Key Points
- Italy will admit nearly 500,000 non-EU workers between 2026 and 2028 under a new migration Flow Decree.
- 164,850 work permits are expected to be issued in 2026.
- Quotas comprise 230,550 non-seasonal and self-employed entries, as well as 267,000 seasonal entries in agriculture and tourism.
Overview
On July 4, 2025, Italy approved a new multi-year migration Flow Decree (Decreto Flussi) for 2026–2028, authorizing the entry of up to 497,550 non-EU nationals for work purposes. This strategic measure responds to structural labor shortages, particularly in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and tourism. The policy aims to regularize and stabilize foreign labor while reducing reliance on informal employment channels.
For 2026 alone, the government plans to issue 164,850 work permits. Over the three-year period, 230,550 permits will be allocated to non-seasonal and self-employed workers, while 267,000 will go to seasonal laborers in key economic sectors.
The decree emphasizes better alignment between migration and national labor needs by incorporating input from social partners and labor market analyses. Additionally, Italy will prioritize qualified professional profiles for certain non-quota categories and support pre-departure training programs in migrants’ countries of origin, creating smoother integration pathways into the Italian workforce.
The long-term structure of the decree also signals a move toward predictable and sustainable immigration planning, marking a shift from Italy’s previous year-by-year approach to labor migration management.
Looking Ahead
Employers in Italy should begin planning for upcoming application windows and stay informed about the implementation of regulations expected later this year. Organizations recruiting non-EU talent should also monitor updates on pre-entry training initiatives and non-quota eligibility for high-demand professions. For immigration and mobility teams, the new Flow Decree introduces broader access but also reinforces the importance of compliance and strategic workforce planning.
