Italy Work Visa 2026–2028: 500,000 Jobs Under Decreto Flussi for Foreign Workers

Italy is set to launch its largest legal labour migration program ever, planning to issue nearly 500,000 Itlay work visas to non-EU nationals between 2026 and 2028. This initiative underscores the country’s increasing dependence on foreign workers to support vital industries and address persistent demographic and labour shortages.

The expanded quota, approved in a cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, builds upon previous migration strategies and significantly broadens opportunities for both skilled and seasonal workers looking to work in Italy legally through the Italy work visa 2026-2028.

However, due to strict quotas, limited timelines, and employer-led applications, candidates increasingly rely on experienced immigration consultants to navigate the Italy work visa process successfully.

Reasons Why Italy Is Issuing More Work Visas for Foreign Workers

Italy’s labour market faces growing pressure due to several structural issues, including:

An aging population combined with consistently low birth rates
Chronic labour shortages in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, construction, manufacturing, and logistics
A shrinking workforce that poses risks to long-term economic growth

In 2024 alone, Italy recorded over 281,000 more deaths than births, reducing the population to 58.93 million and continuing a decline that has persisted for more than ten years. Economic experts estimate that Italy will need millions of new migrants by 2050 just to maintain its current population level.

In response, the government has chosen to expand legal migration channels while tightening controls on irregular immigration and enhancing protections against worker exploitation.

Italy Work Visa Quota 2026–2028: Full Breakdown

Under the new Decreto Flussi Italy work visa programme, the government will issue approximately 497,550 work permits over three years:

Approximately 267,000 visas will be designated for seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism, sectors facing severe labour shortages
Over 230,550 visas will be allocated to non-seasonal and self-employed workers, particularly in construction, manufacturing, logistics, and essential services

The intake begins with 164,850 work visas in 2026, increasing annually until 2028. This represents an increase of more than 452,000 visas compared to the 2023–2025 quota, clearly showing Italy’s growing dependence on foreign labour.

Decreto Flussi: Italy’s Work Visa Approval System

All work visas under this program will be issued through Italy’s Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) system, which regulates the yearly admission of foreign workers.

Visa allocations are based on several criteria, including:

Labour demand submitted by employers through recognized business associations
Historical patterns of work permit applications and approvals
Verified labour shortages in key sectors
The ability of industries to successfully integrate foreign workers

Applications must be submitted during designated “Click Days,” when Italian employers file online requests to hire foreign workers within the approved quota.

The government has also introduced additional measures aimed at:

Reducing visa overstays and illegal employment
Preventing worker exploitation through stricter enforcement and monitoring
Strengthening bilateral agreements with source countries, including India, to ensure transparent and organized recruitment processes

Italy Work Visa Opportunities for Indians & GCC-Based Applicants

Indian workers and professionals stand to gain considerably from the increased visa quotas.

In-demand job sectors for Indian candidates include:

Agriculture and food processing
Hospitality and tourism
Construction and infrastructure projects
Logistics and warehouse management
Caregiving and essential support services

To enhance their chances of approval, applicants should:

Obtain a valid job offer from an Italian employer under the Decreto Flussi quota
Apply only through authorized and legal channels
Prepare all necessary documents well ahead of time, as previous quotas were often underused due to delays and compliance problem.

Italy is also exploring pre-departure training programs in collabouration with countries like India to better align skills and improve approval rates.

Balancing Legal Migration with Enforcement

While expanding legal work visa options, Italy remains strict against illegal migration. This includes speeding up repatriation processes and enforcing tighter controls on unauthorized activities to ensure migration is sustainable and beneficial for both workers and the economy.

As Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized, the aim is to support legal migration pathways that genuinely address business needs while being realistic and well-regulated.

What This Means for Future Italy Work Visa Applicants

Italy’s work visa program for 2026–2028 is among the largest legal migration initiatives in Europe in recent years. Skilled and semi-skilled workers who apply early and follow the proper procedures have strong prospects for employment and long-term stability in Italy.

Given the expected high competition, early preparation and professional advice can be crucial in achieving a successful application.

Navigate Migrate: Expert Guidance for Italy Work Visa 2026–2028

Looking to work in Italy legally under the Italy work visa 2026–2028 quota?

With rising demand, limited quotas, and the employer-led Decreto Flussi Italy process, navigating the system without expert support can be challenging. This is where professional guidance truly makes a difference.

Navigate Migrate, a top immigration consultancy with branches in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, supports skilled professionals and workers aiming to secure an Italy job visa.

Whether you are an Indian professional exploring the Italy work visa or a GCC-based applicant seeking a reliable pathway, Navigate Migrate provides clear, compliant, and practical guidance at every step of your journey.

Backed by experienced immigration consultants and strong regional expertise, the team helps applicants understand eligibility requirements, connect with job-linked opportunities under the Decreto Flussi quota, and submit well-prepared applications within strict timelines.

With end-to-end support focused on legality and accuracy, applicants can apply with confidence—so you can focus on building long-term stability and successfully working in Italy legally.