What is Decreto Flussi (Immigration Quota)?

Decreto Flussi simply an Italy Opens Work Visa Quota for Foreign Workers

Decreto Flussi is an immigration quota system in Italy that regulates the entry of foreign workers into the country for employment purposes. It is also known as the ‘Decreto Flussi Stagionali’ or ‘Decreto Flussi Lavoro’.

Each year, the Italian government sets a quota for the number of non-EU foreign nationals who can apply for a work visa in certain sectors, such as

• Seasonal Workers – Agriculture, tourism, hospitality sectors
• Non-Seasonal Workers – Construction, mechanics, transport, caregiving
• Self-Employed Professionals – Entrepreneurs, artists, startup founders
• Conversions of Existing Permits – For people already living legally in Italy

The quota is determined by considering the labor market needs and the number of job vacancies in each sector.

Employers who wish to hire non-EU foreign workers must apply for a work visa on behalf of their employees. The visa application process is managed by the Italian Ministry of Interior and the applications are usually accepted for a limited period of time.

The purpose of the Decreto Flussi is to balance the need for foreign labor in specific sectors of the economy with the need to protect the interests of Italian workers.

How many quota allocated for work permits for non-EU workers in 2025?

In this year, Decreto Flussi has a total quota of 181,450 work permits for non-EU workers

How to apply for Decreto Flussi 2025 italy work permits for non-EU workers?

This year, the employer can apply for the nulla osta (Work Authorization) only after confirming with the Centro per l’Impiego that there are workers available in Italy to perform the job for which the nulla osta is requested. If workers are available, he or she must hire them and cannot request the nulla osta for workers from other nations.

There should be a confirmed job offer from an Italian Employer where your employer submits application through the Ministry of Interior’s online portal

Wait for Nulla Osta (Work Authorization) – Issued by local immigration offices.

Apply for a Work Visa – At the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

• Applications can be expected to submit from October 2025, or until the quotas are depleted, i.e. there are still admissions available.
• Fill out the application online.
• You must have SIPD
• Employers must apply for seasonal and non-seasonal labor, while individuals with permits must apply for self-employment and conversions.
• If the Sportello Unico approves your application for nulla osta, you can apply for a visa (visa) to Italy at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
• Once you have got the visa, you can enter Italy and apply for a residence permit to stay and work on a regular basis.
• If your application for the nulla osta is denied, you will be unable to enter Italy. It is not feasible to apply twice in the same year, however, you may try again the following year if you fulfill the new decree flow conditions.

Decreto Flussi 2025 open date

• Applications for seasonal or nonseasonal work can be open from October 2025, or until the quotas are depleted, i.e. there are still admissions available.

Document Required

• Information on the worker’s lodging in Italy (ie where the worker will live)
• the paperwork required for carrying out the task, such as the contract (for subordinate and seasonal work) or the self-employment license). The license is the authority that allows the self-employed individual to begin his business.

How to apply for Italy Seasonal Work Visa?

• Applying for and receiving the ‘Nulla Osta’ (No Impediment Certificate issued by the appropriate Immigration Desk);
• Submitting the visa application at the Italian Consulate in the worker’s home country.
• Within 8 days, the worker enters Italy and applies for a residence permit at the relevant Police headquarters.
• Fingerprinting of the application at the competent Police headquarters.
• The residence permit is issued.

Eligibility

• The Seasonal Employment Visa application is strictly restricted to the terms of the Italian Flow Decree, which defines the maximum number of entries for non-EU citizens who have a job opportunity in Italy in particular employment categories such as agriculture and tourism.

Requirements/Documents Required

• The foreign national must have a job offer from an Italian employer (either Italian or regularly residing in Italy).
• The Flows Order requires that job offers be in certain industries.
• The job offer cannot be for more than 9 months.
• The availability of acceptable lodgings for the worker in Italy.
• Proof of medical insurance coverage for your entire stay in Italy.

How to apply for Italy Non-Seasonal Work Visa?

1. Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa. You must have a job offer from an Italian employer, be over 18 years old, and have a valid passport.
2. Apply for the work permit: Your employer in Italy should apply for a work permit on your behalf. They will need to submit the application to the relevant Italian authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior.
3. Receive the work permit: If your application is approved, your employer will receive the work permit, which they will need to forward to you.
4. Apply for the visa: With the work permit in hand, you can apply for the Italy Non-Seasonal Work Visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to complete the application form and provide supporting documents, such as your passport, work permit, and proof of accommodation in Italy.
5. Attend an interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate to discuss your application.
6. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes several weeks.
7. Enter Italy: If your visa is approved, you can enter Italy and begin your non-seasonal work. You will need to register with the Italian authorities and obtain a residence permit within eight days of arriving in Italy.

Documents Required

1. Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the intended date of entry into Italy.
2. Work permit: A work permit issued by the Italian authorities confirming your eligibility for non-seasonal work in Italy.
3. Visa application form: The completed visa application form, which you can usually obtain from the Italian embassy or consulate.
4. Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of yourself, as per the embassy or consulate’s requirements.
5. Proof of accommodation: Evidence of where you plan to stay in Italy during your non-seasonal work, such as a hotel booking or a rental agreement.
6. Proof of financial support: Evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Italy, such as bank statements.
7. Medical insurance: Proof of medical insurance coverage for your entire stay in Italy.
8. Criminal background check: A criminal background check or police clearance certificate, depending on the embassy or consulate’s requirements.
9. Employment contract: A copy of your employment contract with your Italian employer, outlining the terms and conditions of your non-seasonal work.
10. Educational qualifications: Evidence of your educational qualifications, such as a diploma or degree certificate, depending on the embassy or consulate’s requirements.
11. Fees: Payment of the visa application fee, which varies depending on the embassy or consulate.

What are the dates announced for Decreto Flussi in 2023?

• All of these permits are available for application online from March 27 until December 31, 2023.

# 5 Tips to find a job in Italy

1. Research job opportunities: Before you start looking for a job in Italy, research the job market and the sectors that are in demand. You can check online job boards and company websites to find out about job vacancies.
2. Learn Italian: Being able to speak Italian can greatly increase your chances of finding a job in Italy. Employers often prefer candidates who can speak the language, as it allows for better communication and understanding of the local culture.
3. Network: Networking is essential in Italy, and it can help you find job opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Attend job fairs and events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn to expand your network.
4. Consider internships or volunteer work: If you are struggling to find a job in Italy, consider internships or volunteer work to gain experience and make valuable connections. Many companies in Italy offer internships, which can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
5. Be persistent: Finding a job in Italy can be a challenging process, and it may take longer than you expect. Be persistent in your job search and stay motivated. Consider expanding your search to other cities and regions in Italy to increase your chances of finding a job that matches your skills and qualifications.

How to get Flussi in Italy?

Flussi, also known as Decreto Flussi, is an immigration quota program that allows foreign workers to apply for a work visa to come to Italy for seasonal or non-seasonal work.

1. Check for the announcement: The Italian government usually announces the Flussi program each year. Keep an eye out for the announcement on the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or the website of the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.
2. Find a sponsor: To be eligible for Flussi, you will need a sponsor – an Italian employer who is willing to offer you a job. You can search for job opportunities on online job boards, and company websites, or connect with Italian companies through your network.
3. Gather the required documents: Once you have a sponsor, you will need to gather the necessary documents to apply for Flussi. These may include a passport, a work permit, a visa application form, photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of financial support, medical insurance, a criminal background check, an employment contract, and educational qualifications.
4. Submit your application: Submit your application and supporting documents to the relevant Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. You may be required to attend an interview and provide additional information.
5. Wait for a response: The processing time for Flussi applications can vary, but it typically takes several weeks. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a work visa that allows you to come to Italy and work for your sponsor.

How to include the Flussi in Italy?

Flussi is a program in Italy that allows non-EU citizens to apply for a work visa to come and work in Italy. To participate in the Flussi program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

1. Job offer: You must have a job offer from an Italian employer who is authorized to hire non-EU workers.
2. Qualifications: You must have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job you have been offered.
3. Valid passport: You must have a valid passport and be able to travel to Italy.
4. Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers you in Italy.
5. No criminal record: You must not have a criminal record in Italy or your home country.
6. Language proficiency: You may need to demonstrate proficiency in Italian or the language of your job.
7. Residence permit: You may need to apply for a residence permit once you arrive in Italy.