International Work

Work visa in Italy for Italian descendants

The Italian legal tradition has always recognized a strong bond with its descendants around the world. Law of February 5, 1992, no. 91 crystallized this principle, regulating citizenship according to the ius sanguinis: a system that guarantees the automatic transmission of citizenship without generational limits and regardless of the place of birth.

However, the legal framework has changed significantly with the introduction of Decree-Law no. 36/2025, converted into Law no. 74/2025. This measure marked a turning point, introducing the principle of the “genuine link” as an essential requirement for the acquisition of citizenship, and providing for a clear cut-off at the second generation of descendants. In other words, only those whose parents or grandparents hold (or held, if deceased, at the time of death) “exclusively” Italian citizenship can be recognized as citizens.

In addition, citizenship may be recognized if one of the parents or adoptive parents has been resident in Italy for at least two consecutive years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the date of birth or adoption of the child.

The most controversial novelty of the decree is undoubtedly its retroactive application, which also affects those born before the entry into force of the new law, creating an unprecedented situation of inequality in the history of Italian citizenship law.

Although the Firm is at the forefront of the legal battle against the application of this new law, at the same time, as legal professionals, we have the duty to analyze the legislation in its entirety, identifying not only the limitations but also the new opportunities that may emerge from a legislative change.

And it is precisely in this spirit that we wish to bring to the attention of our clients and all Italian descendants an extraordinary opportunity that Decree 36/2025 has paradoxically opened.

The in-quota and extra-quota system for the work visa in Italy for Italian descendants

The system of entry for work is divided into two main channels to obtain a work visa in Italy: the “in-quota” system and the “extra-quota” system. The first is regulated by the annual “Decreto Flussi”, which establishes the maximum number of foreign workers admissible in Italy, divided by type of work and country of origin. This channel is characterized by competitive procedures and limited availability of places.

Among other things, for several years governments have issued “decreti flussi” under practically inaccessible conditions, in fact limited to the conversion of residence permits of those already regular in Italy, or to seasonal work permits.

The “extra-quota” system, regulated by article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act, instead allows entry with a work visa for Italy regardless of numerical limits, for special categories of workers, such as artists, athletes, professional nurses, translators, etc. In addition, entry “outside the quota” is allowed for those eligible for an intra-company transfer visa (ICT).

The provision introduced by Decree-Law No. 36/2025 extends this privilege to the descendants of Italian citizens, without explicit generational limitations, for countries with strong Italian emigration, which include Argentina, Brazil, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Venezuela and Uruguay. This measure offers significant advantages: guaranteed access to the Italian labor market, the possibility of entering with a visa for employed or self-employed work, flexibility in submitting the application, faster procedures and the ability to work in any sector.

Combined with the reduction of the residence period to apply for citizenship (from three to two years for descendants of Italians), this opportunity represents a privileged path towards full integration into Italian society, offsetting the restrictions introduced in the recognition of citizenship jure sanguinis.

A new privileged path to Italy: the extra-quota work visa

While much of the media attention has focused on the restrictions introduced by the decree, an innovative provision has gone almost unnoticed, despite representing an unprecedented opportunity for Italian descendants wishing to build a future in Italy. Article 1-bis, paragraph 1 of the decree has in fact inserted paragraph 1-octies into article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree 286/1998), creating a special category of entry for work reserved for descendants of Italian citizens.

The implementing decree of this new provision was awaited, and it arrived on 17 November 2025: the decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published in the Official Gazette No. 273 of 24 November 2025, which identified the States towards which significant Italian migratory flows were directed.

Well, citizens of those States – Argentina, Brazil, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Venezuela and Uruguay – if descended from Italians, will be able to enter and stay in Italy for employed work outside the quotas provided for by Legislative Decree No. 286/1998.

This provision allows entry and residence in Italy for employment outside the maximum quotas of foreigners normally admitted to the national territory through the annual “decreti flussi”. In practical terms, this means that Italian descendants residing abroad will be able to access the Italian labor market without having to compete with other foreign citizens for the limited places available within the immigration quotas. It is a preferential channel that recognizes the special bond these individuals have with Italy, significantly facilitating their transfer to the country of their ancestors.

What makes this opportunity particularly relevant for the communities of descendants of Italians residing abroad is that, unlike the restrictions introduced for the automatic acquisition of citizenship, this provision does not include any generational limitation. This means that even descendants of Italians beyond the second degree, for whom the acquisition of citizenship iure sanguinis may be prevented by the new rules, can benefit from this privileged route of entry into Italy. It is an implicit acknowledgment of the value of the family and cultural ties that unite Italy and Brazil, regardless of the generational distance that separates the Italian descendant from their Italian ancestor.

