A new Presidential Decree setting immigration quotas for 2026-2028 was formally published on 15 October 2025, but the news went global on 5 December when media outlets from Pakistan to Latin America highlighted the scale of Italy’s offer: 497,550 work visas over three years.
The decree allocates 164,850 slots for 2026, 165,850 for 2027 and 166,850 for 2028. Of these, 267,000 will go to seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism, while 230,550 are reserved for non-seasonal and self-employed categories. 20,000 permits are earmarked for conversions of existing stay permits into work status, encouraging regularisation.
For employers, the key date is 23 October 2026, when the online pre-compilation portal opens; final submission windows will be staggered in January and February 2026 depending on sector. The Interior Ministry is expected to keep the highly criticised “click-day”, but has hinted at gradual removal for shortage-occupation roles.
![Government publishes 2026-2028 Flow Decree: 497,550 new work-visa slots confirmed]()
Analysts say the expanded quotas reflect Italy’s demographic crunch: the workforce is projected to shrink by 3 million by 2035, with agriculture already relying on foreign labour for 36 % of its payroll. Trade body Coldiretti called the decree “crucial to save next year’s harvest”.
Multinationals should budget for higher compliance costs: biometric data capture—already mandatory for long-term visas—will apply to Flow Decree applicants from January 2025. Consulates are bracing for record demand, particularly in North Africa and South-East Asia, where recruiters are marketing the new quotas aggressively.
Given processing back-logs, mobility managers are advised to start document collection now, including police clearances and housing certificates, to secure a time-stamp as soon as the portal opens.
The decree allocates 164,850 slots for 2026, 165,850 for 2027 and 166,850 for 2028. Of these, 267,000 will go to seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism, while 230,550 are reserved for non-seasonal and self-employed categories. 20,000 permits are earmarked for conversions of existing stay permits into work status, encouraging regularisation.
For employers, the key date is 23 October 2026, when the online pre-compilation portal opens; final submission windows will be staggered in January and February 2026 depending on sector. The Interior Ministry is expected to keep the highly criticised “click-day”, but has hinted at gradual removal for shortage-occupation roles.
Analysts say the expanded quotas reflect Italy’s demographic crunch: the workforce is projected to shrink by 3 million by 2035, with agriculture already relying on foreign labour for 36 % of its payroll. Trade body Coldiretti called the decree “crucial to save next year’s harvest”.
Multinationals should budget for higher compliance costs: biometric data capture—already mandatory for long-term visas—will apply to Flow Decree applicants from January 2025. Consulates are bracing for record demand, particularly in North Africa and South-East Asia, where recruiters are marketing the new quotas aggressively.
Given processing back-logs, mobility managers are advised to start document collection now, including police clearances and housing certificates, to secure a time-stamp as soon as the portal opens.
