Decreto Flussi 2026-2028 — Italy Seasonal Work Visa Guide, Click Days & Quotas
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🇮🇹 What Is Decreto Flussi?
Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) is the Italian government’s annual decree that establishes the number of non-EU workers permitted to enter Italy for employment. The 2026-2028 triennial program — the largest in Italy’s history — authorizes 497,550 foreign workers over three years. Decreto Flussi explained simply: it is Italy’s legal migration quota system.
The Italy seasonal work visa is a temporary work permit allowing non-EU citizens to legally enter Italy for seasonal employment, primarily in agriculture and tourism/hospitality. This visa is part of the Decreto Flussi program and is the most common route for seasonal workers from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other eligible countries.
Seasonal work is defined as employment linked to a specific season:
- Agriculture: Harvesting, planting, fruit picking, vineyard work, and general farm labor
- Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and hospitality services
📋 Quick Overview — Decreto Flussi 2026-2028
Total Quota 2026: 164,850 work permits
Total Quota 2027: 165,850 work permits
Total Quota 2028: 166,850 work permits
Seasonal Quota 2026: 88,000 (47,000 agriculture + 41,000 tourism)
Seasonal Quota 2027: 89,000 (47,000 agriculture + 42,000 tourism)
Seasonal Quota 2028: 90,000 (47,000 agriculture + 43,000 tourism)
Agricultural Click Day: 12 January annually at 9:00 AM
Tourism Click Day: 9 February annually at 9:00 AM
Pre-filling Opens: Late October 2026 for 2027 applications
📜 Decreto Flussi Explained — The Legal Framework
Decreto Flussi explained in simple terms: it is the Italian government’s annual decree establishing non-EU worker quotas. The latest decree, DPCM 2 October 2025, was published in the Official Gazette on 15 October 2025. This triennial program (2026-2028) authorizes a total of 497,550 foreign workers to enter Italy over three years — one of the largest legal migration programs in Europe.
The decree includes provisions for converting existing residence permits into work permits, providing a pathway for undocumented workers to regularize their status. This is a key aspect of Decreto Flussi explained for those already in Italy.
How Decreto Flussi Works
Decreto Flussi explained through its operational mechanism: each year, the Italian government sets quotas based on labour market needs. Employers must apply for work authorization (Nulla Osta) through the Portale ALI system. The process involves:
- Pre-filling (Mandatory): Employers pre-fill application forms (October-December)
- Click Day: Applications are submitted on specific dates (January-February)
- Quota Allocation: Applications are processed in order of submission
- Nulla Osta Issuance: Work authorization is issued upon approval
🗓️ Click Days 2026-2028 — Decreto Flussi Schedule
The Decreto Flussi program follows a fixed annual schedule of Click Days — the specific dates when employers submit applications for work authorization (Nulla Osta) through the Portale ALI. Decreto Flussi explained through its timeline: the Click Day is the most critical date for applicants. The schedule is now confirmed for all three years (2026, 2027, 2028).
2027 Click Day Schedule — Decreto Flussi Confirmed
Agricultural Seasonal Workers
Click Day for seasonal agricultural workers. This is the first and most significant Click Day of the year under Decreto Flussi.
2027 · 47,000 spotsTourism Seasonal Workers
Click Day for seasonal tourism and hospitality workers. Hotels, restaurants, and resorts under Decreto Flussi.
2027 · 42,000 spotsNon-Seasonal Workers
Click Day for non-seasonal subordinate workers (Model B2020). Various sectors including manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
2027 · 76,200 spotsFamily Assistance Workers
Click Day for family/domestic assistance workers (Model A-bis). Domestic care and assistance services.
2027 · 14,000 spots2026 Remaining Dates — Decreto Flussi
Non-Seasonal Workers
Click Day for non-seasonal subordinate workers (Model B2020). Already completed — quotas allocated.
