Italy
Work Permits & Visas 2026
Italy's Decreto Flussi authorizes nearly 500,000 work permits for 2026-2028. The quota system covers seasonal, non-seasonal, and domestic care roles across all sectors.
Why Work in Italy in 2026?
Italy has launched one of the most ambitious labor-migration programs in European history. The 2026-2028 Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) authorizes nearly 500,000 work permits over three years, a significant increase from the 452,000 authorized in the previous 2023-2025 cycle. The Italian government recognizes that the country faces acute labor shortages in construction, agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, transport, and domestic care, and has responded with record-high quotas.
For workers from outside the EU, Italy offers several distinct advantages. The cost of living is notably lower than in Germany, the UK, or Switzerland, while salaries in high-demand sectors remain competitive. After five years of legal residence, workers can apply for long-term EU residency (Permesso di Soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo), which grants the right to live and work across any EU member state. Italy also has bilateral migration agreements with over 38 countries, providing preferential quotas and streamlined processing for nationals of partner nations.
The 2026-2028 decree introduces important reforms: a new provincial-level quota distribution system, faster processing deadlines (30 days for non-seasonal permits, 20 days for seasonal), digital signature options for contracts, and enhanced protections against fraud. Whether you are a seasonal agricultural worker, a full-time construction professional, a healthcare aide, or a domestic caregiver, Italy's Decreto Flussi provides a structured, transparent pathway to legal employment in one of the world's largest economies.
Available Visas & Work Permits
Italy Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree)
Italy's annual quota system for non-EU workers โ 164,850 permits in 2026 across seasonal, non-seasonal, and domestic care roles.
Italy Seasonal Worker Permit
Seasonal work permits for agriculture and tourism โ 88,000 quota places in 2026 with multi-year authorization after 2 seasons.
Decreto Flussi Quota Breakdown 2026-2028
Nearly 500,000 work permits across three years
| Year | Non-Seasonal | Seasonal | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76,850 | 88,000 | 164,850 |
| 2027 | 77,850 | 88,000 | 165,850 |
| 2028 | 78,850 | 88,000 | 166,850 |
| Total | 233,550 | 264,000 | 497,550 |
The 2026-2028 plan increases total permits by approximately 50,000 compared to the 2023-2025 cycle, with the largest gains in domestic care and seasonal agriculture.
2026 Quota by Sector
| Sector / Category | Quota |
|---|---|
| Seasonal - Agriculture | 47,000 |
| Seasonal - Tourism/Hospitality | 13,000 |
| Seasonal - Returning workers | 5,000 |
| Seasonal - Other | 23,000 |
| Non-seasonal - Cooperation countries | 25,000 |
| Non-seasonal - New agreements | 18,000 |
| Non-seasonal - Domestic care | 13,600 |
| Non-seasonal - Other subordinate | 19,930 |
| Self-employment | 500 |
| Extra-quota - Caregivers | 10,000 |
Click Day Calendar & How It Works
Click Day is the make-or-break moment of the Decreto Flussi process. Understanding how it works and preparing thoroughly can mean the difference between securing a work permit and missing out entirely.
What is Click Day?
Click Day is the exact date and time when pre-filled applications for work permits are officially submitted through the Italian government portal. The system operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis. With the portal processing approximately 9,000 applications per minute, popular categories have historically been exhausted in less than 20 minutes. Employers or their authorized representatives must be logged in and ready to submit the moment the portal opens at 9:00 AM Italian time (CET).
How the System Works
- 1Pre-filling window (Oct 23 - Dec 7, 2025): Employers register on the Ministry of Interior portal using SPID or CIE digital identity and upload all required documents, including the asseverazione, employment contract, and proof of accommodation.
- 2Application submission: On the designated Click Day, the portal opens at exactly 9:00 AM CET. Pre-filled forms are formally submitted and receive a timestamp and protocol number.
- 3Review phase: The local Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione reviews each application. Police conduct background checks, and the labor directorate verifies employment conditions.
- 4Nulla osta issuance: Approved applications receive the nulla osta (work authorization) within 30 days for non-seasonal or 20 days for seasonal permits. The employer must confirm hiring intent within 7 days.
