Decreto Flussi Work Permits 2026 – Italy
The Decreto Flussi is an annual quota system issued by the Italian government that regulates the entry of non-EU citizens for work (and in some cases study-related pathways) in Italy. It determines how many foreign workers can legally enter the country each year, as well as the sectors and regions where they are allowed to work.
For 2026, Italy is expected to allocate around 82,705 work permits, covering both seasonal and non-seasonal employment opportunities. These permits are issued based on eligibility, employer demand, and government-approved quotas.
Purpose of the Decreto Flussi
The system was introduced in 2002 to:
Manage and control non-EU immigration for employment purposes
Address labor shortages in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and tourism
Ensure priority access to jobs for Italian and EU workers while still meeting economic demand for foreign labor
Key Features (2026)
Annual quota-based work permit system
Includes seasonal and long-term employment categories
Valid work stay generally up to 2 years depending on contract type
Applications are typically employer-driven (Italian employers sponsor foreign workers)
Eligibility (General)
Applicants must:
- Be a non-EU citizen
- Have a confirmed job offer from an approved Italian employer
- Meet skill or sector requirements based on the job category
- Comply with visa and immigration regulations set by Italy