Work-life balance: grants for certified companies

From 21 September 2026, Italian companies will be able to request financial contributions and free consultancy services to obtain work-life balance certification , as part of the initiative promoted by Unioncamere in collaboration with the Department for Family Policies and the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

What does the notice provide?

The goal is to make the certification process more accessible, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, reducing its economic and organizational impact.

Requirements to participate

• At least one regularly employed employee
• Active VAT number and registered office/operational headquarters in Italy (or tax domicile)
• No bankruptcy proceedings or voluntary liquidation underway
• Administrative, contributory and social security compliance (DURC)
• Compliance with obligations regarding mandatory hiring and targeted placement
• Transmission of the Report on the situation of male and female staff (where applicable)

Businesses will also have to pass an online pre-screening , which will also be active from September 21, 2026.

How it works: the 3-step process

• Registration – Online self-assessment test and application via the ReStart platform
• Support – Up to 5 days of free online consultation with a qualified expert registered in the Official List of Consultants
• Verification and Contribution – Audit with an accredited Certification Body; upon certification, the contribution is paid directly to the Certification Body, eliminating any costs for the company.

How much is the contribution worth?

The amount is calculated based on the number of equivalent employees , from a minimum of 1,800 euros (1-5 employees) up to a maximum of 12,000 euros (over 250 employees).

Companies already certified for gender equality or for the Family Audit can obtain an additional increase for monitoring costs.

Why it's convenient for companies

Obtaining this certification means adopting concrete policies that support employee work-life balance —an increasingly important factor in attracting and retaining talent, improving the corporate climate, and strengthening the company's reputation.

How to prepare

While waiting for the opening of the counter (21 September 2026), interested companies can:

• See the full text of the notice and the attachments
• Check eligibility requirements
• Follow the orientation events organized by the Chamber of Commerce system