The "South Working Sicilia" plan represents an ambitious challenge to transform the region from a land of emigration to a land of attraction. With concrete financial support of €30,000 and clear rules, Sicily is ready to lead the smart working revolution in Italy.
A €30,000 bonus for smart working
The main measure, enshrined in the 2026 Regional Stability Law, provides a non-repayable grant of €30,000 for each worker hired or stabilised through smart working.
The regional government's stated goal is to combat the brain drain by allowing professionals to maintain their jobs with national or foreign companies while living permanently in Sicily.
The contribution is not paid in a single solution, but is distributed in five annual instalments of 6,000 euros each, thus ensuring continuity of the employment relationship in the area for at least five years.
Who can benefit from the incentives?
To access the funds (a total allocation of 18 million euros per year until 2028), both companies and workers must meet specific conditions:
- Companies: Eligible employers are those with production units located outside Sicily (elsewhere in Italy, in another EU country or in a non‑EU country) that either hire new staff on permanent contracts or convert existing fixed‑term contracts into permanent ones.
- Workers: at the time the contribution is granted, the employee must be officially resident in Sicily.
- Type and duration of the contract: The employment contract must stipulate that the work is carried out mainly through remote working and that this arrangement is maintained for at least five years.
Requirements and constraints for working in southern Sicily
A crucial aspect of the notice concerns the worker's actual presence on Sicilian soil. To prevent "fake returns," the law establishes that work must be carried out in Sicily for the vast majority of the time.
Specifically, physical presence on company premises (located outside the island) cannot exceed 20% of annual working days. This means that the "South Worker" can travel to the office for meetings or coordination, but the focus of their professional and private life must remain in Sicily.
How to apply
The procedure for obtaining the bonus is online and will be managed through the dedicated IRFIS FinSicilia platform. Here are the deadlines to mark in your calendar:
- Notice Publication: April 2026.
- Application Deadline: Applications can be submitted from 12 pm on June 30th, 2026.
- Procedure: "One-stop" procedure (until the resources available for each year are exhausted).
Given the nature of the procedure, it is advisable to prepare all documentation in advance to avoid running out of funds.
Why choose Sicily for South Working
In addition to financial incentives, Sicily offers a unique ecosystem for those who choose smart working.
- Cost of living: Compared to the large cities of Northern Italy or Europe, purchasing power in Sicily is significantly higher.
- Quality of life: The mild climate, cultural heritage, and gastronomy make the island an excellent destination for well-being at work.
- Connectivity and Hubs: Numerous Sicilian cities are investing in co-working spaces and digital infrastructure to accommodate the growing community of digital nomads and southern workers.
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