The global fast-food chain KFC has announced an ambitious expansion plan in Italy for 2026, offering significant employment opportunities across the country. According to recent reports, the company plans to open 35 new restaurants, generating more than 800 new jobs nationwide.
This initiative represents a major investment in the Italian market and highlights the continued growth of the quick-service restaurant sector. It also opens the door to a wide range of candidates, including young job seekers.
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Job roles and opportunities
The recruitment campaign will primarily focus on operational roles within KFC restaurants. Among the most sought-after positions are:
- team members
- kitchen staff
- customer service employees
- shift supervisors (team leaders)
- restaurant managers.
Many of these positions are accessible even to candidates without previous work experience. So they are particularly attractive to young people entering the job market for the first time.
KFC also emphasizes internal training and career development. Employees can benefit from structured growth paths, allowing them to move into more senior roles over time. This makes the company not only a place for short-term employment but also a potential starting point for a long-term career in the hospitality industry.
Where the jobs will be located
The new openings will be distributed across several Italian regions from North to South. The expansion strategy targets both major urban centers and areas where the brand is less established, contributing to job creation throughout the country. By 2026, KFC aims to increase its total number of restaurants in Italy to around 185, further strengthening its national presence.
How to apply
Candidates can apply through the official Careers section of the KFC website, where open positions are regularly updated. Currently, there are already around 150 vacancies available, with more expected as new locations are launched.
Applicants are typically required to submit a CV and, in some cases, participate in interviews or group selection processes. Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, flexibility, and customer orientation are highly valued.
Requirements for foreign applicants with a residence permit
Foreign candidates can also apply for these positions, provided they meet the legal requirements to work in Italy. In general, non-EU citizens must hold a valid residence permit that allows employment.
There are two main scenarios for foreign workers:
- Already residing in Italy: Individuals who already have a valid residence permit for work, family reasons, or other eligible categories can apply directly for jobs like those offered by KFC.
- Applying from abroad: Non-EU citizens may enter the Italian labor market through the “Decreto Flussi” system, which sets annual quotas for foreign workers.
For restaurant jobs, employers typically require a valid work permit and basic knowledge of Italian.
While formal qualifications are often not mandatory for entry-level roles, legal work authorization is essential. Employers must verify that candidates are eligible to work in Italy before hiring.
A positive signal for the job market
KFC’s expansion plan is part of a broader trend of multinational companies investing in Italy and creating new employment opportunities. The creation of over 800 jobs in a single year is a strong signal for the labor market, particularly in the service and hospitality sectors.
For many candidates—especially young people and foreign residents—these opportunities can represent a first step into stable employment, skill development, and career progression. They should also consider IKEA offers.
