The Italian government has officially published a new Immigration Decree (Decreto Flussi) for the 2026–2028 period, establishing the entry quotas for foreign workers. The Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM), dated 15 October 2025 and published in the Official Gazette, outlines the criteria, procedures, and timelines for employing non-EU nationals in Italy over the next three years.
Nearly 500,000 Work Permits for Foreign Nationals
Under the new decree, a total of 497,550 third-country nationals will be permitted to enter Italy for seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employment purposes between 2026 and 2028. The annual distribution is as follows:
- 164,850 entries for 2026
- 165,850 entries for 2027
- 166,850 entries for 2028
The decree also allocates quotas by industry sector and employment type, supporting Italy’s growing demand for workers in agriculture, tourism, construction, and manufacturing.
Application Deadlines for 2026
Employers wishing to hire foreign nationals under the 2026 quota must submit their applications via the ALI Portal of the Ministry of the Interior, according to the following schedule:
- 12 January 2026 (from 9:00 a.m.) – Seasonal workers in the agriculture sector
- 9 February 2026 (from 9:00 a.m.) – Seasonal workers in the tourism sector
- 16 February 2026 (from 9:00 a.m.) – Non-seasonal workers from countries with migration cooperation agreements with Italy
- 18 February 2026 (from 9:00 a.m.) – Other non-seasonal employees
Next Steps and Pre-Application Phase
Before submitting a work authorisation (nulla osta) request, employers will need to complete an online pre-filling phase of application forms.
The timeframe for this step will be announced in a forthcoming comunication issued by the Ministries of Interior, Labour, Agriculture, and Tourism, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Circular will also provide additional implementation guidelines.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers
This new Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 confirms Italy’s commitment to managing labour migration strategically and transparently. With nearly half a million work permits available, the measure aims to address workforce shortages while providing legal pathways for foreign nationals seeking employment in Italy.
Contact and Disclaimer
Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.
For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
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