The Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes represent a significant evolution in Italy’s approach to labour migration, moving beyond simple quota increases and introducing a set of legal and procedural reforms designed to make the system faster, more realistic, and better aligned with the country’s actual labour market needs.
While the headline numbers confirm that Italy will admit a record number of non-EU workers over the three-year period, the real transformation lies in how work permits are distributed, processed, monitored, and converted, as well as in the broader protections granted to vulnerable migrants and families.
Below is a detailed overview of the most important changes introduced by the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 and what they mean for employers, workers, and immigration professionals.
Provincial Quota Distribution
One of the most important Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes is the introduction of a provincial quota allocation system, applied after the application window closes.
For the first time, work permits will not be distributed uniformly at the national level but will instead be allocated by province within 10 days after the application deadline, following an assessment by the Ministry of Labour. This distribution will be based on documented local labour shortages, ensuring that provinces with higher demand for workers receive a proportionate share of approved permits.
This territorial approach marks a strategic shift, aiming to reduce mismatches between immigration flows and actual economic demand, while strengthening the link between migration policy and regional workforce planning.
30-Day Processing Guarantee for Work Permits (Nulla Osta)
Another cornerstone of the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes is the introduction of a mandatory 30-day deadline for issuing the nulla osta (work authorization).
In the past, employers and workers often faced waiting periods of several months, creating uncertainty and discouraging legitimate hiring. Under the new decree, immigration offices are legally required to process applications within 30 days of submission, significantly improving predictability and administrative efficiency.
Although delays may still occur in exceptional cases, this statutory deadline represents a strong commitment to reducing bureaucratic backlogs.
Extended Visa Application Period of Up to 12 Months
To further address administrative delays, the decree extends the timeframe during which an approved worker can apply for their entry visa at the Italian consulate.
Under the new rules, workers may use their nulla osta for up to 12 months after completing any mandatory training in their country of origin, with the pilot phase running until the end of 2027.
This extension is particularly important for candidates involved in pre-departure training programs, ensuring they are not excluded due to slow consular processing or local administrative hurdles.
Automatic Cancellation of Unused Work Permits
Among the most pragmatic Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes is the automatic cancellation of unused permits.
If a work permit is approved but the worker does not obtain the visa and enter Italy within six months, the permit will be automatically voided. This rule prevents quota slots from remaining blocked indefinitely and allows authorities to plan future reallocations more accurately.
The reform was introduced after official data revealed that only 7.8% of the 2024 quota had resulted in actual arrivals by mid-year, largely due to no-shows and procedural failures. By eliminating unused permits, the system becomes more realistic and responsive.
Extra-Quota Entries for Caregivers and Home Care Workers
The decree renews and strengthens a special extra-quota program for caregivers, separate from standard Flussi limits.
Up to 10,000 caregivers per year may enter Italy outside the quota system to assist elderly individuals over 80 years old or persons with disabilities who are not self-sufficient. This measure remains valid through 2028 and responds to Italy’s rapidly growing demand for elder care, which the ordinary quota alone cannot meet.
Applications may only be submitted by licensed employment agencies or authorized associations, not by private families. During the first year of employment, caregivers must remain with the sponsoring employer, after which job mobility becomes possible if standard quota conditions are met.
Expanded Social Protections and Family Reunification Timelines
Beyond labour migration, the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes include broader social protections that support integration and human dignity.
Residence permits for social protection, such as those issued to victims of trafficking or exploitation, are extended from 6 to 12 months, renewable, allowing greater stability during recovery. These permit holders, along with victims of domestic violence, are now eligible for Italy’s inclusion allowance, even without long-term residency status.
Additionally, the timeframe for issuing family reunification authorizations has been extended from 90 to 150 days, reflecting existing administrative backlogs and providing a more realistic legal framework.
Sectors Covered by Non-Seasonal Work Permits
A major expansion under the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes is the broad inclusion of economic sectors eligible for non-seasonal work permits.
Virtually all major industries are now covered, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, trade, logistics, hospitality, tourism services, healthcare, social assistance, personal care services, education, business support services, and other professional sectors.
This means that employers across the Italian economy — from farms and factories to healthcare providers and technology firms — can sponsor non-EU workers, provided they secure a quota allocation.
Conversion of Existing Permits into Work Permits
The decree also reserves quota slots for the conversion of existing residence permits into work permits.
Foreign nationals already in Italy on permits for study, internships, or seasonal work may convert their status to lavoro subordinato or self-employment within the annual conversion limits. This ensures that individuals trained or educated in Italy can remain and contribute to the workforce, reducing reliance on new overseas recruitment.
Work Visa Quotas Under the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028
The table below summarizes the annual quota distribution introduced by the decree (Source: gazzettaufficiale.it):
| Year | Total Work Visas | Seasonal Work Visas | Non-Seasonal Work Visas* |
| 2026 | 164,850 | 88,000 | 76,850** |
| 2027 | 165,850 | 89,000 | 76,850** |
| 2028 | 166,850 | 90,000 | 76,850** |
* Non-seasonal visas include employed and self-employed workers
** Approximate figures; seasonal increases account for total growth
Across the three-year period, Italy will admit 497,550 non-EU workers, with approximately 267,000 seasonal and 230,550 non-seasonal permits.
Final Considerations
The Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 Changes mark a decisive step toward a more structured, efficient, and economically aligned migration system. By combining record-high quotas with procedural safeguards, territorial planning, and stronger protections, Italy aims to attract the workers it needs while improving legal certainty for employers and migrants alike.
Professional legal assistance can simplify the application process, but securing a valid job offer or meeting self-employment requirements remains the responsibility of the applicant.