n a major move on 30 June 2025, the Italian government approved the draft of its latest flow-decree — the Decreto Flussi for the period 2026-2028. This policy outlines how many non-EU workers will be allowed into Italy for work over the next three years, across seasonal and non-seasonal jobs. Arletti Partners+2Mazzeschi+2
What are the quotas?
Total number of entries planned for 2026-2028: 497,550 workers. Schengen Visa News+2Visa Guru+2
Breakdown:
Non-seasonal/subordinate & self-employment: 230,550 spots. Schengen Visa News
Seasonal work (agriculture, tourism): 267,000 spots. Schengen Visa News+1
Year-by-year:
2026: ~164,850 entries. Arletti Partners+1
2027 and 2028: slightly higher each year. Schengen Visa News+1
What’s new in this decree?
Territorial distribution: For the first time, the quotas will be divided by province within ten days after application deadlines. The aim: better match local labour market needs. Yourwaytoitaly+1
Click-day system maintained: The “click-day” mechanism (where applications open on specific days at specific times) will continue, though the government hinted reforms might come. Yourwaytoitaly+1
Dual aim: The plan is not only about filling jobs — it is designed to combat irregular migration and reduce undeclared work, by offering more predictable legal entry. Italy Law Firms
Why is Italy doing this?
Italy faces demographic and labour-market challenges:
An aging population and low birthrate mean fewer domestic workers entering many sectors. Reuters
Key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, construction, and care work are struggling with labour shortages and depend on foreign workers.
By tying quotas to actual employer demand and past permit-applications, the government hopes to make legal migration more systematic. Arletti Partners+1
Who is eligible?
While the decree covers large numbers, it’s important to note some of the detailed eligibility and process points (based on earlier flow-decrees, similar rules apply):
Jobs may be seasonal (like harvest-workers, hotel/tourism staff) or non-seasonal/subordinate (regular employment) or self-employment.
Block quotas exist for non-EU nationals — meaning those nationals must apply in the timeframe, often through employer sponsorship.
Outside the quota: some categories (e.g., highly skilled persons, intra-company transferees, EU long-term residents) may enter outside the annual quotas. MFAIC+1
Employers usually need to register, certify worker unavailability in Italy, and apply via the designated ALI portal; the “click-day” means timing is critical. Arletti Partners+1
Pros & Cons
Pros
Predictability: A three-year plan gives employers and prospective workers clearer horizon.
Scale: Nearly 500,000 openings offer major opportunity compared with previous quotas.
Alignment: Matches labour market needs in Italy, reduces pressure on irregular channels.
Cons / Challenges
Competition: With so many applicants, the “click-day” system remains a bottleneck and can feel like a lottery.
Bureaucracy: Despite reforms, procedures remain complex (employer certifications, residence permits, etc.).
Local matching: Even with provincial quotas, job-worker fit, language, relocation still pose real issues.
What this means for you (as a worker or employer)
If you are a non-EU worker seeking employment in Italy: Keep an eye on the ALI portal, prepare your documentation, align your skills with target sectors (agriculture, tourism, care, construction).
If you are an employer in Italy: Plan ahead for sourcing foreign workers, factor timing (click-day), and align your job offers with eligible quota categories.
For both: Understand that just because a quota exists doesn’t guarantee success — you need job offer, employer compliance, timely application.
Key Takeaways
Italy is shifting to a predictable, three-year migration strategy via the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028 (497,550 quotas).
The plan balances short-term (seasonal) labour needs with longer-term non-seasonal employment.
While the system remains competitive and procedural, it opens major opportunities for legal migration to Italy.