2026 · 76,200 spotsFamily Assistance Workers
Click Day for family/domestic assistance workers (Model A-bis). Already completed — quotas allocated.
2026 · 13,600 spotsApplication Deadline
Applications accepted until quotas filled or this date. Applications not processed within six months from 31 December are automatically archived.
DeadlinePre-filling Period for 2027 — Decreto Flussi Explained
The pre-filling period for 2027 applications is expected to follow the same schedule as 2026:
- Pre-filling Phase Opens: Late October 2026 (expected)
- Pre-filling Phase Closes: Early December 2026 (expected)
- Re-opening for Modifications: Mid-December 2026 (expected)
- Click Day: 12 January 2027 for agriculture, 9 February 2027 for tourism
⚠️ Critical: Pre-filling is Mandatory
The pre-filling phase is mandatory for Click Day submission. Employers who do not pre-fill their forms cannot submit applications on Click Day. Modifications are only possible during the reopening period.
Application Deadlines & Archiving — Decreto Flussi Explained
Applications can be submitted until 31 December of each year, within the limits of available quotas.
📌 Important: Six-Month Archiving Rule
Applications not entered into quota within six months from 31 December of the reference year are automatically archived. Similarly, nulla osta that are not followed by visa issuance within the same period are archived.
📊 Decreto Flussi Quotas by Year & Sector — 2026, 2027, 2028
The Decreto Flussi 2026-2028 allocates quotas across different categories and sectors. Decreto Flussi explained through numbers — here is the complete confirmed breakdown:
| Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Entries | 164,850 | 165,850 | 166,850 |
| Seasonal Work (Total) | 88,000 | 89,000 | 90,000 |
| — Agriculture | 47,000 | 47,000 | 47,000 |
| — Tourism/Hospitality | 41,000 | 42,000 | 43,000 |
| Non-Seasonal Work | 76,200 | 76,200 | 76,200 |
| Family Assistance | 13,600 | 14,000 | 14,200 |
| Reserved Quotas | |||
| — For Previously Employed Workers | 5,000 | 6,000 | 7,000 |
| — Self-Employed Workers | 650 | 650 | 650 |
| — Refugees/Stateless | 300 | 300 | 300 |
Sources: DPCM 2 October 2025 (G.U. n. 240 of 15 October 2025), Joint Circular n. 8047 of 16 October 2025
Reserved Quotas for Previously Employed Workers — Decreto Flussi Explained
Workers who have previously worked seasonally in Italy benefit from reserved quotas that increase each year:
- 2026: 5,000 reserved spots
- 2027: 6,000 reserved spots
- 2028: 7,000 reserved spots
This means workers with prior Italian work experience have a significant advantage in securing a seasonal work permit. This is a key element of Decreto Flussi explained for returning workers.
Eligible Sectors for Non-Seasonal Work
Non-seasonal work is permitted in the following sectors:
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- Food and beverage industries
- Textile, clothing, and footwear industries
- Metallurgical and metal products industries
- Construction
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Tourism services
- Transport, logistics, and warehousing
- Business and personal support services
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Other services
🌍 Eligible Countries for Decreto Flussi 2026-2028
Citizens of countries that have signed migration cooperation agreements with Italy are eligible to apply. Decreto Flussi explained in terms of eligibility: these are the countries covered:
Asia
- Bangladesh 🇧🇩, India 🇮🇳, Pakistan 🇵🇰, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, Nepal 🇳🇵
- Philippines 🇵🇭, Japan 🇯🇵, South Korea 🇰🇷
- Uzbekistan 🇺🇿, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬, Georgia 🇬🇪, Jordan 🇯🇴, Thailand 🇹🇭
Africa
- Algeria 🇩🇿, Egypt 🇪🇬, Ethiopia 🇪🇹, Gambia 🇬🇲, Ghana 🇬🇭
- Mali 🇲🇱, Morocco 🇲🇦, Niger 🇳🇪, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Senegal 🇸🇳
- Sudan 🇸🇩, Tunisia 🇹🇳, Ivory Coast 🇨🇮, Mauritius 🇲🇺
Europe
- Albania 🇦🇱, Bosnia-Herzegovina 🇧🇦, Kosovo 🇽🇰, Moldova 🇲🇩
- Montenegro 🇲🇪, North Macedonia 🇲🇰, Serbia 🇷🇸, Ukraine 🇺🇦
Americas
- Ecuador 🇪🇨, El Salvador 🇸🇻, Guatemala 🇬🇹, Peru 🇵🇪
Citizens of countries with new migration agreements signed during the 2026-2028 triennium are also eligible under Decreto Flussi.
