There has been an important and optimistic change to the work visa requirements for those with Italian ancestry. In the wake of the Tajani Decree that restricted eligibility requirements for Italian citizenship jure sanguinis back in May 2025, this new update provides an easier path forward to legal residence in Italy. In particular, it applies to those with Italian parents or grandparents, and only from certain countries. Read on to learn more.
How to legally work in Italy
In general, the work visa process in Italy is monitored by a strict quota known as the decreto flussi. This yearly quota controls how many non-EU citizens can enter the country for seasonal work, contracted work, and self-employment. It even includes those who already reside in Italy and are looking to convert their permesso di soggiorno to a work-related permesso.
Sometimes, workers can apply outside of the decreto flussi, such as for the EU Blue Card, but these cases are rarer, and are usually for those in highly specialized sectors or in high-level jobs.
It is worth noting that as of February 2024, Italy also offers a Digital Nomad Visa. Any remote worker, whether for a company (provided it is not based in Italy) or as a freelancer, can apply for this visa. Most importantly, it is not subject to the decreto flussi, making it a much more accessible option for most people.
What has changed for those with Italian ancestry
Significantly, interested people of Italian descent can apply for the work visa outside of the decreto flussi. However, it is important to note that this is only for people in the following countries: the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, and Uruguay. More countries, such as South Africa, Mexico, Peru, and Chile, which had been previously considered, might be added in the future.
The type of work must also be considered subordinate employment with an Italian company. This means that you must first find an employer who will hire you and submit a nulla osta (certificate of non-impediment), which is quite common for many bureaucratic processes in Italy. Once this is obtained, you can proceed with your visa application.
How to apply
Along with the nulla osta mentioned above, you will need to submit the following documents to your local Italian consulate:
- Work contract
- Visa application form
- Passport photo
- Valid passport (original and copy)
- Copy of a driver’s license or other document proving residence in the consular jurisdiction
As always, be sure to check the requirements of your consulate for further documentation, if needed.
Once in Italy
Upon arrival in Italy, you will have 8 days to apply for your permesso di soggiorno. This is a residence permit required by all visa holders, and it is important to note that it is not the same as establishing formal residency in the country. (That is a different process that can lead to citizenship by naturalization, see below). To apply for the permesso, you can fill out the kit at the post office and submit it to receive an appointment at the Questura. At the Questura, you will need to submit documents related to your work visa and will be fingerprinted. Then, after some time, you will receive your official permesso di soggiorno. So long as the same work conditions continue to be met, it is this permesso that you will renew when it expires, rather than the visa.
As mentioned briefly before, if you are already in Italy on another kind of permesso di soggiorno (example, for study), then you can potentially convert it to a permesso di soggiorno for work purposes, but this will fall under the decreto flussi quotas.
Citizenship options
Citizenship by naturalization is an option for those who reside in Italy for a certain number of years. For non-EU citizens, this is after 10 years, but if you have an Italian parent or grandparent, it drops down to only two years (three years prior to the Tajani Decree). There are also income requirements, and a B1 Italian language test needs to be passed as well.
Those with Italian parents or grandparents might also be eligible for citizenship jure sanguinis (by right of blood).
How Italian Citizenship Assistance can help
Are you interested in applying for an Italian visa or examining your eligibility for citizenship? Here at Italian Citizenship Assistance, our experts are well-qualified to assist with applications, questions about the various processes, and relocation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at info@italiancitizenshipassistance.com or visit us on the web at https://italiancitizenshipassistance.com/.