Seasonal Workers and Long-Term EU Residence Permit Holders: New Permit Conversion Rules Beyond Quota Limits

In a significant move to simplify labor market access for certain groups of foreign workers, Decree Law 145/2024 introduces new provisions allowing permit conversions outside the flow decree quotas. These measures aim to create more flexible pathways for seasonal workers and EU long-term residence permit holders seeking stable employment in Italy.  

Permit Conversions for Seasonal Workers

Seasonal workers who have legally worked in Italy for at least three months and receive an offer for either:  

- Fixed-term employment, or  

- Open-ended employment,  

can now apply to convert their seasonal residence permits into permits for subordinate employment.  

Key Changes:  

- No Quota Limits: These conversions are now excluded from the flow decree quotas, meaning there are no numerical restrictions, and applications can be submitted any time of the year.  

- Who Can Apply: Seasonal workers who fulfill the eligibility criteria and have an employment offer from an Italian employer.  

EU Long-Term Residence Permit Holders  

The decree also removes quota limits for foreign citizens holding an EU long-term residence permit issued by another EU member state. These individuals can now access Italy’s labor market more easily through:  

1. Subordinate Employment: Employers may request authorization for these workers to take up employment in Italy.  

2. Self-Employment: Permit holders can directly apply to engage in self-employment activities.  

This provision recognizes the qualifications and experiences of EU residence permit holders and facilitates their contribution to Italy’s economy.  

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide  

Applications for permit conversions must be submitted online via the Ministry of the Interior’s Services Portal under the Unified Immigration Desk section. Access to the portal requires a digital identity (SPID or CIE).  

Steps to Submit an Application:  

1. Log in to the Ministry of the Interior’s Services Portal using your digital identity credentials.  

2. Navigate to the ‘Fill Applications’ section.  

3. Select ‘Authorization for Employment’ from the menu.  

4. Choose ‘Out-of-Quota Conversions and Special Projects’ in the dialog box.  

5. Select the appropriate form based on your situation:  

   - VB: For converting a seasonal permit into subordinate employment.  

   - LS/LS1/LS2: For other conversions or long-term residence permit holders.  

6. Complete the application form with accurate details.  

7. Submit the application online.  

For detailed guidance, applicants are advised to refer to the latest version of the user manual, available at the bottom of the portal’s homepage.  

Effective Date

As outlined in a notice published on the Services Portal, these changes take effect starting January 1, 2025. Applications for permit conversions (forms VB, LS, LS1, and LS2) can now bypass the limitations previously imposed by flow decrees.  

Implications of the New Rules  

These reforms bring several advantages:  

- For Seasonal Workers: A streamlined path to stable employment, encouraging workforce retention in key sectors.  

- For EU Long-Term Permit Holders: Expanded opportunities to work or start a business in Italy without navigating quota restrictions.  

- For Employers: A more accessible pool of talent to address labor shortages across various industries.  

This progressive approach to labor market integration reflects Italy’s commitment to meeting economic needs while fostering inclusivity for foreign workers.  

For more details, visit the Ministry of the Interior’s Unified Immigration Desk portal or consult the official user manual.