{"id":1120,"date":"2026-02-12T16:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/?p=1120"},"modified":"2026-02-11T08:46:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T07:46:56","slug":"decreto-flussi-2026-2028-italys-497550-work-visa-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/decreto-flussi-2026-2028-italys-497550-work-visa-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Decreto Flussi 2026\u20132028: Italy\u2019s 497,550 Work Visa Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Decreto Flussi 2026\u20132028 Explained: Italy\u2019s Work Visa Plan<\/h2>\n

Italy has introduced a major legal migration framework known as the Decreto Flussi 2026\u20132028<\/strong>, opening 497,550 work visa slots<\/strong> for non-EU citizens over three years. The plan is designed to support Italy\u2019s economy, fill labour shortages, and reduce irregular migration through a structured process.<\/p>\n

\"Work<\/p>\n

This article explains what the decree means, who it is for, how the process works<\/strong>, and what applicants should watch out for.<\/p>\n

What Is the Decreto Flussi?<\/h3>\n

The Decreto Flussi is Italy\u2019s official system for controlling the legal entry of foreign workers<\/strong>. It sets annual quotas and defines which sectors can hire non-EU nationals.<\/p>\n

In late June 2025, the Italian Council of Ministers approved the new three-year framework covering 2026, 2027, and 2028<\/strong>. The government later confirmed the totals and sector allocations, giving employers and applicants clearer planning timelines.<\/p>\n

Total Quotas: The Big Picture<\/h3>\n

Over the three years, Italy plans to admit 497,550 foreign workers<\/strong>. These are split into two broad categories:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Non-seasonal and self-employed work:<\/strong> 230,550 slots<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Seasonal work (agriculture and tourism):<\/strong> 267,000 slots<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    As a result, seasonal roles make up a slightly larger share, reflecting Italy\u2019s ongoing needs in farming and hospitality.<\/p>\n

    Year-by-Year Breakdown<\/h3>\n

    The quotas are spread fairly evenly across the three years:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      2026:<\/strong> 164,450 total slots<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      2027:<\/strong> 165,850 total slots<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      2028:<\/strong> 167,050 total slots<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Each year includes allocations for non-seasonal jobs<\/strong>, seasonal work<\/strong>, and domestic care roles<\/strong> such as caregivers and housekeepers.<\/p>\n

      Which Jobs Are Covered?<\/h3>\n

      The decree focuses on sectors where Italy faces persistent worker shortages. These include:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        Agriculture:<\/strong> farm labour, harvesting, food production<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Tourism and hospitality:<\/strong> hotels, restaurants, resorts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Construction and skilled trades:<\/strong> selected non-seasonal roles<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Domestic and home care:<\/strong> carers, housekeepers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Approved self-employment:<\/strong> limited, regulated categories<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Importantly, all entries must be employer-sponsored<\/strong>. Individuals cannot apply on their own without a job offer.<\/p>\n

        The Purpose Behind the Policy<\/h3>\n

        Italy\u2019s government has been clear about its goals. First, the decree aims to match real labour demand<\/strong> with legal migration. Second, it seeks to reduce undeclared work and exploitation<\/strong>. Finally, it supports cooperation with origin countries through training and lawful recruitment.<\/p>\n

        Therefore, the Flussi system is not a shortcut to Europe. Instead, it is a controlled labour programme<\/strong> tied directly to Italy\u2019s economic needs.<\/p>\n

        How the Application Process Works<\/h3>\n

        Although details can change year to year, the standard process follows these steps:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n

          Employer application:<\/strong> An Italian employer submits a work request during the official application window.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \n

          Work authorisation:<\/strong> If approved, the employer receives authorisation to hire the foreign worker.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        3. \n

          Visa application:<\/strong> The worker applies for a work visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in their country.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        4. \n

          Entry into Italy:<\/strong> After approval, the worker enters Italy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        5. \n

          Residence contract:<\/strong> The worker signs a contract at the immigration office.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        6. \n

          Residence permit:<\/strong> A permesso di soggiorno<\/em> is issued, allowing legal work and stay.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Because quotas are limited, speed and accuracy matter<\/strong> once applications open.<\/p>\n

          What Is Happening to the \u201cClick Day\u201d System?<\/h3>\n

          Traditionally, Italy used a \u201cclick day\u201d model, where employers rushed to submit applications on a single day. This system has been widely criticised for being stressful and inefficient.<\/p>\n

          Under the 2026\u20132028 framework, the government has signalled plans to gradually reduce reliance on click days<\/strong> by:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • \n

            Expanding visa channels outside strict quotas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Prioritising high-demand professional profiles<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Supporting training programmes in origin countries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            However, for now, click days still exist<\/strong>, and employers must follow official timelines.<\/p>\n

            Preferential Quotas and Partner Countries<\/h3>\n

            Another key change is the introduction of preferential quotas<\/strong>. Some slots will be reserved for:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • \n

              Highly qualified workers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Citizens of countries that cooperate with Italy on migration control<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Countries with repatriation agreements and anti-smuggling efforts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              This approach is meant to encourage legal pathways<\/strong> and discourage dangerous, irregular routes.<\/p>\n

              Public and Political Reactions<\/h3>\n

              Business groups and industry leaders have largely welcomed the decree, citing labour shortages across key sectors. On the other hand, some political groups have criticised the plan, arguing it increases migration.<\/p>\n

              Despite mixed reactions, the Italian government maintains that the policy is data-driven and economically necessary<\/strong>, not an open-door system.<\/p>\n

              What Prospective Applicants Should Know<\/h3>\n

              If you are considering this route, keep the following in mind:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • \n

                You cannot apply without an employer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                Quotas fill quickly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                Preparation must start months in advance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                Only official channels matter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                No one can guarantee approval<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                As a result, caution is essential.<\/p>\n

                \u26a0\ufe0f Travelcliques Disclaimer & Scam Warning<\/h6>\n
                Important:<\/strong> Travelcliques does not<\/strong> sell Italy work visas, provide job offers, or guarantee approvals under the Decreto Flussi. All work visas are employer-sponsored<\/strong> and issued solely by Italian authorities.<\/h6>\n
                Be careful of:<\/h6>\n
                  \n
                • \n
                  Promises of \u201cguaranteed\u201d Italy work visas<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n
                • \n
                  Requests for upfront visa fees without a verified employer<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n
                • \n
                  Agents claiming they can bypass quotas or click days<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                  Always verify information through official sources. Immigration decisions are made only by the Italian government.<\/h6>\n

                  Final Thought<\/h3>\n

                  The Decreto Flussi 2026\u20132028<\/strong> is one of Europe\u2019s largest legal labour-migration programmes. For eligible workers with genuine job offers, it provides a structured and lawful path<\/strong> into Italy. However, competition is high, rules are strict, and preparation is everything.<\/p>\n

                  For updates, timelines, and verified travel information, continue to follow Travelcliques.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Decreto Flussi 2026\u20132028 Explained: Italy\u2019s Work Visa Plan Italy has introduced a major legal migration framework known as the Decreto Flussi 2026\u20132028, opening 497,550 work<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1120","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-visa-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1120"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1123,"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1120\/revisions\/1123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetravelcliques.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}