Decreto Flussi 2026 has been preliminarily approved by the Italian Council of Ministers, setting the stage for the regulated entry of 164,850 non-EU workers into Italy next year. This decree also outlines the critical clickday dates, sector-based quota distribution, and future reforms aimed at streamlining legal migration.
Decreto Flussi Work Permit Quotas for 2026
The Decreto Flussi 2026 allocates 164,850 total permits to non-EU nationals, divided between seasonal and non-seasonal categories. The 2026 quota distribution is as follows:
| Category | Quota | Details |
| Seasonal Workers | 88,000 | Agriculture and tourism |
| Non-Seasonal Employees | 63,250 | Construction, industry, and services |
| Self-Employed & Freelancers | 13,600 | Includes domestic workers (colf, badanti) |
| Total | 164,850 |
Notably, domestic caregivers and housekeepers (colf e badanti) are given a protected sub-quota of 13,600 spots in 2026—reflecting Italy’s growing need for care work as its population ages.
The Decreto Flussi is an immigration flow program, which is based on a set-aside quota for the countries that have agreements with the Italian government.
Key Click Day Dates for 2026
The “Click Day” system, Italy’s current method for handling work permit applications, will remain in place for the 2026 intake. The government has confirmed the following tentative application dates, based on sector and work type.
Decreto Flussi 2026 – Click Day Schedule
| Date | Work Permit Type | Target Sector |
| January 12, 2026 | Seasonal Workers | Agriculture |
| February 9, 2026 | Seasonal Workers | Tourism |
| February 16, 2026 | Non-Seasonal Employees | Various Sectors |
| February 18, 2026 | Self-Employed & Other Non-Seasonal Workers | Skilled Professions |
Please note that these dates are provisional and will be confirmed upon publication in the Gazzetta Ufficiale. However, they reflect the approved timeline currently supported by the government.
Furthermore, the employers will also be able to pre-file applications starting in autumn 2025, giving them time to prepare documents and secure sponsorships ahead of the high-demand submission days.
How the Click Day System Works
Click day is a first-come, first-served digital application system that has long been used for distributing Italy’s limited work permit quotas. While it helps regulate inflows, it has drawn criticism due to:
- Website crashes and technical issues
- Intense competition that often leaves businesses without access to needed workers
- Mismatches between quota categories and real hiring needs
Despite these flaws, click days will remain in effect for 2025 and 2026, while authorities explore longer-term reforms such as:
- Year-round sponsorship programs
- Training-and-hiring agreements with migrant-origin countries
- Out-of-quota permits for in-demand professionals
Long-Term Migration Plan: 2026–2028
The 2026 decree is just the beginning of a wider, three-year plan. Over the 2026–2028 period, Italy will authorize the entry of 497,550 non-EU workers, divided as follows:
Three-Year Migration Quota (2026–2028)
| Work Type | Total Quota |
| Seasonal Workers (Agriculture, Tourism) | 267,000 |
| Non-Seasonal & Self-Employed Workers | 230,550 |
| Total | 497,550 |
These numbers were set after consulting with trade unions, employers’ associations, and analyzing past application trends. The aim is to strike a balance between real labor demand and administrative capacity.
Matching Labor Needs with Migration Policy
The core goals of Decreto Flussi 2026 include:
- Filling critical labor gaps in essential sectors
- Reducing illegal immigration and labor exploitation
- Establishing strong cooperation with the origin countries
- Ensuring a controlled and legal entry process
Italy’s migration policy now recognizes that foreign labor is not just necessary—but strategic for maintaining its economy, especially in sectors like agriculture, tourism, caregiving, and construction.
What’s New in 2026?
In addition to the permit quotas and application schedule, Decreto Flussi 2026 introduces several new measures to improve the efficiency and fairness of the system:
Notable Updates:
- Provincial Distribution of Quotas: Quotas will be divided by region to better match local labor shortages and prevent overcrowding in certain areas.
- Focus on Training Abroad: Italy will expand international training programs to ensure migrant workers arrive job-ready and integrate faster.
- Push for Structural Reform: Authorities plan to phase in alternative, year-round systems that are less dependent on the “click day” bottleneck.
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Final Thoughts
Decreto Flussi 2026 represents a major step in Italy’s evolving approach to labor migration. With the largest work permit quota to date, expanded regional planning, and ongoing reforms, the decree is designed to serve both economic needs and human dignity.
While challenges remain—especially around application processing and digital access—the government’s long-term commitment to improving the migration system is clear.
Employers should start preparing now for the 2026 intake, monitor updates from the Ministry of Interior, and consider strategic hiring for both seasonal and non-seasonal roles.