How to obtain the work visa for Italian descendants and move to Italy

The process for Italian descendants from countries with high emigration rates who wish to move to Italy through the extra-quota work visa consists of clear and defined steps. The first necessary element is a concrete job offer from an Italian employer, which forms the basis of the entire procedure. Once the offer is received, the process unfolds through the following phases:

First, the Italian employer must submit an application for a work nulla osta at the “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione” of the competent Prefecture, specifying that the worker is a descendant of Italian citizens and therefore a beneficiary of the preferential “extra-quota” channel under article 27, paragraph 1-octies of the Consolidated Immigration Act.

Once the nulla osta has been obtained, the Italian descendant candidate must submit the work visa application at the Italian diplomatic representation in their country, attaching documentation proving Italian descent (birth, marriage, and death certificates linking the applicant to the Italian ancestor).

Once in Italy, within 8 working days, the worker must go to the “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione” to sign the residence contract, and subsequently apply for the residence permit at the designated post office.

This process, while requiring careful preparation, is significantly more accessible than standard procedures thanks to the exemption from quotas. Boschetti International Law Firm offers specialized assistance at every stage, ensuring a smooth transition to the new life in Italy.

Italian descendants abroad: how to move and work in Italy

For Italian descendants coming from Argentina, Brazil, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Venezuela and Uruguay, relocating to Italy represents not only a return to their roots, but also an opportunity for professional growth in a country that offers high standards of quality of life and access to the European single market.

Preparation for this important step begins with gathering documentation proving descent from Italian citizens. This documentation includes birth, marriage, and death certificates that create an unbroken chain from the Italian ancestor to the current applicant. It is essential that these documents be official, apostilled under the Hague Convention or legalized according to the procedures provided in the country of origin, and translated into Italian by authorized translators.

At the same time, it is necessary to start looking for job opportunities in Italy. This can be done through specialized online platforms, professional contacts, or with the assistance of consultants specialized in the Italian labor market. Language skills, both in Italian and in the language of the country of origin, represent a significant competitive advantage, especially in sectors oriented towards internationalization.

Once a job opportunity has been identified, the visa application process is carried out with the support of the future employer, who will initiate the procedure with the competent Italian authorities.

Boschetti International Law Firm offers a complete service that accompanies the Italian descendant through every phase of the transfer: from the preliminary verification of documentation to the search for professional opportunities, from the management of bureaucratic procedures to assistance with integration into Italian society.

A concrete path towards Italian citizenship through residence

The extra-quota work visa is not only an immediate opportunity to move to Italy, but it can also represent the first step of a broader path towards the acquisition of Italian citizenship, which the Italian descendant would obtain through another route. If the changes introduced by Decree 36/2025, converted with amendments by Law No. 74/2025, have limited the automatism of the ius sanguinis, they have paradoxically facilitated the path towards citizenship by residence for descendants of Italians.

Article 1-bis, paragraph 2 of the decree has in fact reduced from three to two years the period of legal residence required for the granting of citizenship to the foreigner whose parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen by birth. This reduction in waiting time represents a significant advantage compared to the ten years normally required for foreign citizens. Italian descendants who choose to move to Italy through the extra-quota work visa can therefore plan an integration path that, in only two years of legal and continuous residence, may culminate with the acquisition of Italian citizenship.

Citizenship acquired in this way represents the crowning achievement of a real-life path in Italy, rooted in daily experience and in the building of authentic relationships with the local community.

Building your future in Italy: a concrete opportunity

Moving to Italy does not only mean reconnecting with one’s cultural roots, but also embracing a lifestyle unique in the world. Italy is universally recognized for its extraordinary quality of life, the result of a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, between artistic beauty and economic dynamism. The country offers an excellent public healthcare system, a quality educational system accessible to all, and a social safety network that provides support at every stage of life. Added to this is the richest artistic and cultural heritage on the planet, a natural environment of extraordinary beauty and variety, and a gastronomic tradition celebrated worldwide.

From a professional point of view, Italy offers opportunities in diverse sectors, from high-end manufacturing to fashion, from design to high technology, from tourism to agri-food. The skills and intercultural perspective of citizens from the USA and Latin America represent an added value particularly appreciated in the Italian labor market, which is increasingly oriented toward internationalization.

For families, Italy offers a safe and stimulating environment for the growth of children, with excellent educational opportunities and a social context that values family and community bonds. Young professionals can benefit from Italy’s strategic position at the heart of Europe, with easy access to the entire European single market for further opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Typical scenarios / Case studies

The typical scenarios have been developed by drawing on the most significant corporate immigration cases that the firm regularly handles, with the aim of creating structured, complex examples that help the reader navigate their own situation. The case studies, by contrast, illustrate individual real-life matters, anonymised to protect client confidentiality, presented with full factual and contextual detail.

