Italy has introduced a new immigration framework that will shape the country’s labor market for the next several years. The government recently approved the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028, a three-year plan that defines how many non-EU workers can enter Italy legally for employment.
Since this decree directly affects how to apply for the Italian Work Visa, it is important to understand how the system works and what steps both employers and applicants must follow.
This article explains the decree in simple language and walks you step-by-step through the online application and submission process.
Overview of the New Decreto Flussi 2026–2028
The Decreto Flussi is a government decree that regulates annual entry quotas for foreign workers. The newly approved three-year plan authorizes 497,550 work visas for non-EU citizens between 2026 and 2028. These visas are split among three main categories:
| Category | Description |
| Seasonal Workers | Agriculture and tourism sectors |
| Non-Seasonal (Subordinate) Workers | Industrial, service, manufacturing, logistics, and other sectors |
| Self-Employed Workers | Limited quotas for specific professions |
The decree also includes conversion quotas, meaning some foreign nationals who are already in Italy with study permits, internship permits, or seasonal permits may convert their residence permit into a work permit. These conversions help retain skilled individuals who have already integrated into the Italian system.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Italian Work Visa Under Decreto Flussi
Below is a complete explanation of each stage in the process, from digital access to final visa issuance.
1. Obtain SPID or CIE Digital Identity
To access the online application portal, the applicant or the employer must have:
If an employer does not have SPID, they can use the assistance of:
- Certified labor consultants
- Trade associations
- Authorized professionals
Digital identity is mandatory because all work visa applications are submitted online through the official government portal.
2. Access the Official Immigration Services Portal
The application is submitted through the Ministry of Interior’s portal:
- Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione – Ministero dell’Interno
- Employers must also have a PEC (certified email) address for official communications from the government.
3. Pre-Filling the Application (Precompilazione Phase)
The pre-filling stage is a new improvement designed to reduce errors and speed up processing. This means for the 2026 quotas:
- The portal opened for pre-filling on 23 October 2025
- Employers could enter worker information, job details, and upload required documents
- Each draft is saved with the status “Da inviare” (to be sent)
Forms Used in the 2026 Quotas
| Form Name | Purpose |
| Model C–Stag (Agriculture) | Seasonal agricultural workers |
| Model C–Stag (Tourism) | Seasonal tourism workers |
| Model B2020 | Non-seasonal employed workers |
| Model A-bis (in quota) | Domestic caregivers and household workers |
4. Upload Required Documents
During the pre-filling phase, the system allows uploading supporting documents. The most important items include:
Key Required Attachments
| Document | Description |
| Proof of Accommodation | Shows the worker will have suitable housing in Italy |
| Asseveration | A digitally signed certification confirming the employer meets legal hiring requirements |
The asseveration is essential, as it confirms:
- The employer has adequate income
- The job offer meets legal contract standards
- The company can responsibly hire a foreign worker
Furthermore, after reviewing the documents, the Ministry issues an activation code. Without this code, the application cannot be submitted on Click Day.
5. Modification Window (9–13 December 2025)
Between 9 December and 13 December 2025, employers had the chance to make final edits to any pre-filled application. Furthermore, by 13 December, all drafts must have been corrected, complete, and ready for submission.
6. Click Day: Official Submission of Applications
Now, let’s talk about the “Click Day,” which is the most crucial part of the work permit process (these days are competitive, and quotas often fill within minutes.). On these specific dates, the portal opens at 9:00 a.m. Rome time, and employers must click “submit” immediately to secure a spot in the quota before it fills.
Click Day Dates for 2026
| Date & Time | Category | Form |
| 12 January 2026 – 9:00 AM | Seasonal Agriculture | C–Stag Agricolo |
| 9 February 2026 – 9:00 AM | Seasonal Tourism | C–Stag Turistico |
| 16 February 2026 – 9:00 AM | Non-Seasonal Employed Workers | B2020 |
| 18 February 2026 – 9:00 AM | Domestic Caregivers | A–bis |
7. Review and Processing by Authorities
After submission, the application is examined by the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione in the province where the job is located.
Under the updated rules:
- Authorities must issue the nulla osta (work authorization) within 30 days
- Officials verify documentation and confirm no Italian/EU workers were available for the job
If approved, the employer receives the nulla osta through their PEC email.
8. Employer Confirmation Step
A new rule for 2026–2028 requires the employer to:
- Confirm they still intend to hire the worker
- Submit this confirmation within 7 days
This extra step prevents unused quota spots from being wasted.
9. Visa Application at the Italian Consulate
Once the nulla osta is confirmed, the worker can apply for their Italian Work Visa at their local consulate. A new temporary rule gives workers up to 12 months to obtain the visa after completing any required training. This prevents nulla osta approvals from expiring due to slow bureaucratic procedures.
10. Entering Italy and Obtaining the Residence Permit
After the visa is issued:
- The worker must enter Italy within the visa’s validity period (typically within 6 months).
- Within 8 days, the worker and employer visit the Sportello Unico to sign the Contract of Stay.
- The worker applies for the Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the post office.
If a nulla osta goes unused for more than 6 months, it will be automatically canceled, allowing that quota spot to be reassigned.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to apply for the Italian Work Visa through the new Decreto Flussi may seem complicated, but with a clear step-by-step approach, the process becomes much easier to follow. The three-year plan offers more stability for workers and employers, while the pre-filling system and faster processing rules help reduce waiting times and avoid uncertainties.
With careful preparation, attention to deadlines, and the right documents, applicants and employers can navigate the system smoothly and increase their chances of securing a quota spot.