Marking International Migrants Day, Italy’s statistics agency Istat released a data-rich infographic that paints a nuanced picture of migration in the country. As of year-end 2024 (the latest complete dataset), 3.8 million non-EU citizens hold valid residence permits—roughly 6.4 % of the population. First-time permits issued during 2024 fell 12.3 % to 290,119, largely due to reduced Ukrainian arrivals after emergency inflows in 2023.
Work-related mobility is trending up: 40,451 permits were issued for employment, a 3.8 % rise and the highest level since the pandemic. Lombardy, Campania and Veneto together accounted for almost 40 % of these permits. Bangladeshis, Moroccans and Albanians topped the nationality tables for new arrivals.
![International Migrants Day: Istat Reveals 3.8 Million Regular Non-EU Residents in Italy]()
Why this matters for business
• A growing share of work permits indicates tightening labour-market competition; companies may need to accelerate quota submissions under the 2026–2028 Flow Decree.
• The data confirm regional concentration: firms in Northern hubs should expect more inspection activity on compliance.
• Lower humanitarian arrivals ease short-term housing pressure in some cities but may re-emerge if geopolitical crises escalate.
The study also records 217,448 naturalisations, suggesting a steady pipeline of talent eligible for intra-EU assignments without further visa formalities.
Work-related mobility is trending up: 40,451 permits were issued for employment, a 3.8 % rise and the highest level since the pandemic. Lombardy, Campania and Veneto together accounted for almost 40 % of these permits. Bangladeshis, Moroccans and Albanians topped the nationality tables for new arrivals.
Why this matters for business
• A growing share of work permits indicates tightening labour-market competition; companies may need to accelerate quota submissions under the 2026–2028 Flow Decree.
• The data confirm regional concentration: firms in Northern hubs should expect more inspection activity on compliance.
• Lower humanitarian arrivals ease short-term housing pressure in some cities but may re-emerge if geopolitical crises escalate.
The study also records 217,448 naturalisations, suggesting a steady pipeline of talent eligible for intra-EU assignments without further visa formalities.
Source: Istat
