Italy Decreto Flussi 2027: Work Permit Quotas and Application Dates

Italy has announced the operational arrangements for the 2027 Decreto Flussi, confirming work permit quotas and application dates for employers seeking to recruit non-EU nationals.

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The Italian authorities have authorised a total of 165,850 entries for 2027, covering seasonal employment, non-seasonal employment and self-employment.

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Operational guidance was issued through a joint ministerial circular dated 1 October 2026, implementing the quotas established under Italy’s wider 2026–2028 immigration framework.

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Employers planning to recruit workers through the quota system should prepare applications during the pre-filing period and ensure they are ready for the relevant 2027 submission date.

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For broader information on Italian work and residence routes, visit our Italy immigration page.

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What are the Decreto Flussi quotas for 2027?

Italy has authorised 165,850 entries for foreign workers during 2027.

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The allocation is divided as follows:

• 76,200 permits for non-seasonal employment;
• 89,000 permits for seasonal employment in agriculture and tourism; and
• 650 permits for self-employment.

Of the non-seasonal allocation, 14,000 places are designated for family-assistance employment.

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The 2027 quota forms part of Italy’s broader Decreto Flussi framework for 2026–2028, which provides a total of 497,550 entries over the three-year period.

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Hudson McKenzie previously covered the wider framework in our article Italy Announces New Immigration Decree for 2026–2028: Over 497,000 Work Permits Approved.

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When is the 2027 Decreto Flussi pre-filing period?

The online pre-filing period opened at 9:00am on 23 October 2026 and remains available until 8:00pm on 7 December 2026.

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Applications must be prepared through the Ministry of the Interior’s ALI Services Portal.

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Pre-filing is particularly important because employers need their applications prepared and ready before the relevant click day.

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Following the main pre-filing period, the portal will reopen between 9 and 13 December 2026 for applicants who have already begun pre-filing to complete, review and save existing applications.

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No new applications can be created during this additional December window.

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What are the 2027 Decreto Flussi click-day dates?

Formal applications can be submitted from 9:00am on the relevant click day according to the employment category.

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12 January 2027 – Seasonal agricultural workers

Applications can be submitted for non-EU nationals entering Italy for seasonal employment in the agricultural sector.

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9 February 2027 – Seasonal tourism workers

This click day applies to workers entering Italy for qualifying seasonal employment in the tourism sector.

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16 February 2027 – Non-seasonal workers

Applications open for non-seasonal subordinate employment covered by the relevant Decreto Flussi categories.

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18 February 2027 – Domestic and family care workers

This date applies to non-seasonal employment in the family-assistance sector.

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Applications may continue to be submitted until 31 December 2027, provided quota places remain available.

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Why are the click days important for employers?

Decreto Flussi operates within annual numerical quotas.

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This means that the availability of work authorisations can depend not only on whether the employer and worker satisfy the relevant immigration requirements, but also on whether places remain available within the applicable quota.

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Employers should therefore avoid leaving preparation until the relevant click day.

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Applications should be reviewed in advance to ensure that employer information, employment details and supporting documentation are complete and accurate.

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Early preparation is particularly important in categories where demand for permits may be high.

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What should employers prepare before the click day?

Employers planning to recruit non-EU nationals under the 2027 quota should review their immigration and recruitment arrangements during the pre-filing period.

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Key considerations include:

• identifying the correct employment and quota category;
• confirming that the proposed role is eligible under the relevant Decreto Flussi provisions;
• preparing the required employer and worker information;
• reviewing supporting documentation;
• completing the relevant pre-filing process through the ALI Portal;
• checking that the application is ready for submission before the relevant click day; and
• planning recruitment and employee start dates around the immigration process.

Businesses recruiting multiple workers should also consider how the applications fit within their wider workforce and immigration strategy.

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What happens after a Decreto Flussi application is submitted?

Employers seeking to recruit non-EU nationals under the standard quota system generally begin by applying for the relevant work authorisation, known as a Nulla Osta.

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Once the required authorisation has been issued, the foreign worker can proceed with the appropriate Italian visa process through the relevant diplomatic or consular authority.

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Following entry into Italy, additional residence and immigration formalities may also apply.

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Employers should therefore consider the click day as the beginning of the work-authorisation process rather than the employee’s final immigration approval.

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What does the 2027 Decreto Flussi mean for employers?

For businesses planning international recruitment into Italy, the 2027 quotas provide further opportunities to recruit non-EU nationals for qualifying employment.

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However, the quota system also creates timing and compliance considerations.

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Employers should consider:

• workforce requirements for 2027;
• whether proposed roles fall within seasonal or non-seasonal categories;
• which click day applies;
• quota availability;
• expected work-authorisation and visa processing timelines; and
• the impact of immigration processing on proposed employment start dates.

Organisations with recurring international recruitment requirements may also benefit from integrating Decreto Flussi applications into their broader Immigration Programme Development strategy.

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How Hudson McKenzie can assist

Hudson McKenzie supports international employers and individuals with Italian immigration and global workforce mobility matters.

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Our team can assist businesses in assessing appropriate Italian immigration routes, considering Decreto Flussi eligibility and planning work-authorisation and visa processes for international employees.

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We can also assist employers with broader immigration compliance and international mobility planning across multiple jurisdictions.

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For advice regarding the 2027 Decreto Flussi or the recruitment of non-EU workers into Italy, contact Hudson McKenzie.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of November 2026 and is for general informational purposes only. Immigration quotas, application procedures and operational guidance may change. Employers and applicants should obtain advice based on their specific circumstances.

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