2026 Click Day Schedule
| Date & Time | Category | Quota Available |
|---|---|---|
| January 12, 2026 - 9:00 AM CET | Seasonal work - Agriculture | 47,000 |
| February 9, 2026 - 9:00 AM CET | Seasonal work - Tourism/Hospitality | 13,000 |
| February 16, 2026 - 9:00 AM CET | Non-seasonal - Cooperation countries | 25,000 |
| February 18, 2026 - 9:00 AM CET | Non-seasonal - Domestic care & other | 13,600 |
Tips for Click Day Success
- Use a fiber-optic internet connection to avoid timeouts and slow loading
- Log into the portal well before 9:00 AM on Click Day
- Have all reference numbers, passport details, and documents ready on screen
- Use a desktop computer rather than a mobile device for reliability
- Consider engaging an immigration consultant or patronato for professional submission
- Complete the pre-filling process during the October-December window - do not wait until the last day
- Triple-check all data entries: any mismatch between form data and documents triggers rejection
Eligible Countries with Preferential Quotas
Italy reserves 25,000 permits in 2026 specifically for nationals of countries with bilateral migration-cooperation agreements. An additional 18,000 slots are held for countries that sign new agreements during the year (rising to 26,000 in 2027 and 34,000 in 2028). Citizens of these partner nations receive priority access to quotas and streamlined processing.
Enhanced screening applies to applications from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, requiring favorable review by both the Questura (police headquarters) and the National Labour Inspectorate.
Salary Expectations by Sector
Indicative gross monthly and annual salaries under Italian National Collective Labour Agreements (CCNL) for common Decreto Flussi roles. Actual pay varies by region, experience, and employer.
| Sector / Role | Monthly Gross |
|---|---|
| Agriculture (seasonal worker) | EUR 1,100 - 1,400 |
| Construction (general laborer) | EUR 1,400 - 1,800 |
| Construction (skilled tradesperson) | EUR 1,800 - 2,400 |
| Hospitality / Tourism | EUR 1,200 - 1,600 |
| Domestic caregiver (badante) | EUR 900 - 1,300 |
| Housekeeper (colf) | EUR 700 - 1,000 |
| Transport / Logistics (driver) | EUR 1,500 - 2,000 |
| Food processing / Manufacturing | EUR 1,300 - 1,700 |
| Healthcare assistant | EUR 1,300 - 1,700 |
| Retail / Wholesale | EUR 1,200 - 1,600 |
All figures are approximate based on 2026 CCNL minimums. Northern Italy typically pays 10-20% above these levels. Salaries include the 13th month payment (tredicesima) common across Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decreto Flussi and how does it work?
The Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) is the Italian government's official decree that sets annual quotas for how many non-EU workers can enter Italy for employment. Employers apply for a nulla osta (work authorization) through an online portal during a pre-filling window, then formally submit on designated Click Days. Applications are processed first-come, first-served. Once approved, the worker applies for a visa at the Italian consulate in their home country, then travels to Italy to sign an employment contract and obtain a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno).
How many work permits are available under the 2026-2028 Decreto Flussi?
The three-year plan authorizes a total of approximately 497,550 work permits: 164,850 in 2026, 165,850 in 2027, and 166,850 in 2028. These are split between seasonal permits (primarily agriculture and tourism) and non-seasonal permits (construction, domestic care, transport, manufacturing, and other sectors). An additional 10,000 extra-quota permits per year are available for caregivers of elderly and disabled persons.
Which countries are eligible for preferential quotas under the Decreto Flussi?
Italy has bilateral migration agreements with over 38 countries, including Albania, Morocco, India, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Ukraine, Peru, Ecuador, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, and others. Nationals of these countries have access to 25,000 reserved permits in 2026. An additional 18,000 slots are held for countries signing new cooperation agreements during the year.
What does Click Day cost and what are the total fees for a Decreto Flussi work permit?
Total government fees range from approximately EUR 250 to EUR 500. This includes the nulla osta revenue stamp (approximately EUR 16), the national visa fee (approximately EUR 116), and residence permit processing fees (EUR 40-100 plus EUR 76.46 for the electronic card). Professional fees for the asseverazione certification range from EUR 200-500, and engaging a full-service immigration lawyer can cost EUR 1,000-3,000 or more. Patronato services (trade union offices) often provide free or low-cost assistance.
Can I change employers after arriving in Italy on a Decreto Flussi permit?
During the first year, workers on the extra-quota caregiver permit must remain with their sponsoring employer. For standard Decreto Flussi permits, changing employers is possible but requires a new nulla osta application and is subject to quota availability. After one year of legal employment, workers gain more flexibility. Seasonal workers cannot change employers during their seasonal period without special authorization.
How can I get permanent residency in Italy through the Decreto Flussi?
After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, workers can apply for the EU long-term residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo). Requirements include a valid residence permit, proof of stable income (at least EUR 6,542.51 per year for a single person, higher for families), suitable housing, and passing an Italian language test at A2 level. This long-term permit grants the right to live and work in any EU member state.