Italy Work Visa Quota Limits & Employer Approval Process 2026: Your Complete Guide

Are you thinking of working in Italy in 2026? With the Italian government newly authorizing nearly half a million work time intervals for the 2026-2028 period, the possibility has never been lesser. However, the window of expectation is narrow, and the competition is violent.

In this encompassing guide, we break down the Decreto Flussi 2026 (Flow Decree), the updated allocation limits, and the exact employee approval cognition you need to follow to secure your Nulla Osta.

What is the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028?

The Decreto Flussi is the formalized three-year designing decree issued by the Italian government that regulates the entry of outside workers into the country. 1 For 2026 Italy has set a big Quota Limiti (Quota Limit) of 164 850 work permits. This is part of a broader strategy to address labor shortages in key sectors like construction, tourism, and healthcare. 2+1

Breaking Down the 2026 Quotas

The 2026 share is divided into specific classes.

• Lavoro Subordinato (Non-Stagionale): Reserved for non-seasonal sectors like mechanics supply and business.
• Lavoro Stagionale: High-demand seasonal roles in farming and tourism.
• Settore dell’assistenza familiare: A consecrated sub-quota for domestic workers and professionals (badanti).
• Conversione Permesso di Soggiorno Interval dedicated to those changing study or seasonal permits into permanent work licenses.

The Employer Approval Process. Getting the “Nulla Osta”

Unlike many other countries, the Italian work visa operation begins with the employer. You cannot apply for a visa at a diplomatic building until your employer has locked a Nulla Osta al Lavoro (No Impediment Certificate).

The Verification of Unavailability (CPI)

Before hiring a foreign worker, the employer must conduct a Verifica di Indisponibilità through the Centro per l’Impiego (Local Employment Center). This proves that no Italian or EU citizen is available to fill the place.

Professional Asseveration

The employer must incur an Asseverazione. This is a certification from a certified controller or work consultant confirming that the employer’s business is a stable business enterprise and competent to pay the worker’s wage and social security attempt.

Application via Portale Servizi ALI

All employees are submitted digitally through the Portale Servizi ALI (Ministry of Interior portal). Employers need a SPID or CIE (Digital Identity) to log in.

2026 “Click-Day” Calendar: Mark Your Dates!

Italy uses a “first-come, first-served” system known as Click-Day. 4 Posting your request even a few seconds late can mean missing out on a quota spot for the entire year.

Category Click-Day Date (2026)

Seasonal Agricultural Workers January 12, 2026 Seasonal Tourism Workers February 9, 2026 Non-Seasonal Under Workers February 16, 2026 Family & Domestic Care Workers February 18, 2026

Also Read:USA Employment Visa Travel Restrictions Explained 2026

Essential Post-Approval Steps for Workers

Once the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (SUI) issues the Nulla Osta, the process moves to the worker’s home country.

1. Visto per Motivi di Lavoro: Apply for your National Type D Visa at the Italian Consulate using the digital Nulla Osta.
2. Entry into Italy: Upon arrival, you have 8 days to visit the SUI to sign the Contratto di Soggiorno (Residence Contract). 6
3. Permesso di Soggiorno: Apply for your abidance permit at a general post office.
4. Codice Fiscale: Make sure you obtain your Italian tax code to open a bank account and have a payoff.

Italy Work Visa Quota Limits & Employer Approval Process 2026 (FAQs):

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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and learning purposes only. Readers are advised to confirm details from official government sources such as the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs or their local Italian Consulate ahead of making legal or business decisions.