In Italy, as in most EU countries, the issue of labor shortage is acute. That is why the country is actively working to attract foreign specialists. Find out what quotas for work visas are set for 2025 and how migration legislation will change

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On October 15, 2025, the Italian government published in the Official Gazette the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM) of October 2, 2025, which approved a new program for the legal employment of foreigners for the years 2026-2028. The document, known as the “Flussi Decree” or the work visa quota program, determines the procedure and volumes of entry of foreign workers into Italy.

According to the government decision, the country will open 497,550 work visas for foreign workers in various sectors of the economy. This initiative aims to fill the shortage of personnel in industries where Italy traditionally feels the need for labor.

We will tell you about the quotas for 2026-2028 in Italy, the main sectors and when to apply in this article.

Planning to work legally in Italy? Get the “Work Guide” from Visit World — a step-by-step guide to obtaining a work visa and work permit. The guide contains a list of required documents, application processing times, tips and life hacks for adaptation. With the guide, you will quickly and without errors prepare for moving and employment.

Download the “Work Guide” from Visit World and make your way to work in Italy easier!

Quotas for work visas in Italy for 2026-2028

The new Flussi Decree determines the number of work permits for third-country nationals residing outside Italy.

In total, 497,550 specialists are expected to be admitted for the period 2026–2028, including:

- 164,850 workers in 2026;

- 165,850 workers in 2027;

- 166,850 workers – in 2028.

These quotas cover seasonal, non-seasonal and self-employed work, and also provide for a distribution by country of origin and type of employment.

When to apply for a work visa to Italy: key “click days” in 2026

The program sets special dates each year when employers can submit online applications for work permits – the so-called Click Days.

In 2026, they are distributed as follows:

- January 12 – submission of applications for seasonal agricultural workers who will be involved in the agricultural sector;

- February 9 – start of applications for seasonal workers in the tourism and hospitality sector;

- February 16 – submission day for non-seasonal workers in various sectors, including the self-employed, people of Italian origin, refugees and stateless persons;

- February 18 – application opening for family and home care workers, such as carers and domestic helpers.

Employers can pre-fill applications, and clearer technical instructions will be published in a joint circular of the relevant ministries in the near future.

In which sectors do foreigners work in Italy?

There is a particularly acute need for workers in sectors where there is a shortage of local labor:

- Agriculture – seasonal harvesting, work on farms and vineyards;

- Construction – a large number of projects creates a demand for skilled and unskilled workers;

- Hotel and restaurant business – the development of tourism constantly requires staff to serve guests;

- Care and home service – a large part of the elderly population creates a stable demand for carers and domestic helpers.

Read here about the benefits, types of visas and requirements for legal employment in Italy.

Who can apply for a work visa in Italy in 2026?

The right to participate in the program is open to foreign citizens who:

- Have received an official job offer from an Italian employer;

- Have professional skills or experience in the relevant field;

- Have a valid passport and have no problems with the law.

After the application is approved and the work permit (nulla osta) is obtained, the employee applies for a visa at the Italian consulate, and upon arrival in the country, he or she applies for a residence permit within eight days.

Why is this decree important?

The Flussi 2026-2028 program is part of the state strategy to regulate legal migration and respond to the shortage of personnel in key sectors: agriculture, tourism, construction, and elderly care.

It creates new opportunities for tens of thousands of workers from abroad, providing a transparent and legal path to employment in Italy.

How to prepare for applying for an Italian work visa?

In order not to miss your chance, future applicants should:

- Find an employer in Italy in advance;

- Prepare translated documents;

- Monitor the dates of “Click Days” and updates on the official portals of the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs;

- Take advantage of the advice of migration specialists to correctly prepare a package of documents.

Italy opens the door to new opportunities!

Prepare documents in advance and take advantage of the chance to legally get a job in Europe.

Get support from Visit World specialists – we will help you apply for a work visa, prepare a questionnaire and get the best job in Italy.

Let us remind you! Italy is a country with a rich culture and history, whose fantastic landscapes attract tourists and expats from different parts of the world. The country is the leader in terms of the number of migrants, in addition, it has the highest rates of issuing temporary residence permits in the EU. We have already told you how a foreigner can move to Italy for work, what are the conditions for obtaining a visa and what package of documents is required for moving.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Italy;

Legal advice on immigration to Italy;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Italy;

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.