This news article explains how Germany and Italy will expand skilled work visas into 2026, why they are raising quotas to tackle labour shortages, and what this means for professionals planning a move.
If you are searching for clear news on how Germany and Italy will increase skilled work visas in 2026, this article will guide you through the new quotas, key occupations and the steps you can take to benefit from these changes.
Both countries are facing serious labour shortages and are opening more doors for qualified foreign workers from 2025 onward, with many of the key measures applying directly to 2026 work visa quotas and application strategies. For IT specialists, engineers, healthcare staff and other skilled professionals, this is an important window of opportunity.
Key points at a glance
- Germany and Italy are increasing work visa numbers from 2025, with effects continuing into 2026 and beyond.
- The focus is on filling labour shortages in IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, hospitality and key industrial sectors.
- New and expanded routes sit alongside existing schemes like Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act and Italy’s Decreto Flussi quotas.
- Applicants still need to meet strict requirements on skills, salary levels and sometimes language, but more places are available.
This article is written for skilled professionals, students, employers and advisers who want to understand what Germany and Italy’s 2026 work visa plans mean in practical terms.
- IT, engineering and healthcare workers considering a move to Europe.
- Employers who plan to recruit from abroad under new quotas.
- Students and recent graduates exploring post-study work options.
First, you will see the big-picture reasons why Germany and Italy are increasing work visas into 2026. Then, the article walks through each country’s main routes, priority jobs and realistic timelines.
Finally, you will find practical steps, a FAQ section and internal links to more detailed guides on European visa sponsorship jobs and UK immigration changes so you can compare your options.
Why Germany and Italy are expanding work visas into 2026
Across Europe, employers are dealing with ageing populations, skills gaps and increased demand for public services. Germany and Italy are two of the countries most affected by these pressures.
From 2025 onward, both governments have signalled that they will use larger work visa programmes as one of the tools to keep their economies running, especially where local labour is not enough to fill vacancies. These policy choices carry through into 2026 and feed into multi-year plans.
Germany: Skilled Immigration Act and labour shortages
Germany’s modern Skilled Immigration Act aims to make it easier for non-EU skilled workers to move for work, especially in areas where there are not enough local candidates. The law connects easier recognition of qualifications with clearer work visa routes.
In 2026, the main focus remains on filling gaps in engineering, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and technical trades. Employers in these areas are still encouraged to recruit internationally when they cannot find staff locally.
Italy: Decreto Flussi and new multi-year quotas
Italy uses an annual and now multi-year quota system called Decreto Flussi to set how many non-EU workers can receive work permits in different categories. In recent announcements, Italy has confirmed higher quotas running through 2026 and beyond.
These quotas cover both seasonal and non-seasonal work, with increased space for skilled roles. While some slots still go to traditional sectors such as agriculture and tourism, Italy is also using the system to attract more stable, long-term workers in shortage occupations.
News highlight: 2025 changes with 2026 impact
Many of the legal changes and quota decisions were formally launched in 2025, but their full effect will only be seen in 2026 recruitment cycles and permit statistics.
For applicants, this means that 2026 may actually be a better time to apply than late 2025, once systems settle and employers adjust their hiring strategies to the new rules.
Germany work visas 2026: main routes for skilled workers
Germany offers several pathways for skilled workers, with some of the most important routes continuing to evolve in 2025 and 2026. Understanding how these routes work is essential if you want to benefit from the increased demand.
The most relevant options for many applicants in 2026 remain the Skilled Worker route, the EU Blue Card and newer options tied to practical skills and experience.
Skilled Worker route
The Skilled Worker route targets people with recognised professional qualifications or academic degrees linked to a specific job offer in Germany. In 2026, this route continues to serve as the backbone of Germany’s skilled migration system.
Typical candidates include engineers, technicians, IT professionals and tradespeople with formal training who secure a contract with a German employer that meets the salary and conditions required under the law.
- Recognised qualification or equivalent skills in a relevant field.
- Confirmed job offer from a German employer, often at or above a set salary threshold.
