Italy Increases 2025 Work Visa Quotas Amid Stricter Requirements

Italy will issue an extra 10,000 work visas next year for people who want to care for the elderly and disabled, the government announced on Wednesday. This step is meant to address the rising demand for caregivers as the country’s population ages and birth rates fall. These new visas will add to the 452,000 work visas already planned for the 2023-2025 period.

To tackle labor shortages and attract skilled workers, the Italian government plans to significantly increase work visas in 2025. New policy aims to bring in an extra 10,000 foreign workers, focusing on industries facing a talent shortage.

Italy Increases 2025 Work Visa Quotas

Italian government plans to raise work visa quotas to 165,000 in 2025, up from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023. This increase is part of a three-year plan to meet labor market needs.

However, the government is also cracking down on fraudulent visa applications, especially from “high-risk” countries. Stricter screening will be put in place to prevent exploitation and protect the immigration system’s integrity.

Why is Italy increasing visas?

Italy has faced a long-standing shortage of caregivers for its elderly and disabled citizens. Charitable groups like the Sant’Egidio Catholic organization have been pushing for more caregiver visas for years, according to Reuters.

Italian government says the country’s aging population and low birth rate have created a growing demand for foreign workers in this field. Currently, around 3.2 million foreign nationals live in Italy, with about 2.4 million employed, making up over 10% of the workforce. Sectors like caregiving, agriculture, hospitality, and construction rely heavily on these workers. To keep the workforce stable, Italy needs about 280,000 new foreign workers each year.

Additional 10,000 visas are part of the government’s plan to address these workforce needs in the coming years.

Concerns Over Exploitation of Seasonal Workers

Despite the increase in visa numbers, the Italian government is tightening rules to prevent the misuse of seasonal work visas. In 2025, 93,550 seasonal work visas will be available, mainly for agriculture and tourism, up slightly from 89,050 in 2024.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has raised concerns about criminal networks exploiting the system, selling work visas for up to €15,000. To combat this, Italy is working with countries like Bangladesh to stop human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Italy Work Visa: Requirements and Process

To work in Italy, foreign nationals must get an Italy Work Visa, which is issued under the country’s yearly immigration quotas. Here are the main requirements:

• Job Offer: You need a valid job offer from an Italian employer.
• Quota Availability: Work visas are limited by the government’s annual quotas.
• Application Submission: Applications must be submitted on “Click Days” or during the quota period.
• Documentation: You need a valid passport, job contract, proof of accommodation, and other required documents.
• Approval: Once approved by Italian immigration, you must apply for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country.

How can you apply for a caregiver job in Italy?

To apply for a caregiver visa, Indian applicants need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the VFS Global website and click on “Apply for a Visa.”
2. Under “Begin Your Application,” download and complete the Application Form D (Long Term).
3. Book an appointment and select a time slot at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
4. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email. Download it and bring it to your appointment.
5. Pay the fees either online through the website or in person at the VAC.
6. Attend your scheduled appointment with your completed visa application form and all required documents.
7. After submission, the Italian embassy in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata will review your documents.
8. Once processed, your documents will be sent to you by courier, or you can collect them from the VAC.

What are the visa costs?

Here are the costs you need to know for a caregiver visa:

• Visa Application Fee: The fee for a long-term work visa (Type D) is about €116.
• Residence Permit Fees: After arriving in Italy, you need to apply for a residence permit, which costs between €80 and €200, depending on how long you plan to stay.
• Medical Insurance: You must have valid health insurance while in Italy, which usually costs between €100 and €300 per year.

Final Words

Italy is taking a proactive approach to boost work visas and introduce flexible measures, such as extended Click Days. This creates more opportunities for foreign workers to help grow the country’s industries while ensuring stricter controls to prevent misuse of the system.