📝 Italy Seasonal Work Visa Application Process 2026-2028
The application process under Decreto Flussi involves several steps. Decreto Flussi explained step by step:
Step 1: Employer Pre-fills the Application
The Italian employer pre-fills the application form (Model C-stag agricolo for agriculture or Model C-stag turismo for tourism) through the Portale ALI.
- Pre-filling Period: Late October — Early December annually
- Access: SPID digital identity or CIE (Electronic Identity Card)
- Portal: portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it
Step 2: Click Day Submission
Employers submit the application electronically on the designated Click Day.
- Agricultural Click Day: 12 January annually, 9:00 AM
- Tourism Click Day: 9 February annually, 9:00 AM
Step 3: Nulla Osta Processing
The Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) reviews the application. The procedural term begins from the date of quota allocation.
- Seasonal Workers: Priority processing, typically 20 days
- Non-Seasonal Workers: Typically 60 days
Step 4: Nulla Osta Issuance
Once approved, the Nulla Osta (work authorization) is issued. Applications not entered into quota within six months from 31 December of the reference year are automatically archived.
Step 5: Visa Application
The worker applies for the entry visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Step 6: Travel to Italy & Post-Arrival Formalities
Upon arrival, the worker must complete residence and work formalities.
⚠️ Important
Workers cannot apply independently. The Italian employer must submit the application through the Portale ALI. This is a critical aspect of Decreto Flussi explained for applicants.
📎 Required Documents for Italy Seasonal Work Visa
When applying for the Italy seasonal work visa under Decreto Flussi, the following documents are required:
Employer’s Documents:
- Valid ID/Passport of the employer
- Economic declaration (asseveration) from a certified professional
- Proof of minimum income (€20,000 for single-person households)
⚠️ Important
Requirements can vary by consulate. Always follow the current instructions of the competent Italian consular authority. This list is not exhaustive.
💰 Costs & Fees for Italy Seasonal Work Visa
- Application Fee: No direct application fee on ALI Portal
- Asseveration Fee: Varies by professional (lawyer/labour consultant)
- Visa Fee: Varies by country (typically €116 base fee plus consulate service fee)
- Residence Permit Fee: Varies (typically €80-100)
- Revenue Stamp (Marca da Bollo): €16
- Health Insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage
Note: Employers typically bear the application costs. Workers generally pay visa and residence permit fees.
🌟 Benefits of the Italy Seasonal Work Visa Program
1. Legal Entry to Italy
The seasonal work visa provides a legal pathway to enter and work in Italy, one of Europe’s largest economies.
2. Multi-Year Permits for Returning Workers
Workers who have completed seasonal work in Italy for two consecutive years may be eligible for a multi-year nulla osta valid for up to 3 years. This is a significant benefit of Decreto Flussi explained for repeat applicants.
3. Reserved Quotas for Prior Workers
Workers with previous Italian work experience benefit from reserved quotas that increase each year (5,000 in 2026, 6,000 in 2027, 7,000 in 2028).
4. Pathway to Long-Term Employment
Seasonal workers can convert to permanent work visas if properly hired and within conversion quotas under the Decreto Flussi.
