Italy Work Visa 2026 – 497,550 New Jobs Announced!
Italy is rolling out its most ambitious plan of labor migration in decades in 2026. To fight the endemic labor shortages and declining workforce, the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) 20262028 has formally opened 497,550 work visa quota positions in three years. In the case of 2026 alone, the government has approved 164,850 entries, and it is a golden year to the international workers seeking to earn big in the Eurozone.
In order to do it, you will have to know about the system of Click Day when thousands of applications get sent within several minutes. This guide contains the appropriate keywords and steps that will be needed in the context to guide oneself through the 2026 application window.
2026 Quotas & Key Job Sectors
The 497,550 slots are allocated in a strategic manner to favor the industries of Italy. It will know where the demand is at the peak and hence this will enable you to target the right employers.
- Codes: The ISTAT is the job classification used in Italy. The jobs that have high demand are Construction (7.2), Logistics (8.1), and Agriculture (6.4).
- Seasonal Work (88,000 slots in 2026): The Agriculture and Tourism/Hospitality industries are the most common examples of this. They are temporary permits (typically 69 months) but may be a foot in the door.
- Non-Seasonal Subordinate Work (76, 200 slots in 2026): In case of long-term jobs in construction, manufacturing, mechanics and heavy vehicle transport.
- House keeper and Care workers (Colf e Badanti): A special quota of 13,600 places will be exclusively allocated to the caregivers and housekeepers to take care of the aged population of Italy.
- Self-Employed (Autonomous) Work: Higher quota (about 500650 slots) of high-level entrepreneurs, the founders of startups, and famous artists.
Document Checklist (Mandatory)
In order to be issued with the Type D (National) Visa, you will first need your employer to obtain a Nulla Osta (work authorization).
- Nulla Osta: The “No Objection” certificate of the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (SUI).
- Contratto di Soggiorno (Employment Contract): This one will have to state your salary, the number of hours worked (36 or 40 a week is the rule); and housing conditions.
- Passport Gayle: The passport should have a remaining life of at least 3-6 months against the expiry of the visa.
- Evidence that you are able to support yourself awaiting your first paycheck Evidence of Financial Means.
- Health cover: With a period of your entry until the time you enroll with the SSN (National Health Service).
Entry to Permanent Residency
Italy is not only a temporary job destination but it is a clear way of remaining in the EU.
- Permesso di Soggiorno: Within 8 days of your entry into Italy, you have to get this residence permit at the Questura (Police Headquarters) in your locality.
- Integration Agreement: In the case of a stay longer than a year, it is obligatory that you sign an agreement based on credit to study the fundamentals of Italian (level A2) and civic regulations.
- Visa Conversion: Previously in Italy, seasonal workers would be more successful in converting their temporary permit into a permanent subordinate work permit.
- EU Long-Term Residence: This is a permit done after 5 years of residence and permits you to come and work in any country within the European Union.
FAQs
Will I apply personally towards the visa?
No. This is an employer-driven process. On the Click Day, an Italian employer will have to request the Nulla Osta on your behalf. When they get it they forward it to you so that you can make your application in the Italian Embassy in your own country.
Is the knowledge of the Italian language necessary?
And in the case of the visa, in general no. But in the case of Healthcare (B2 level) and most of the technical positions, the employers will ask to show language proficiency. Earning big depends largely on whether you know some basic Italian.
What are the visa fees in 2026?
A national type D Work Visa costs a standard amount of 116 Euros but service fee at agencies such as VFS Global could be charged
What are the countries with Preferential Quotas?
Italy enters into bilateral agreements with countries with whom they collaborate on migration. In 2026, the citizens of such countries as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Tunisia usually have their own slot (around 25,000 slots are assigned to priority partner countries).
Is there an option of switching employers upon arrival?
Yes, however, your new employer has to assume the sponsorship of your residence permit. An employer has no right to employ an individual without a legal contract.
Final Thought
It is a huge opportunity but a race against time: the 2026 Decreto Flussi. The secret of finding a place in the 497,550 new jobs is to be ready with your papers (passport, CV, and a willing Italian employer) before January. By the time you get to the Click Day to find a job, you will probably be too late.
Disclaimer
The news material outlined here is informed by the available reports and credible sources. Updates on official news sources or on the Italian Ministry of Interior should be cross-checked by readers.