Italy is opening its doors wider than ever. Under the landmark DPCM of October 2, 2025, the Italian government has officially launched the 2026–2028 Three-Year Immigration Plan, authorizing nearly 500,000 work visas. For 2026 alone, the quota is set at 164,850 permits. Whether you are an employer looking for seasonal staff or a non-EU worker dreaming of a life in Rome or Milan, navigating the Decreto Flussi 2026 requires precision, speed, and an understanding of the new “Click Day” system.
Italy Decreto Flussi 2026 Official Quotas: The Breakdown
The 2026 quota marks a strategic shift to address Italy’s labor shortages in critical sectors like agriculture, construction, and caregiving.
Here is the simple breakdown:
| Category | 2026 Quota Limit | Main Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Lavoro Stagionale (Seasonal Work) | 88,000 | Agriculture, Tourism, Hotel and Hospitality |
| Lavoro Subordinato (Non-Seasonal Work) | 76,200 | Construction, Logistics, Mechanics, Caregiving |
| Lavoro Autonomo (Self-Employed) | 650 | Entrepreneurs, Artists, Start-up founders |
| Total 2026 Quotas | 164,850 |
Good tip: In the non-seasonal part, 25,000 places are only for people from 38 special partner countries. These countries include Albania, Bangladesh, India, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia.
Why These Quotas Matter
Italy needs workers in many fields. Farming and tourism need people for busy seasons. Building and care jobs need people all year. The self-employed quota is small but helps new business ideas, artists, and people who start companies. This plan shows Italy wants to bring in workers in a legal way. It helps the economy grow and stops illegal work.
The 2026 “Click Day” Calendar
In Italy, time is very important for these applications. They accept them first come, first served. If you miss your Click Day even by a few seconds, you may have to wait one more year.
Put these dates on your calendar for 2026:
- January 12, 2026 (9:00 AM): For seasonal workers in agriculture.
- February 9, 2026 (9:00 AM): For seasonal workers in tourism and hospitality.
- February 16, 2026 (9:00 AM): For non-seasonal work and self-employed people.
- February 18, 2026 (9:00 AM): For home helpers and caregivers (Colf e Badanti).
How Click Day Works
On Click Day, bosses send applications online through a special portal. The system is fast and busy. Many people try at the same time. That is why you need to prepare early.
Before Click Days, there is a pre-filling time. You can fill forms ahead. This helps you send fast on the day.
Major 2026 Reforms: What’s New?
The 2026 decree has more than just bigger numbers. It has new rules to make things better for bosses and workers.
The 6-Month Cancellation Rule
This is a big new rule for 2026. If the work visa is not given within 6 months after the Nulla Osta (work permission) is approved, the permit cancels by itself. This stops old permits from staying open too long. It happened a lot in past years.
Provincial Allocation System
Now, quotas are shared by provinces. This matches local needs. For example, a place like Lombardy may have more places for mechanics. Puglia may have more for farming. This stops one area from using all quotas too fast.
The Pre-filling Phase (Precompilazione)
Bosses can start filling applications early. They use SPID or CIE to log in the ALI Portal. This starts late in 2025. You can prepare everything. Then, on Click Day, you send it right away at 9:00 AM.
Why Pre-filling is Important
Many applications fail because of mistakes or slow sending. Pre-filling gives you time to check documents. It makes your chance better in the race.
Requirements for Italian Employers
Bosses in Italy cannot hire just anyone from outside the EU. They must show no Italian or EU person can do the job. This is called CPI Unavailability Check (Verifica indisponibilità ).
Here is a simple checklist for bosses:
- Minimum Income: Bosses usually need to earn at least €30,000 per year.
- Application Limit: Most bosses can send only 3 applications. This stops bad use.
- No Bad Record: Bosses with court cases for bad treatment of workers or “caporalato” (worker exploitation) cannot apply.
Other Rules for Bosses
You must offer a real job with good pay. The worker needs a place to live. You pay for the trip home if needed. These rules protect workers and make sure the job is serious.
Summary of Priority Countries (Special Quotas)
Italy gives extra help to countries that work together to stop illegal moving. People from these countries get first places in the 25,000 reserved spots.
Here are some main countries:
- From Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire.
- From Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines.
- From Europe: Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Bosnia.
There are more countries in the full list. This helps good relations and safe migration.
Why Priority Countries?
These countries help Italy control migration. They stop dangerous trips. In return, their people get more chances for legal work in Italy.
Call to Action (CTA)
Getting an Italian work visa is very hard because many people want it. Are you a boss getting ready for the January Click Day? Do you need help with the ALI Portal link or how to get SPID?
Comment below if you have questions. Join our newsletter. We will send the official provincial quota details when they come out. This guide helps you understand the basics. But rules can change. Always check official sites.
Disclaimer: This article is only for information and learning. It is not legal advice. Please check with official Italian government sites like the Ministry of the Interior or talk to an immigration lawyer before you do anything. Details can change, so verify everything from trusted places.