Relocation

US professional chooses Italy: elective residence obtained and future planned

American professional obtains an elective residence visa while maintaining ties with the USA. Integrated assistance from legal strategy to property search..

Application completed in approximately 3 months without additional requests

Read the full case

Business

US opera singer obtains work authorization in 7 days

American opera singer with contracts already signed with an Italian theatre. Self employment work authorization obtained on an urgent basis to meet professional commitments.

Work authorization issued within 7 days from submission of the application

Read the full case

Real Estate

US client purchases property in Rome: secure transaction

American client assisted in the purchase of a property in Rome. Urban planning issues and contractual risks identified and resolved before signing, transaction completed through notarial power of attorney.

Purchase completed within one month, entirely managed remotely

Read the full case

Business

American investor: from New York to a villa in Tuscany

Cross-border property transaction with full relocation service. Purchase of a high-end property, with tax status, residency and NHS registration handled remotely.

Complete relocation service, from property due diligence to handing over the keys

Read the full case

Retirement

Canadian couple, retirement property in Puglia

From Toronto to the Itria Valley. Purchase of a farmhouse with cadastral issues, 7% flat tax on foreign pensions, elective residence visa and healthcare transition.

7% flat tax activated, cadastral issues resolved before the deed of sale

Read the full case

Business

British entrepreneur, opening a business in Milan

Post-Brexit, a London-based tech entrepreneur establishes an operational headquarters in Milan. Immigration pathway as a non-EU national, company incorporation, and tax planning.

European operational hub established with self-employment visa successfully obtained

Read the full case

Tax Planning

Swiss retiree: 7% flat tax regime in Southern Italy

A banking executive relocates from Zurich to Calabria. Management of the Swiss occupational pension pillar, Italy-Switzerland Tax Convention, and deregistration from the cantonal tax register.

7% flat tax activated on all foreign-sourced income

Read the full case

Retirement

American couple: retirement project in Abruzzo with visa and flat tax

From Connecticut to Abruzzo. Elective residency visa, 7% flat tax coordinated with IRS and FATCA obligations, and transition from Medicare to the Italian NHS (SSN).

7% flat tax activated on Social Security and 401(k) pension income

Read the full case

Relocation

German couple, from Munich to Tropea

Retired engineers from the Bavarian automotive sector. Multi-tier pension management, Italy-Germany Tax Convention, and the 7% preferential tax regime.

Three German pension pillars optimised with Italian flat tax

Read the full case

Business

Startup tech: apertura filiale italiana per il mercato EU

A Bay Area SaaS company establishes a Milan headquarters. Innovative startup SRL, EU Blue Card for the team, transfer pricing, impatriates tax regime, and GDPR compliance.

Operational within 5 months, payroll cost −35% with impatriates tax regime

Read the full case

Business

Fashion brand, representative office in Milan

Brand premium newyorkese apre presidio a Milano. Strutturazione per evitare stabile organizzazione, trasferimento direttrice creativa e gestione showroom.

Rischio stabile organizzazione prevenuto, presidio EU operativo

Read the full case

Corporate

Manufacturing company, ICT transfers to Italy

Multinazionale giapponese trasferisce 3 figure chiave in Piemonte. Permessi ICT per manager e specialista, coordinamento consolare e regime impatriati per tutti i dipendenti.

3 trasferimenti completati in 4 mesi e mezzo, linea produttiva avviata nei tempi previsti

Read the full case

How we can help you obtain the work visa for Italian descendants in Italy: the complete services of Boschetti International Law Firm

Undertaking an international relocation path requires careful planning and an in-depth knowledge of immigration laws and bureaucratic practices and procedures. Boschetti International Law Firm, with its long-standing experience in assisting foreigners wishing to emigrate to Italy, has developed an integrated approach that supports the client in every phase of the path to Italy, from the initial preparation of documentation to full integration into Italian society.