- Clear proof of experience and sometimes language skills, depending on the sector.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals with higher education degrees or equivalent qualifications and salaries above a set limit. German authorities continue to use this route in 2026 to attract top talent in high-demand fields.
Many Blue Card holders work in sectors such as IT, engineering, finance, data science and other fields where both salary and skills are above the average. The route often offers more flexible long-term residence options compared to some other permits.
Germany’s priority occupations for 2026
While precise lists are updated regularly, certain broad groups stand out in Germany’s labour market forecasts for 2026. These areas are likely to see continued recruitment from abroad.
| Sector | Example occupations | Why demand is high |
|---|---|---|
| IT & digital | Software developers, cloud engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts. | Ongoing digital transformation and not enough local specialists. |
| Engineering & industry | Mechanical, electrical and automotive engineers, industrial technicians. | Strong manufacturing base and retirement of older workers. |
| Healthcare | Nurses, doctors, elder-care workers, therapists. | Ageing population and increased need for medical and care services. |
| Construction & trades | Electricians, plumbers, construction workers, HVAC technicians. | Housing demand, infrastructure projects and green transition works. |
Tip box: How to strengthen a Germany 2026 work visa application
- Match your profile to one of the priority sectors where labour shortages are strongest.
- Get your qualifications assessed early and gather evidence of work experience and references.
- Improve your German language skills, especially if you plan to work in healthcare or customer-facing roles.
- Use reputable job platforms and official information sources to avoid scams and outdated advice.
Italy work visas 2026: new quotas and key sectors
Italy uses the Decreto Flussi system to set annual and now multi-year quotas for non-EU workers. Recent announcements show that work visa numbers will be higher across 2026–2028 than in previous years.
For skilled workers, this does not mean that every application will be simple, but it does mean that there are more legal spaces available for those who meet the requirements and apply within their quota categories.
Non-seasonal work permits under Decreto Flussi
Italy’s non-seasonal permits cover a range of sectors from manufacturing and logistics to hospitality, construction and care services. For 2026, the government has signalled that it wants to channel more of these permits toward occupations that directly support economic growth and social needs.
Workers with formal contracts, clear job descriptions and employers willing to handle the administrative steps stand the best chance of using these quotas successfully.
Seasonal work and pathways to longer stays
Seasonal work permits still play a role in sectors like agriculture and tourism. Although seasonal work usually leads to shorter stays, repeated lawful work and good employer relationships can sometimes open the door to longer-term opportunities.
For some applicants, seasonal work in 2026 might serve as a first introduction to the Italian labour market while they continue to build skills and explore future non-seasonal options.
Italy’s priority sectors for 2026
Italy’s planning documents emphasise several groups of jobs where businesses struggle to find enough workers. These priorities help guide how quotas are distributed between categories.
- Construction and infrastructure projects that support housing, transport and energy upgrades.
- Hospitality and tourism roles linked to Italy’s large visitor economy.
- Care work and support roles for Italy’s ageing population.
- Industrial and manufacturing roles in key export industries.
Company highlight: How strong sponsors in Italy support foreign workers
The best Italian employers do more than just file paperwork. They treat international recruitment as a long-term investment and support new workers accordingly.
- Clear communication about contract terms, housing options and local registration steps.
- Assistance with appointments, residency registration and tax arrangements where possible.
- Guidance on language learning, cultural expectations and workplace norms.
- Realistic workloads and transparent information about shift patterns and overtime.
Comparing Germany and Italy for 2026 work visas
While both countries are increasing work visas for 2026, the overall experience can be quite different depending on your profession, language skills and long-term plans.
