Italy: 2023 Increased Work Permit Quota Announced

The Prime Ministerial Decree has been published announcing the 2023 quota for work permits for foreign nationals. Specifically, there will be 82,705 spots available, up from 69,700 in 2022, of which 44,000 spots are reserved for seasonal work; 31,205 spots for the employment of certain nationalities in select professions such as construction, tourism, and telecommunications, among others; 7,000 spots for foreign nationals changing status who already hold a residence permit in Italy or the European Union (for example, changing from a residence permit to employment/self-employment permit); and 500 spots for self-employed individuals, including entrepreneurs, start-up owners, prominent artists, chairmen, CEOs, members of boards of directors and auditors in Italian companies who have held their position for at least three years. Work permits applications for spots under the quota can be submitted beginning March 27, 2023 and are expected to be expedited and adjudicated within 30 days of submission.