Our team of professionals specialized in immigration law will take charge of your case by carrying out the following activities:

Applications for work nulla osta: whether employed or self-employed, benefiting from the new “extra-quota” channel for descendants
Preparation of documentation: collection and verification of all documents necessary for entry, residence, and future applications
Application for the work visa: assistance in submitting the visa application to the competent consular authorities
Assistance at the “Sportello Unico” at the Prefecture: fundamental support for the signing of the residence contract in Italy
Application for the residence permit: management of the application to regularize your stay in Italy once you have arrived, and assistance and representation before the competent Questura

But our support is not limited to purely legal and bureaucratic aspects. We understand that moving to a new country involves significant practical and logistical challenges, which is why we offer a complete relocation service that includes, among other things:

initial consultation to understand the client’s needs
logistical support, through our partner companies, for the move to Italy
assistance in obtaining the tax code
registration with the local registry office
search for suitable accommodation
real estate consulting for rental or purchase contracts, access to bank mortgages
assistance in opening bank accounts
assistance in finding schools for children

Our goal is to make your move to Italy as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on the most important aspect: starting to live your new Italian life.

Finally, looking to the future, Boschetti International Law Firm will remain by your side also for the path towards citizenship by residence, offering you specialized advice on the requirements to be met and assistance in preparing and submitting the naturalization application at the appropriate time.

Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity to build your future in the land of your ancestors. Contact Boschetti International Law Firm today for a personalized consultation and discover how we can turn your Italian dream into reality, starting from a work opportunity made easier by your origins.

Request a preliminary assessment

Fill in the form so that we can assess your case. We will contact you within 48 working hours to let you know if and how we can assist you.

Contattaci 2026 ENG

Full Name

Phone Number

City

Countries Involved

When do you need assistance?

Brief description of your situation

Privacy

I have read the Privacy Policy for contact purposes.

This form is reserved for individuals who require legal assistance regarding a specific matter. We do not provide free consultations or respond to general inquiries via email. If you have a case that requires professional evaluation, please complete the form: we will contact you to schedule an initial consultation.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Via dei Gracchi, 151
00192 Roma – Italy

info@italyvisainvestments.com
Tel: + 39 – 06 889 21971

By appointment only
Day: Monday – Friday
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Digital Nomad Visa: what are the income requirements and how is the activity proven?

The Italian digital nomad visa requires an annual income from lawful sources of at least three times the healthcare exemption threshold (approximately EUR 20,000–21,000 gross), although in practice a benchmark of around EUR 28,000 is often considered.

Applicants must work remotely, as employees or freelancers, for an employer or clients not based in Italy, proven through a contract or binding offer. The application must be submitted to the Italian consulate in the country of residence. Valid health insurance, accommodation in Italy, and high qualification requirements are also needed.

The visa is valid for up to one year and is renewable.

Intra-company transfer: what procedure to assign a manager to Italy?

The intra-company transfer (ICT), governed by Article 27-quinquies of the Immigration Act, allows managers, specialists, and trainees from a non-EU company to work at the Italian branch of the same company or group. The procedure requires a work authorization (nulla osta) from the Immigration Office and the subsequent ICT visa issued by the Consulate.

The ICT permit lasts up to 3 years for managers and specialists and 1 year for trainees. It is exempt from annual quotas. The company must prove the corporate link and the employee’s role, as well as compliance with Italian working conditions.

Non-EU nurse: how does qualification recognition work in Italy?

Recognition of a nursing qualification obtained outside the EU requires a decree from the Ministry of Health, following an assessment of the application submitted with the required documentation. The applicant must provide the qualification with official translation, legalization or apostille, together with the other required documents and a detailed study program.

If the qualification is not fully equivalent, the Ministry may require an aptitude test or a compensatory traineeship. After recognition, registration with the OPI (Order of Nursing Professions) of the relevant province is required. Processing times are approximately 4 months from the complete submission of the application.

Self-employment visa refused: can it be appealed and within what time limits?

Yes, the refusal of a self-employment visa can be challenged by filing an appeal before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio within 60 days from notification of the refusal, or by filing an extraordinary appeal to the President of the Republic within 120 days. An appeal to the TAR also allows for a request for interim relief (suspension), provided that, in addition to a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits, there are grounds of urgency.

The most common grounds for refusal include: insufficient income, incomplete documentation, and failure to demonstrate the economic sustainability of the activity. A lawyer assesses the merits of the appeal and, if the defect exists and can be remedied, it may be more effective to submit a new, corrected application.

EU Blue Card vs standard work visa: which is more suitable for highly qualified personnel?

The EU Blue Card is generally more advantageous for highly qualified profiles: it requires a job offer of at least 6 months, a salary not lower than the levels set by collective agreements and the national average (ISTAT), and a higher education degree or qualified professional experience. It is limited to highly qualified subordinate employment.

The standard work visa falls within the quotas of the immigration decree and offers greater flexibility in requirements, but with longer processing times. The EU Blue Card is quota-exempt and allows intra-EU mobility with certain limitations. The choice depends on the applicant’s profile and compliance with the required criteria.