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From workforce contributions to classrooms and cultural diversity, new data reveals how migration is reshaping the country
Italy is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation, as its foreign population approaches six million people. As of January 1, 2025, an estimated 5.898 million foreign nationals are living in the country, an increase of 143,000 compared to the previous year. This steady growth, highlighted in the latest migration report by the ISMU Foundation, reflects broader demographic shifts that are redefining Italian society.
Foreign residents now account for 9.1% of the national population, a figure that illustrates their growing importance not only in economic terms but also in the country’s social and cultural fabric. The majority—over 5.3 million individuals—are officially registered residents. Alongside them are roughly 188,000 non-residents and an estimated 339,000 undocumented migrants, whose presence continues to pose complex policy challenges.
The composition of this population is far from uniform. Romanians represent by far the largest group, exceeding one million people. They are followed by sizable communities from Albania and Morocco, each numbering just over 400,000 individuals, as well as a significant Chinese population of more than 300,000. Ukrainians round out the top five, with nearly 287,000 residents, reflecting more recent migration trends influenced by geopolitical developments. Among European Union citizens, only Romanians and Poles feature prominently in these rankings.
Gender dynamics within migrant communities reveal another layer of complexity. Some nationalities are characterized by a strong female majority, particularly those linked to care and domestic work sectors. Ukrainians stand out, with women making up nearly three-quarters of their community. Similar patterns can be observed among Polish and Moldovan migrants, highlighting how labor demand shapes migration flows and demographic profiles.
In the labour market, foreign workers play a vital role. Approximately 2.4 million foreign residents are currently employed, representing more than one in ten workers in Italy. Yet their position remains uneven. Foreign nationals are disproportionately represented among the unemployed, accounting for nearly 17% of those without jobs. Around 278,000 individuals are actively seeking employment, while an additional 1.2 million are classified as economically inactive. These figures point to persistent barriers in accessing stable and secure work opportunities.
Religious affiliation adds further diversity to the migrant population. Islam is the most widely practiced religion, followed by nearly a third of foreign residents. Orthodox Christianity is also strongly represented, reflecting the large number of Eastern European migrants, while Catholics make up a smaller share. A notable portion of the population identifies with no religion at all, contributing to an increasingly pluralistic society.
Perhaps the most visible impact of migration is emerging in Italy’s schools. The number of students without Italian citizenship has grown rapidly over the past two decades, surpassing 900,000 in the 2022–2023 academic year. By September 2023, around 930,000 such students were attending Italian schools. This trend is closely linked to both ongoing migration and demographic decline among native Italians.
Adding to this picture are children of foreign origin who have acquired Italian citizenship, though precise data on their numbers in schools remains limited. Between 2015 and 2024, more than 620,000 young people under the age of 20 became Italian citizens. While not all of them are of school age, their presence further contributes to the evolving composition of classrooms.
The scale of change becomes clear when looking at long-term trends. In 2003, students without Italian citizenship represented just 3.5% of the school population. Twenty years later, that figure has climbed to 11.6%, more than tripling over a single generation. However, this national average conceals significant regional disparities, with some areas experiencing much higher concentrations of foreign students.
Taken together, these figures illustrate a country in transition. Migration is not only helping to offset population decline but is also reshaping Italy’s identity in lasting ways. Foreign residents contribute to the economy, enrich cultural life, and are increasingly present in public institutions, from workplaces to schools.
As Italy continues to adapt to these changes, the challenge will be to turn diversity into an asset. This means investing in integration, expanding access to education and employment, and fostering social cohesion in an increasingly multicultural society. Understanding the realities behind the numbers is an essential first step in navigating this transformation.
Alessandro Fiorentino