Italy controls how many non-EU workers it admits through an annual quota system, and a new three-year plan for 2026 to 2028 brings the largest legal intake in years, along with faster processing. This guide explains the latest rules for foreign workers in Italy in plain English.

The quota rules and dates change each year, so always confirm the current position through official sources before you act.

The Big Picture

Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can work in Italy freely. Other workers usually need a work authorisation (nulla osta) under the quota decree (Decreto Flussi), then a long-stay visa, then a residence permit. The process is employer-driven through the local immigration one-stop office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) on the online portal, using a digital identity.

The 2026-2028 Quota Plan

The Decreto Flussi for 2026 to 2028 sets about 497,550 work permits over three years, with 164,850 for 2026. The 2026 allocation is roughly 88,000 for seasonal work in agriculture and tourism, about 76,200 for non-seasonal employment in sectors like construction, logistics, care and manufacturing, and a small number for self-employment.

Faster Processing and Other Changes

A 2025 reform changed how the system works. Key points:

• A standing three-year programme replaces single-year decrees, giving more planning certainty.
• The authorities must issue the nulla osta within 30 days of the application.
• An extra 10,000 places a year are reserved for domestic and care workers, now including babysitters for young children.
• The time for employers to confirm a job offer doubled from 7 to 15 days.
• Employers who run approved training projects abroad can skip the labour market test.

Click Days and the Labour Market Test

Applications open on set “click days” and are processed in the order received, so preparation matters. For 2026, employers could pre-fill forms from late October 2025, with click days in February 2026 (including a separate date for domestic and care work). For most roles, the employer must first check with the job centre that no Italian or EU worker is available, within eight days.

The EU Blue Card

Highly qualified workers can use the EU Blue Card, which in 2026 requires a gross salary of about EUR 35,000 a year. Importantly, the Blue Card is not limited by the Decreto Flussi quota, is valid for up to two years, and offers a path to long-term residence — making it attractive for qualifying roles.

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• Line up the job offer and documents early, and be ready for the click day.
• Check whether a quota-free route (such as the Blue Card or an out-of-quota category) fits better.
• Employers: run the labour market test where needed and confirm the offer within the deadline.
• Be cautious of anyone charging fees to “guarantee” a permit — fraud around the quota system is common.

Quick Summary

1. The Decreto Flussi 2026-2028 sets about 497,550 permits, with 164,850 for 2026.
2. The nulla osta must now be issued within 30 days, and caregiver places were expanded.
3. Applications run on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. The EU Blue Card (about EUR 35,000 in 2026) sits outside the quota.