Italy Announces New Work Visa Quotas for 2026–2028

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The Italian government has officially published in the Official Gazette the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM) of October 2, 2025, establishing the programming of legal entries for foreign workers to Italy for the years 2026 to 2028. Commonly known as the Flussi Decree or Work Visa Quota Program, the measure outlines the annual entry ceilings and administrative procedures for non-EU nationals seeking employment in Italy.

Total Quotas and Annual Breakdown

Under the new decree, 497,550 foreign workers will be allowed to enter Italy over the three-year period across seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employed work categories. The yearly quota is allocated as follows:

164,850 workers in 2026

165,850 workers in 2027

166,850 workers in 2028

These quotas apply only to individuals residing outside Italy and will be allocated based on the worker’s country of origin and sector of employment.

Key ‘Click Day’ Application Dates for 2026

The decree also confirms the official “click days” — the designated dates on which employers may submit online applications for work permits through Italy’s dedicated portal. For 2026, the click days are:

Date Category Sector / Worker Type
January 12, 2026 Seasonal Agriculture
February 9, 2026 Seasonal Tourism and Hospitality
February 16, 2026 Non-seasonal Various sectors, including self-employed persons of Italian origin, refugees and stateless individuals
February 18, 2026 Non-seasonal Family and home care workers

Employers will have the ability to pre-fill applications in advance. Further operational guidance, including the pre-filing window, will be provided in a joint ministerial circular to be issued by the Ministries of the Interior, Labour, Agriculture, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs.

Strategic Purpose and Expected Impact

The Flussi Decree 2026–2028 forms part of Italy’s continued effort to match labour migration flows with national workforce needs, particularly in sectors experiencing chronic labour shortages such as agriculture, tourism, caregiving, and household support.

By increasing quotas and formalizing clear application timelines, the Italian government aims to enhance transparency, predictability, and efficiency for both employers and prospective migrant workers.

The structured approach is expected to support economic stability, ensure legal migration pathways, and reduce reliance on irregular labour in key industries across the country.


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