Nation-wide 24-hour strike set to cripple Italian rail and bus networks from the evening of 17 May
Salvini proposes ‘points-based’ residence-permit system: foreign offenders would face automatic revocation and expulsion
Government releases territorial split of 8,865 extra seasonal work permits for 2026, clarifying click-day allocations
Latest News
Italy bans third-party visa submissions in Russia after cash-for-visas scandal
Effective 12 May 2026, Italian Visa Centres in Russia (VMS and AlmavivA) no longer accept applications delivered by agents or couriers; every applicant must appear in person. The clamp-down follows the arrest of a former Italian ambassador accused of selling long-term Schengen visas and is already causing appointment waits of up to four months. Businesses should expect longer lead-times and higher travel-planning costs.
Retiring to Italy? 14 May guide explains investor (‘golden’) visa and relocation essentials
A 14 May feature from The Local explains how Italy’s golden (investor) visa still functions in 2026, requiring € 250 000–€ 2 million but allowing holders to defer payment until after issuance and avoid automatic tax residence. The piece also flags healthcare access, cost-of-living and tax-break considerations—information useful for retirees and corporate mobility teams relocating high-net-worth staff.
Transport strikes announced for 15–18 May threaten nationwide travel disruption
A series of strikes announced on 14 May will shut down Milan’s ATM network for part of 15 May and trigger a nationwide 24-hour walk-out of rail and local transport on 18 May. Trenitalia and Italo expect cancellations from the evening of 17 May, threatening business travel and tourist itineraries. Companies should build contingency time into schedules and monitor operator updates.