Italy offers hiring bonuses for permanent employment

New employment incentives in Italy, introduced via the Budget Law, offer social security contribution relief for private employers who convert fixed-term contracts into permanent roles. The measure is available until December 31, 2026, specifically targeting workers under 35 and mothers with dependent children.

Under the standard INPS bonus, companies can receive a total exemption from social security contributions of up to 500 euros per month per worker. To qualify, the fixed-term contract must have been initiated by April 30, 2026, and must not have exceeded 12 months of duration. The conversion to a permanent contract must occur between August 1 and December 31, 2026.

In Special Economic Zones (ZES), the incentives are even higher, with monthly relief reaching up to 800 euros. These measures aim to provide greater job security for young workers and reduce the financial burden on businesses during the hiring process.