Decreto Flussi 2026: Complete Guide to Easy Registration for the Italy Immigration Program

The Decreto Flussi 2026 program is one of Italy’s most important laws regulating the entry of non-EU foreign workers into Italy for seasonal, non-seasonal, or self-employment work. This decree determines the number of workers allowed to enter annually, outlines available professional sectors, and provides step-by-step application procedures.

Applications will be accepted from October 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM until December 7, 2025 through the Italian Ministry of Interior’s service portal in the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione section. A digital identity (SPID) or electronic ID card (CIE) is required to access the portal.

What is Decreto Flussi?

Decreto Flussi is a government decree issued annually by the Italian government to determine:

• The number of non-European workers allowed to enter Italy for work
• Distribution of quotas between seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employment work
• The number of people allowed to convert their residence permits (such as study permits) to work permits

Decreto Flussi 2026-2028: Key Numbers and Sectors

According to the new decree for the period 2026-2028, Italy will receive 164,850 foreign workers in 2026 alone. These numbers are distributed across multiple sectors including:

• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
• Food, beverage, and tobacco industries
• Textile, clothing, and footwear manufacturing
• Metal and construction industries
• Wholesale and retail trade
• Tourism, hospitality, and restaurant services
• Transportation, logistics, and warehousing
• Healthcare and social services
• Self-employment and independent professions

Types of Work Covered Under Decreto Flussi 2026

1. Non-Seasonal Work (Lavoro Subordinato Non Stagionale)

This category allows workers to enter with permanent or long-term contracts. In 2026, 25,000 job opportunities will be available for citizens of the following countries:

Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Philippines, and Ukraine.

Additionally, Balkan countries such as Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

Other Asian and African countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Côte d’Ivoire.

An additional 18,000 opportunities have been allocated for citizens of countries with migration cooperation agreements with Italy. Furthermore, 320 spots are reserved for recognized refugees or stateless persons.

2. Family and Healthcare Care Work

13,600 permits have been allocated for workers in domestic assistance and private healthcare, given the growing need in this sector.

3. Self-Employment (Lavoro Autonomo)

650 permits were opened in 2026 for self-employed individuals from outside the European Union, including:

• Entrepreneurs and startup owners
• Renowned artists
• Independent professionals such as doctors, engineers, and programmers

4. Seasonal Work (Lavoro Stagionale)

This category targets workers who work for specific periods during the year in sectors such as agriculture and tourism. In 2026, 88,000 seasonal workers will be allowed to enter Italy, including:

• 47,000 workers in the agricultural sector
• 13,000 workers in tourism and hotels
• 12,600 workers from countries with cooperation agreements
• 5,000 workers who have previously worked in Italy during the past five years

How to Apply for Decreto Flussi 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create a Digital Identity (SPID)

A digital identity (SPID) or electronic ID card (CIE) is an essential requirement to access the Italian Ministry of Interior’s electronic services portal. Without this identity, you cannot begin the Decreto Flussi 2026 application process.

SPID can be obtained through certified telecommunications companies or official websites, where the process requires providing personal information, proof of identity, and a valid email address. This digital identity provides a secure way to log in, track application status, and submit required documents without the need for personal visits to ministry offices, making the process easier and faster.

Step 2: Register on the Ministry of Interior Portal

After creating a digital identity, the employer or worker must access the Italian Ministry of Interior portal for official registration. For seasonal and non-seasonal jobs, registration is done by the employer, while for self-employment or residence permit conversion, the worker registers themselves.

Registration requires filling in personal data, employer information, and the type of job required. This digital system allows the ministry to track all applications and ensure legal requirements are met for each type of work permitted under Decreto Flussi.

Application Submission Dates

The following dates are designated according to work type:

• January 12, 2026: For seasonal agricultural work
• February 9, 2026: For seasonal tourism work
• February 16, 2026: For non-seasonal work
• February 18, 2026: For family care and domestic work

Required Documents for Decreto Flussi Application

The application form must contain the following information:

• Details of accommodation allocated for the worker in Italy
• Copy of the contract or work authorization
• For self-employment, a business activity license (Licenza) must be attached
• Copy of passport and residence permit (if available)

What Happens After Submitting Your Application

Application Processing

After submitting the application through the Italian Ministry of Interior portal, the Unified Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) reviews all data and documents submitted by the employer or worker depending on the application type. The office verifies the accuracy of information, contract compliance with Italian laws, and availability of suitable accommodation for the worker.

If all conditions are met, the office issues a document known as Nulla Osta, which is the preliminary approval that allows the worker to begin procedures for obtaining a work visa from the Italian embassy in their country. This stage usually takes several weeks and may extend longer if documents are missing or there is pressure from the number of applications.

Read Also: Register for DESTINATION CANADA EDUCATION 2025

Obtaining the Visa

After the preliminary approval (Nulla Osta) is issued, the worker must go to the Italian embassy or consulate in their country to apply for a work visa (Visto di Lavoro).

The applicant must bring a copy of the nulla osta, a valid passport, a recent photograph, and the employment contract signed by the Italian party. They may also be required to provide a criminal record certificate or medical certificate depending on the job type. After verifying the documents, the embassy grants the visa, which allows the worker to enter Italian territory within a period not exceeding six months from the date of nulla osta issuance.

Entering Italy

Once the visa is obtained, the worker must enter Italy within the period specified in the visa, which usually does not exceed six months from the date of nulla osta issuance.

Upon arrival, they must go as soon as possible to the immigration office or police station (Questura) to apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), which is the document that allows them to stay and work legally in the country.

They are also required to sign the final employment contract with the employer in the presence of an immigration office representative within eight days of entering Italian territory. After that, the worker becomes officially registered in the Italian employment system and enjoys all legal rights associated with their contract.

Read Also: Schengen Visa 2026 – Important Changes You Must Know About the New System

In Case of Rejection

If the application is rejected at any of the previous stages, whether during the initial assessment by the immigration office or by the Italian embassy, the worker cannot obtain a work visa for that year. The decision is sent along with reasons for rejection, such as missing documents, non-compliance with legal requirements, or exceeding quotas specified in the decree.

The employer or applicant can file an administrative appeal (Ricorso Amministrativo) within the specified legal period, or wait until the next year’s Decreto Flussi is issued to reapply under the new quotas.

Important Additional Information

• Those seeking international asylum do not follow this system but apply directly for asylum
• Those wishing to obtain assistance can consult immigration offices in municipalities (Comune) or Patronato centers for free advice
• Italian Ministry of Interior website for submitting applications: https://italiahello.it/en/articolo/the-decreto-flussi/

Conclusion

The Decreto Flussi 2026 program offers significant opportunities for non-EU workers to legally work in Italy across various sectors. Understanding the application process, required documents, and important deadlines is crucial for success. Start preparing your digital identity (SPID) early and ensure all documents are ready before the Click Day for your specific work category.