5. Growing Opportunities
Italy faces labour shortages due to an aging population and declining birth rates, creating high demand for foreign workers in agriculture, tourism, construction, and manufacturing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Decreto Flussi Explained
Decreto Flussi is the Italian government’s annual Flow Decree that establishes quotas for non-EU workers permitted to enter Italy for employment. The 2026-2028 triennial program authorizes 497,550 foreign workers. Decreto Flussi explained simply: it’s Italy’s annual immigration quota system.
The confirmed quotas are:
- 2026: 164,850 total entries
- 2027: 165,850 total entries
- 2028: 166,850 total entries
- Seasonal work: 88,000 (2026), 89,000 (2027), 90,000 (2028)
- Agriculture: 47,000 per year
- Tourism: 41,000 (2026), 42,000 (2027), 43,000 (2028)
The Click Day schedule is fixed for all three years (2026, 2027, 2028):
- January 12: Seasonal agricultural workers
- February 9: Seasonal tourism workers
- February 16: Non-seasonal workers
- February 18: Family assistance workers
All Click Days start at 9:00 AM Italian time.
Based on the 2026 schedule, pre-filling for Decreto Flussi 2027 is expected to open in late October 2026 and close in early December 2026. The pre-filling phase is mandatory — employers who do not pre-fill cannot submit on Click Day.
For seasonal workers, the processing time is typically 20 days from quota allocation. For non-seasonal workers, it is typically 60 days. The procedural term begins from the date the application is allocated to the quota.
Eligible countries include: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Yes. Pakistan is on the eligible countries list for the Decreto Flussi program. Under Italy’s Decreto Flussi programme, approximately 10,500 work permits have been allocated for Pakistani workers up to 2028. Pakistani applicants must apply through the Italian Embassy in Islamabad or Consulate in Karachi.
Yes. Workers cannot apply independently. The Italian employer must submit the Nulla Osta application through the Portale ALI.
The Nulla Osta is the work authorization issued by the Italian Immigration Desk. It is required to apply for the entry visa. Decreto Flussi explained requires this as a mandatory step.
The seasonal work visa allows stay in Italy for the duration of the seasonal work contract, typically up to 9 months.
Yes. Workers who have completed seasonal work in Italy for at least one of the previous five years may be eligible for a multi-year nulla osta valid for up to 3 years. Reserved quotas for prior workers: 5,000 (2026), 6,000 (2027), 7,000 (2028).
Applications not entered into quota within six months from 31 December of the reference year are automatically archived. Similarly, nulla osta not followed by visa issuance within the same period are archived.
No. No one can guarantee visa approval. The decision rests with Italian authorities. Be cautious of agents promising guaranteed jobs or visas.
Key documents include: valid passport, Nulla Osta, work contract, proof of accommodation, criminal record certificate, health certificate, and health insurance.
For seasonal workers, the processing time is typically 20 days. For non-seasonal workers, it is typically 60 days.
Always refer to: Italian Ministry of Interior, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Italian embassy/consulate in your country.
🔗 Official Sources — Decreto Flussi Explained
For the most current and accurate information, always refer to official Italian government sources:
- Italian Ministry of Interior: www.interno.gov.it — Decreto Flussi
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.esteri.it/en/
- Italian Embassy/Consulate: The embassy or consulate in your home country
- Official Portal ALI: portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it
- Gazzetta Ufficiale: Official Gazette of the Italian Republic
- Italian Ministry of Labour: www.lavoro.gov.it
📌 Editorial Disclaimer: Information on this page is for general informational purposes and may change. Always verify current requirements with official Italian authorities before submitting an application. Processing times can vary depending on the application, employer, immigration office, Italian consulate, appointment availability, document verification and other factors. Global Work Path does not guarantee visa approval.
Last Updated: 19 September 2026
Sources: DPCM 2 October 2025 (G.U. n. 240 of 15 October 2025), Joint Circular n. 8047 of 16 October 2025, Italian Ministry of Interior, Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies.
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