The Italian government has approved a new law that speeds up the entry of foreign workers, shortening the work permit issuance time for certain categories and simplifying housing requirements.
Main changes
On November 26, 2025, the Chamber of deputies definitely approved a new law. This contains “Provisions for the simplification and digitalization of procedures relating to economic activities and services for citizens and businesses”.
The new law introduces some important changes to the Italian immigration law. In particular, article 4 sets specific amendments and additions to legislative decree no. 286/1998 (Consolidated Immigration Act). The changes concern the procedures for issuing residence permits for employment to citizens of non-EU countries.
Simplification of housing requirements
Firstly, employers must guarantee to non-EU workers an accommodation meeting the minimum legal requirements for public housing (ERP). These parameters concern the minimum height of the premises and the health and hygiene requirements.
The new law modifies the references to the housing requirements that employers must guarantee to foreign workers. In this regard, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for the housing parameters.
Secondly, employers must electronically submit appropriate documentation relating the accommodation (housing suitability certificate) to the immigration office.
The new law simplifies this process. If the accommodation is a permanent dormitory on a construction site, the employer may submit a self-certification attesting to the minimum requirements. In the case of a hotel or other designated accommodation facility, it will be sufficient to indicate the name of the facility. However, this does not exempt the facility to comply with any additional fulfilments provided by the law.
Reduction of the time required to issue work permits
In addition, the work permits issuing time is reduced from 60 to 30 days. This concerns only workers with professional and civic language training programs certificates. Furthermore, the entry visa application time limit after the end of such programs is extended to 12 months.
Finally, article 21 of the new law provides for a reduction from 90 to 30 dats the time limit for issuing work permits for workers referred to in Article 27 quarter of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Blue Card). It should be noted that even in cases of entry with Blue Card, the authorities must carry out checks on the accuracy of the declarations provided by the employer.
