How does the memorandum of understanding for the simplified entry of Non-EU workers work?

In recent years, Italy has introduced several tools to make entry procedures for citizens from non-EU countries faster and more transparent. Among these, a key role is played by the Memorandum of Understanding promoted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, which allows the most representative employers’ organizations to benefit from a simplified channel for hiring foreign workers.

The objective of the memorandum of understanding

The Memorandum of Understanding, established under Article 24-bis of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree No. 286/1998), has a clear objective: to facilitate entry into Italy for the purpose of paid employment by non-EU citizens, reducing bureaucracy and speeding up the issuance of the nulla osta (work authorization).

Companies adhering to the Memorandum can manage applications more directly through a reserved channel, thus avoiding some of the preliminary checks required in the ordinary procedure.

How it works in practice

When an employer decides to hire a non-EU citizen, they can submit the nulla osta application through one of the employers’ organizations that have signed the Memorandum.

Thanks to this agreement, the process becomes more streamlined: the proposed residence contract for employment purposes is sent directly to the competent Italian diplomatic-consular representations, which also handle the visa request for Italy.

Once the visa is granted and the entry formalities are completed, the worker may then apply for a residence permit at the Questura (local police headquarters) of their place of residence, thereby formalizing their legal status in Italy.

Who can join

Only employers’ organizations that are comparatively the most representative at the national level—according to the criteria defined by the Ministry of Labour’s Circular No. 14/1995—may sign the Memorandum.

Membership lasts for two years and entails specific obligations: the signatory organizations must ensure the correctness of employment applications, compliance with national collective labour agreements, and verify the economic and occupational adequacy of the companies involved.

Patronati (workers’ assistance bodies), however, cannot sign the Memorandum: although they can transmit nulla osta applications, they remain subject to the requirement of presenting an attestation issued by authorized professionals (such as labor consultants, lawyers, or accountants).

The memorandum of understanding for companies not belonging to employers’ organizations

How to join the memorandum

Companies interested in signing a Memorandum of Understanding to simplify the entry of highly qualified workers—whether they are candidates for an EU Blue Card or for intra-company transfer visas and residence permits under Article 27(a) or quinquies—may, even if not members of employers’ organizations, submit a request to the Directorate General for Immigration of the Ministry of Labour to sign a dedicated Memorandum.

After the evaluation of the application, the companies will receive instructions on how to sign and authorize their operators on the Ministry of the Interior’s ALI Portal, by sending the lists of the workers concerned and their tax codes.

A step toward more efficient management of migration flows

In essence, the Memorandum of Understanding is an administrative simplification tool designed to reconcile the needs of Italian businesses—often seeking specialized labor—with the protection of foreign workers’ rights.

Thanks to this procedure, entry into Italy, and the issuance of visas and residence permits, become faster and more transparent, fostering a more effective match between labor supply and demand while ensuring compliance with the law.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.