On November 24, 2025, Ministry of Foreign Affair decree 17 November 2025 was published on the Official Gazette. The decree identifies the countries of nationality of foreign nationals residing abroad who are descendants of Italian citizens which become eligible for work permits for subordinate employment outside the quota system.
In fact, according to Article 27, paragraph 1-octies of Legislative Decree 286/1998, recently introduced among the options to enter the country for work not subject to quotas, foreign nationals residing abroad who are descendants of Italian citizens and hold the nationality of one of these countries can enter Italy for subordinate employment outside the quota system.
Nationals of the following countries who are descendants of Italian citizens are eligible to apply: Argentina, Brazil, United States of America, Australia, Canada, Venezuela, and Uruguay.
Proposals to extend the measure to South Africa, Mexico, Peru, and Chile were not accepted at this stage. However, the Government has clarified that the possible inclusion of additional countries may be evaluated in the future.
Operational instructions are now expected, including the introduction of application forms on the online portal for work permit applications and whether applicants will need to provide documentation required to prove Italian descent and at which stage of the process.
It is to be noted that in any case the procedure remains subject to the availability of a job offer from an Italian employer or a foreign employer legally residing in Italy. The application must follow the general procedures set out in the Consolidated Immigration Act, which include the submission of an application for a work permit (nulla osta) by the employer, the labour market test (check that there are available workers already in Italy), the provision of documentation regarding accommodation and the job offer, as well as the submission of the asseverazione i.e employer’s certification of their ability to hire, issued by an authorised professional or entity.
