Residence permit for descendants of Italians: foreign countries of origin of those eligible have been identified

The recent publication, on 24 November 2025, of the decree issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 17 November 2025 in the Official Gazette marks a decisive step for many foreigners of Italian descent who aim to work in Italy. The measure identifies the countries of citizenship of descendants of Italians residing abroad who will be able to apply for an employment residence permit outside the quotas, a possibility introduced by Article 27, paragraph 1-octies, of Legislative Decree 286/1998.

A new channel for descendants of Italian citizens

By adding this new category to the entries not subject to numerical limits, the Government opens a preferential pathway for those who can prove their descent from an Italian ancestor. The goal is to facilitate the professional return of individuals with Italian roots, who are particularly numerous in certain areas of the world.

Countries recognized by the decree

The decree identifies seven nations whose citizens, if of Italian descent, will be able to access the simplified procedure to work in Italy:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• United States of America
• Australia
• Canada
• Venezuela
• Uruguay

Proposals to include additional countries—among them South Africa, Mexico, Peru, and Chile—were not accepted at this stage. However, the Government has left open the possibility of extending the list in the future, acknowledging the breadth of the Italian diaspora in many other states.

Awaiting operational instructions

Practical guidelines governing the implementation of the measure are now awaited. Among the aspects still to be clarified are:

• the introduction of dedicated forms on the online platform for nulla osta applications;
• the documentation required to prove Italian descent;
• the documentation required to demonstrate the availability of an employment contract or a job offer from an Italian employer;
• the exact point in the administrative procedure at which such proof must be provided.

A measure aimed at Italian communities worldwide

With this regulatory action, Italy reconfirms its attention to its communities abroad, offering a concrete opportunity to those who, though living far away, maintain cultural and family ties with the country. For many descendants, this could represent a first chance to return—both professionally and in terms of identity—in a perspective that values roots and promotes international mobility linked to Italian citizenship.

This is an important step that may lead to further developments, especially if the Government decides to expand the list of eligible countries in the coming months.

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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.