Permanent contracts and up to €650/month in exemptions: here’s how the new hiring incentive works
Incentives for inclusion: what the Women Bonus 2025 offers
Defined in Art. 23 of the Cohesion Decree (D.L. 60/2024) and implemented by the decree of April 11, 2025, the Women Bonus 2025 is a national incentive introduced by the Italian government to support female employment. It grants employers total exemption from social security contributions to encourage the stable employment of women in strategic sectors.
What are the goals of the bonus?
This measure, part of the “Youth, Women and Work 2021–2027” program, aims to:
- promote the inclusion of women in low female participation sectors;
- close the gender employment gap in permanent and well-paid positions;
- support Italian businesses’ competitiveness through diverse and skilled workforces;
- foster sustainable economic growth, in line with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
How the bonus works and how much it’s worth
The Women Bonus 2025 provides:
- 100% exemption from employer social contributions (excluding INAIL) for up to 24 months;
- a maximum of €650 per month, capped at 50% of eligible labor costs under EU Regulation 651/2014;
- no reduction in the employee’s pension contributions.
Not eligible:
- domestic workers;
- apprentices;
- companies in financial distress.
Who can benefit from it?
The bonus applies to companies hiring:
- women unemployed for at least 24 months, regardless of residence;
- women unemployed for at least 6 months living in Southern Italy (ZES area);
- women working in underrepresented professions, identified annually by ministerial decree (12-month exemption).
Access requirements
Employers must meet strict eligibility criteria:
- the hire must result in a net increase in staff, calculated per EU rules;
- no overlap with other contribution exemptions;
- no dismissals in the 6 months before the hire in the same unit;
- the hire must take place after the application is submitted, which must be completed within 10 days from INPS resource allocation.
Available funds
The measure is funded as follows:
- €7.5 million in 2024
- €121.7 million in 2025
- €225.7 million in 2026
- €124.8 million in 2027
INPS monitors fund usage and reports to the Labor and Finance Ministries. Once funds run out, new applications will be suspended.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online via the INPS portal, including:
- company and employee identification;
- contract type and working hours;
- declaration excluding bonus cumulation;
- check for available local resources.
Applications must be submitted before the hiring date and finalized within 10 days of INPS fund reservation.
Penalties and controls
In case of improper claims:
- the bonus will be revoked;
- contributions must be refunded;
- penal sanctions may apply in the case of false declarations.
FAQ
1. What is the Women Bonus 2025?
An exemption of up to 24 months on employer contributions for hiring disadvantaged women.
2. What types of contracts are allowed?
Only permanent employment contracts. Apprenticeships and domestic work are excluded.
3. Can I combine it with other hiring incentives?
No. It cannot be combined with other exemptions or reductions.
4. What’s the maximum monthly benefit?
Up to €650 per woman hired.
5. Can I hire before submitting the application?
No, you must apply first, then hire.
6. Is the bonus available in 2026 and 2027?
Yes, the funding continues until 2027.
7. Do eligible women have to live in the South of Italy?
Only for the 6-month unemployment category. Others can reside anywhere.
8. What happens if the funds run out?
INPS will suspend applications until new resources are allocated.
9. Is part-time work eligible?
Yes, if it’s a permanent contract.
10. What are the consequences of fraud?
The company must repay the bonus and may face criminal charges.
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