Germany tends to offer more structured pathways for highly skilled professionals in IT, engineering and healthcare, while Italy combines traditional sectors with a growing interest in attracting more stable, skilled workers under its quota system.
| Feature | Germany (2026) | Italy (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Main legal tools | Skilled Immigration Act, Skilled Worker route, EU Blue Card. | Decreto Flussi multi-year quotas for seasonal and non-seasonal work. |
| Top sectors | IT, engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, technical trades. | Construction, hospitality, agriculture, care work, manufacturing. |
| Language expectations | German often needed, especially in healthcare and customer roles; some IT roles use English. | Italian is important for most roles, especially customer-facing work and small companies. |
| Long-term prospects | Clearer routes to long-term residence and citizenship for many skilled workers. | Possible long-term routes, but often more complex and tied to residence history and renewals. |
How Germany and Italy fit into wider European work visa trends
Germany and Italy are not the only European countries expanding work visas, but they are among the most visible right now because of the scale of their labour shortages and the size of their economies.
Many other states are also competing for talent through skilled work routes, sector-specific schemes and new digital processes. This means applicants often compare several destinations before choosing where to apply.
Linking to wider European sponsorship opportunities
If you are exploring options beyond Germany and Italy, it can be useful to study broader trends in European visa sponsorship for key sectors such as IT and healthcare. Some countries focus heavily on tech, while others recruit more in care and skilled trades.
For example, you can read a detailed news-style overview of top 2025 European visa sponsorship jobs for IT and healthcare professionals , which explains where demand is strongest and how employers think about sponsorship.
Watching UK immigration as a reference point
The United Kingdom, although outside the EU, provides a useful comparison because it has recently overhauled its immigration system, raised sponsorship fees and toughened enforcement around illegal working. These changes show how major economies balance labour needs with political pressure.
If you are following European developments more generally, you may find it helpful to read the update on UK immigration December 2025: sponsorship costs, illegal working penalties and merit-based settlement .
Practical steps to use the 2026 work visa opportunities
Knowing that Germany and Italy are expanding work visas is only the first step. Turning this information into a successful move requires careful planning, realistic expectations and good documentation.
Whether you are an IT specialist, a nurse, an engineer or a construction worker, the basic structure of a successful plan is similar: understand your target country, match your profile to real shortages and work with genuine employers.
Step 1: Decide which country and sector suits you best
- List your main skills, qualifications and years of experience.
- Check which sectors in Germany and Italy rely most on foreign workers matching your profile.
- Think about language, lifestyle, climate and long-term plans when choosing your main target.
Step 2: Research official rules and trusted guidance
Visit the official information pages for Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act and work visa guidance, and Italy’s Decreto Flussi announcements, to understand the main requirements and timelines.
Complement these official sources with reputable legal and migration news sites that translate complex rules into everyday language, but always treat unofficial summaries as a second step after reading the primary rules.
Step 3: Prepare your documents and check recognition
- Gather diplomas, transcripts, professional licences and reference letters.
- Check whether your qualification needs formal recognition in Germany or Italy.
- Ensure your passport is valid for long enough and that your CV is updated and clear.
Step 4: Apply for real, sponsor-backed jobs
Genuine work visas in Germany and Italy are linked to real jobs. Focus on employers that clearly describe the role, salary and responsibilities, and either mention sponsorship support or are known to hire from abroad.
Use official job portals, major recruitment platforms and professional networks. Be wary of offers that sound too easy or ask you to pay directly for a job or visa.
Step 5: Follow the visa process carefully
Once you have a job offer and your employer is ready to proceed, follow the instructions from the relevant embassy or consulate carefully. Submit accurate forms, attend appointments on time and respond quickly to any requests for more information.
Keep copies of all documents and emails. These records can help if there are delays or if you later need to prove your history for residence or family reunification.
Warning: Avoid shortcuts and unverified “agents”
Any person or website that promises a guaranteed 2026 work visa for Germany or Italy without normal interviews, contracts or checks should be treated with extreme caution. Real immigration systems do not work that way.
Before paying any fees, confirm exactly what service is being offered, whether it is legal in the country concerned and whether you could do the same steps yourself via official channels.
FAQ: Germany and Italy work visas 2026
Immigration rules and labour market needs can change quickly. Before making travel plans, signing contracts or paying any money, always confirm the latest requirements with official government sources or trusted professional advisers.