work experience records are up to date.
3. Stay informed: Check the Italian Ministry of Interior for the latest news on quotas and application procedures.
4. Apply as soon as quotas open: Permits are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Learn some Italian: Knowing the language will help you at work and in daily life.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Italian Embassy and Consulates in India: For visa appointments and questions.
• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For official visa information and updates.
• Italian Ministry of Interior: For details on work permits and residence requirements.
• Digital application portals: Employers use PEC for submitting applications.

If you need help, always use official sources or trusted immigration professionals. Avoid anyone who promises a job or visa for a fee without proper paperwork.

Conclusion: A New Era for Italy’s Immigration Policy

Italy’s decision to issue nearly 500,000 new work permits by 2028 marks a turning point in its approach to immigration. For Indian workers, this is a chance to find legal, rewarding work in one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic countries. For Italy 🇮🇹, it’s a way to keep the economy strong and care for its people.

By following the right steps and staying informed, Indian applicants can make the most of this opportunity. The new policies are designed to be fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone involved.

As Italy 🇮🇹 continues to refine its immigration system, the hope is that both workers and employers will find it easier to connect, build futures, and contribute to a thriving society.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the Italian Ministry of Interior’s official immigration page.

Key Takeaway: Italy’s expanded work permit system is opening doors for Indian workers. With clear rules, digital applications, and a focus on legal migration, now is the time to prepare and take advantage of these new opportunities.

Learn Today

Decreto Flussi → An Italian government law setting annual quotas for foreign work permits and immigration control.
Non-EU Nationals → Individuals who are citizens of countries outside the European Union applying to work in Italy.
PEC (Posta Elettronica Certificata) → A certified email system in Italy used for secure and legally recognized digital communications.
Residence Permit → An official document allowing foreign nationals to live and work legally in Italy for a specified period.
Caregiver Work Visa → A specific visa category for foreign workers employed in caregiving roles in Italy.

This Article in a Nutshell

Italy is set to grant 500,000 work permits by 2028, focusing on sectors like caregiving and construction. Indian workers will benefit most. The new Decreto Flussi law streamlines digital applications and quota systems, addressing labor shortages and boosting the economy with safer, legal migration pathways.
— By VisaVerge.com