New rules on labour migration: what changes for highly skilled professionals

The recent publication of the law converting Decree-Law No. 146/2025 and of the Simplification Law introduces important changes to the rules governing the entry and residence of foreign nationals for employment purposes. The new provisions aim to make the system more efficient, predictable and attractive, with a specific focus on highly skilled workers and professionals with specialised competences.

These measures are part of a context of increasing international competition for talent and represent a strategic step towards strengthening the capacity of the Italian production system – and of Emilia-Romagna in particular – to respond to the growing demand for advanced skills.

Simplified procedures for highly skilled workers

One of the key elements of the reform concerns the simplification and acceleration of entry procedures for workers trained abroad and for highly qualified profiles. The legislation intervenes on both the timing and the modalities for issuing work authorisations, reducing administrative burdens and facilitating faster processing.

The digitalisation of several stages of the administrative process allows for more efficient management of applications, providing greater certainty both for companies and for international professionals interested in working in Italy.

The role of the EU Blue Card

Within the new regulatory framework, the EU Blue Card is confirmed and strengthened as the main entry channel for highly qualified non-EU workers. This instrument allows access to the Italian labour market outside the annual admission quotas, making it particularly suitable for the recruitment of specialised profiles that are difficult to find locally.

The EU Blue Card is intended for professionals holding higher education qualifications or advanced professional credentials and represents a key tool for attracting talent in high value-added sectors such as engineering, research, ICT, advanced manufacturing and innovative services.

Employment continuity and greater flexibility

Among the most significant changes is the possibility to continue working during the renewal or conversion of a residence permit. This measure reduces periods of forced inactivity and ensures greater professional continuity for highly qualified workers already present in Italy, increasing the overall attractiveness of the system for international talent.

Greater regulatory flexibility contributes to creating a more stable and favourable environment both for workers and for companies investing in highly specialised human capital.

Opportunities for the Emilia-Romagna regional system

For Emilia-Romagna – a region characterised by an advanced production system, strong integration between universities, research centres and enterprises, and a growing presence of start-ups and innovative companies – the new provisions represent a significant opportunity.

Simplified access to entry channels for highly skilled professionals can support:

• the recruitment of specialised profiles in strategic regional sectors;

• the strengthening of innovation processes and technology transfer;

• the international competitiveness of companies and territories.

Official publication

The Italian Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale) No. 281 of 3 December 2025 published Law No. 182 of 2 December 2025, containing Provisions on the simplification and digitalisation of procedures relating to economic activities and services for citizens and businesses.