Italy has officially approved a new plan for hiring foreign workers between 2026 and 2028. The rules were published in the country’s Official Gazette through a government decree known as the “Flussi Decree.” It sets out how many foreign workers can come to Italy for different types of jobs and how applications will be managed over the next three years.
Work Visa Quotas from 2026 to 2028
According to the newly released decree, as many as 497,550 work permits will be available for foreign workers between 2026 and 2028. The yearly breakdown is:
- 164,850 workers in 2026
- 165,850 workers in 2027
- 166,850 workers in 2028
These quotas are open only to foreign nationals living outside Italy. They are divided by country and by job type, including seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employed work.
Key Application Dates (Click Days) for 2026
Every year, Italy sets specific days for employers to submit online applications for work permits. These are called “Click Days” For 2026, the dates are:
| Date (2026) | Category of Workers | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 12 | Seasonal Agricultural Workers | For workers employed in Italy’s farming and agricultural sectors. |
| February 9 | Seasonal Tourism Workers | For employees in the hospitality and tourism industry during peak seasons. |
| February 16 | Non-Seasonal Workers (Other Sectors) | Includes self-employed individuals, workers of Italian origin, refugees, and stateless persons. |
| February 18 | Non-Seasonal Family and Home Care Workers | For domestic helpers, caregivers, and other home service workers. |
Employers can prepare applications in advance, and the government will soon publish detailed instructions on how to do this.
What This Means for Foreign Workers
Italy is currently one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for foreign workers, especially in industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and caregiving.
According to the new Flussi Decree, India is one of the nations eligible for work visa quotas, which means Indian people can apply if an Italian company sponsors them.
To qualify, most foreign workers need:
- A valid job offer from an Italian employer
- Required skills or experience in the relevant sector
- A clean background and a valid passport
Once the work permit (nulla osta) has been granted in Italy, applicants may apply for a visa at the nearest Italian Embassy. Upon arrival in Italy, they must apply for a residence permit within eight days.
Why This Decree Matters
The new quotas reflect Italy’s growing need for foreign workers. Sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and home care continue to struggle with labour shortages. The government aims to fill these gaps legally and efficiently.
For foreign workers, this may create thousands of new opportunities in the coming years, especially for those willing to take seasonal or care-related jobs.
Final Thoughts
The Flussi Decree 2026-2028 reflects Italy’s efforts to balance labour demand while offering foreign workers, especially Indians, a clear and legal path to employment. If you want to work in Italy, keeping track of the “click days” and preparing your documents in advance might be very helpful.
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