Italy to Issue Half a Million Work Visas for Non-EU Nationals Between 2026 and 2028
by Adriana ruiz
Italy is set to open its doors to nearly half a million non-EU workers over the next three years, following a preliminary approval by the Council of Ministers on June 30, 2025. The new immigration plan, outlined in a draft decree by the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM), sets the framework for legal entry of foreign workers into Italy under the so-called Decreto Flussi program for the 2026–2028 period.
A Strategic Move to Fill Labor Shortages
The government aims to authorize 497,550 legal entries of non-EU workers to support sectors facing critical labor shortages. The measure is designed to provide much-needed manpower to Italy’s economic and production system, particularly in roles that cannot be filled by the local workforce.
The plan also serves broader goals: establishing a stable, controlled legal immigration channel to strengthen cooperation with migrants’ countries of origin, and combating irregular immigration, labor exploitation, and undeclared work.
Breakdown of Work Visa Quotas
The program envisions the following yearly and categorical allocations:
• 2026: 164,850 authorized entries
• Total 2026–2028: 497,550 entries, including:
• 230,550 for non-seasonal and self-employed work
• 267,000 for seasonal work, primarily in agriculture and tourism
These numbers were determined based on input from labor unions, industry groups, and the volume of job authorization requests in previous years. The goal is to match visa allocations to real labor market demands and to provide businesses with a more reliable and realistic planning framework.
Moving Beyond the “Click Day”
One key innovation in the proposed decree is the intention to gradually phase out the much-criticized click day system, in which thousands of employers must compete for a limited number of permits during a brief online application window.
Instead, the government plans to encourage off-quota entries, especially for high-demand professions, and to strengthen training programs in migrants’ countries of origin, ensuring that incoming workers are well-prepared and meet employers’ needs from day one.
This new vision represents a shift toward a more flexible and forward-thinking immigration policy—one that balances the needs of the Italian economy with the realities of migration flows and labor mobility.
Source: Council of Ministers, Italy – June 30, 2025
Italy Work Visa: Complete Guide for Non-EU Citizens
Italy Work Visa: Complete Guide for Non-EU Citizens Decreto Flussi quotas, the nulla osta, Type-D visas, and the EU Blue Card — every step from job offer to permesso di soggiorno, explained plainly. ⏱ 9 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 Getting an Italy work visa as a non-EU citizen is possible — but Italy […]
English-Speaking Jobs in Rome: Complete Expat Guide
Work & Visas English-Speaking Jobs in Rome: Complete Expat Guide Where to find work, realistic salaries, Italian CV tips, and visa requirements for non-EU citizens. Updated: October 2026 | Reading time: 8 minutes Table of Contents 1. Where to Find English-Speaking Jobs in Rome 2. Realistic Salaries in Rome 3. The Italian CV Format 4. […]
Italy Strikes October 2026: Full Transport Disruption Calendar
Travel & Transit Guide Italy Strikes October 2026: Transport Disruption Calendar Full calendar of national and regional walkouts, guaranteed service hours, and EU261 refund rights. Updated: October 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes In this guide: 1. National Strikes | 2. City & Regional Strikes | 3. Nov & Dec Outlook | 4. Guaranteed Hours […]
Expat Healthcare in Italy: Navigating the Italian Healthcare System
📅 Last Updated: October 2026 ⏱️ Read Time: 8 Min 📍 Verified Expat Healthcare Guide Table of Contents 1. The Italian Healthcare System Overview 2. Registration and Residency 3. EHIC, Private Insurance, and SSN Costs 4. Family Doctors (Medico di Base) 5. Public vs. Private Healthcare 6. Emergency Services 7. Prescriptions and Pharmacies 8. Health […]
Italy Airport Liquid Rules: 5 Essential Tips & Carry-On Guide
UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 2026 5 MIN READ Italy Airport Liquid Rules: 5 Essential Tips & Carry-On Guide Navigating 2L C3 Scanner Allowances, 100ml Exceptions, and Airport Security in Rome & Milan Understanding the latest Italy airport liquid rules is essential for any expat or traveler flying through major Italian transportation hubs. Thanks to the deployment of […]
Italy in October: Festivals, Harvests, and Autumn Magic
Updated: September 2026 5 Min Read Italy in October: Festivals, Harvests, and Autumn Magic Truffle foraging, open winery days, historic open houses, and pop culture Autumn vineyard color in Italy — perfect for October travel planning. In this guide: 1. Culinary High Season (Truffles & Wine) 2. Culture, Film & Pop Culture 3. Smart Travel […]
How to Move to Italy 2026: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Discover the legal pathways, visa requirements, health insurance steps, and administrative rules for moving to Italy in 2026. Comprehensive 2026 Residency Roadmap If you are considering how to move to Italy 2026, you are likely drawn to the unparalleled lifestyle, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, moving to Italy is more than just booking a […]
Permesso di Soggiorno Renewal Italy: 6 Easy Steps
Immigration & Residency Guide Permesso di Soggiorno Renewal Italy: 6 Essential Steps Deadlines, kit postale, costs, and your legal rights while waiting. Updated: October 2026 | Reading time: 10 minutes In this guide: 1. When to Renew | 2. Required Documents | 3. Costs & Fees | 4. Kit Postale Process | 5. Questura Appointment […]
