Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city Vancouver life? Want a change of pace? Or maybe you just want to enjoy a different country for a while?
If this sounds like you, then it might be time to consider moving to Italy!
WORKER SHORTAGE
Italy is under a major labour shortage, so the country is issuing almost 500,000 work visas to non-EU nationals to combat the continuing problem. These visas will be doled out from 2026 to 2028, with 164,850 being issued each year.
A cabinet statement said, “The quotas were determined taking into account the needs expressed by the social partners and the actual applications for work permits submitted in previous years, with the aim of a programme that responds to the needs of businesses and is also realistic.”
As Italy’s population ages and birthrate slows, Italy’s workforce has encountered numerous gaps. In sectors like construction, caregiving, and agriculture, workers are needed more than ever.
APPLYING FOR A VISA
For those of you who want to apply for a work visa in Italy, you can check the Government of Canada’s website on working and travelling in Italy. Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s a couple of different kinds of visas you can apply for.
The website specifically highlights the Italy-Canada Youth Exchange Program, which is for Canadian citizens who are aged 18 to 35 and have a valid Canadian passport. Other requirements may apply to you, which you can check here.
As for Italy’s side, they plan to place non-EU workers on the fast-track to employment with pre-arranged job contracts.
