Italy has officially published the long-awaited Presidential ‘Flow Decree’ that sets immigration quotas for 2026-2028, confirming 497,550 new work-visa slots over the three-year period. The breakdown assigns 164,850 permits for 2026, 165,850 for 2027 and 166,850 for 2028. Seasonal agriculture and tourism dominate, receiving 267,000 slots, while 230,550 visas are reserved for non-seasonal and self-employed workers; a further 20,000 permits will allow holders of other Italian stay permits to convert to work status.
The numbers represent a 10 percent increase on the 2023-25 quota and reflect mounting demographic pressure: ISTAT projects Italy’s workforce will shrink by 3 million within a decade. Trade body Coldiretti welcomed the decree as “crucial to saving next year’s harvest”, noting that foreign labour already accounts for a third of farm payrolls. Employers, however, remain frustrated with the ‘click-day’ race for quota applications; the Interior Ministry hinted it may relax that system for shortage occupations in future.
![Rome Publishes 2026-28 ‘Flow Decree’ Authorising 497,550 Work-Visa Slots]()
Key dates are already circled in HR diaries. The online pre-compilation portal opens on 23 October 2026, with staggered submission windows in January and February. Companies with large seasonal demand—hotels, vineyards, food processors—are advising global mobility teams to start document collection months earlier and to align with trusted consular partners.
The opposition criticised Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for expanding legal migration while campaigning on border security, but business groups argue that without new talent Italy cannot sustain export manufacturing or care for its ageing population. The decree also continues a special channel allowing up to 10,000 caregivers for the elderly and disabled to enter annually outside the quota, now extended to 2028.
For multinational employers the message is clear: plan early, budget for higher legal fees, and be ready to evidence compliance; the Labour Ministry has pledged tougher post-arrival audits after scandals involving forged contracts in 2024.
The numbers represent a 10 percent increase on the 2023-25 quota and reflect mounting demographic pressure: ISTAT projects Italy’s workforce will shrink by 3 million within a decade. Trade body Coldiretti welcomed the decree as “crucial to saving next year’s harvest”, noting that foreign labour already accounts for a third of farm payrolls. Employers, however, remain frustrated with the ‘click-day’ race for quota applications; the Interior Ministry hinted it may relax that system for shortage occupations in future.
Key dates are already circled in HR diaries. The online pre-compilation portal opens on 23 October 2026, with staggered submission windows in January and February. Companies with large seasonal demand—hotels, vineyards, food processors—are advising global mobility teams to start document collection months earlier and to align with trusted consular partners.
The opposition criticised Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for expanding legal migration while campaigning on border security, but business groups argue that without new talent Italy cannot sustain export manufacturing or care for its ageing population. The decree also continues a special channel allowing up to 10,000 caregivers for the elderly and disabled to enter annually outside the quota, now extended to 2028.
For multinational employers the message is clear: plan early, budget for higher legal fees, and be ready to evidence compliance; the Labour Ministry has pledged tougher post-arrival audits after scandals involving forged contracts in 2024.
