Italy Decreto Flussi 2026 Work Visa: Quotas & Click Day Guide

Italy runs one of Europe's largest legal migration programs: the Decreto Flussi. The 2026-2028 plan authorizes nearly 500,000 work visas for non-EU citizens — a huge opportunity, but also one of the most scam-ridden routes. Here's the honest 2026 guide.

What is the Decreto Flussi?

The Decreto Flussi is an Italian government decree that sets annual quotas for how many non-EU workers can enter Italy, from which countries, and in which job categories. The 2026-2028 decree authorizes around 497,550 places across three years, split between seasonal work, non-seasonal employment, and self-employed work.

The key requirement

You must have a job offer from an Italian employer (or a legally resident foreign employer). The employer then applies for a Nulla Osta — a work authorization from the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI). Without a genuine employer and a Nulla Osta, there is no Decreto Flussi route.

Click Day — the race

For standard (non-Blue-Card) roles, applications run through a highly competitive, first-come-first-served online portal known as "Click Day." The 2026 Click Days began on 12 January 2026. Because quotas are limited and demand is huge, preparation is everything:

• SPID/CIE: make sure digital identity credentials are active.
• Pre-fill drafts weeks in advance.
• Submit the instant the portal opens — spots fill in minutes.

Conversion option

The decree also sets aside conversion quotas — letting some people already in Italy on study, internship, or seasonal permits convert to a work permit. For example, a student who graduates in Italy may convert their residence permit to a work permit within the quota.

Seasonal re-entry bonus

For 2026, a number of permits are reserved for workers who have already worked seasonally in Italy at least once in the past five years — making re-entry easier for repeat seasonal workers.

Honest advice

The Decreto Flussi is a genuine, large-scale legal route — but it depends entirely on a real Italian employer and surviving the Click Day rush. Never pay large fees to anyone "guaranteeing" you a slot. Verify the employer and the job before parting with any money.