Italy and Germany Likely to Issue More Work Visas in 2025 (New Report)
Attention, skilled professionals! If you’re looking to advance your career abroad, set your sights on Germany and Italy. These European powerhouses are facing critical labor shortages and are opening their doors to hundreds of thousands of foreign workers in 2025.
A looming demographic crisis and critical labor shortages are forcing Italy and Germany, two of Europe’s largest economies, to dramatically increase the number of work visas issued in 2025. Official reports indicate that Italy plans to grant up to 165,000 work visas through its Decreto Flussi program, with an additional 10,000 visas specifically for caregivers.
Germany, meanwhile, aims to attract 400,000 skilled workers annually through its expanded Skilled Immigration Act and new Chancenkarte points-based system. This unprecedented demand for foreign labor spans key sectors including healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and hospitality, offering a wealth of opportunities for international workers seeking to relocate to Europe. So, lets get into the details:
Why Italy and Germany Are Expected to Issue More Work Visas in 2025?
Italy and Germany are ramping up work visa issuance in 2025 to combat labor shortages and sustain economic stability amid demographic shifts due to 2 major reasons:
1# Demographic and Labor Market Challenges
Both Italy and Germany face declining birth rates and aging populations, leading to a shortage of skilled and unskilled workers in essential sectors. This has prompted policy shifts to attract international talent to sustain economic growth and maintain essential services.
2# Government Policies and Work Visa Reforms
-
- Italy: The Italian government has increased its Decreto Flussi (Foreign Worker Quota Decree) to 452,000 work visas for 2023-2025, with 165,000 planned for 2025 (Ref). This quota covers seasonal and non-seasonal employment in industries experiencing acute labor shortages. Additionally, an extra 10,000 work visas were approved in October 2024 (Ref) for caregivers, reflecting the growing need for elder care.
- Germany: Germany introduced the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020 (Ref) and further expanded it in 2024. The new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), a points-based immigration system, will make it easier for skilled workers to enter the country, even without a prior job offer. Germany aims to attract 400,000 foreign workers annually to fill critical job gaps.
Which Occupations Will Get Highest Work Visa Issuances in 2025?
Both countries (Italy and Germany) have specific industries in dire need of skilled labor:
List of Occupations that are expected to receive highest number of work visa issuances in Italy in 2025 are:
- Healthcare and Personal Care – Caregivers, nurses, and medical assistants
- Tourism and Hospitality – Chefs, hotel staff, and waiters
- Construction – Skilled laborers, engineers, and technicians
- Agriculture and Fisheries – Seasonal farm workers and fishermen
- Transport and Logistics – Truck drivers and delivery personnel
- Technology and Telecommunications – IT professionals and technicians
List of Occupations that are expected to receive highest number of work visa issuances in Germany in 2025 are:
- Healthcare – Doctors, nurses, and elderly care assistants
- Engineering and Manufacturing – Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers
- IT and Software Development – Programmers, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists
- Logistics and Transport – Truck drivers, warehouse managers, and supply chain specialists
- Education and Childcare – Kindergarten and primary school teachers
- Skilled Trades – Electricians, plumbers, and construction workers.
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
