The entry quota decree (decreto flussi)
How the Italian entry quota decree works: 2026-2028 quotas, application calendar, sectors covered, the employer’s role and quota vs non-quota entries.
Quick answer
The decreto flussi sets the maximum number of foreign nationals who may enter Italy for work each year. The decree published in the Official Gazette on 15 October 2025 provides for 164,850 entries in 2026, 165,850 in 2027 and 166,850 in 2028, with applications filed online by the employer according to a set calendar.
This mechanism applies to people abroad who want to enter Italy for work: the application is filed by the employer who needs to hire, not by the worker.
Non-quota entries also exist for specific categories provided by law: checking whether you fall into one is the first step.
Who this guide is for
Italian employers and foreign workers residing abroad interested in work entry quotas.
What you need
- Employment relationship or job offer
- Sector and category requirements set by the decree
- Online application filed by the employer
- Accommodation and income documents, where required
Step-by-step process
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1. Check your category and sector
Quotas are split by sector (agriculture, tourism, domestic care, transport, construction and others) and by category.
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2. Check the application calendar
The decree and the interministerial circular set opening dates for each type: windows last only a few days and close when quotas are filled.
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3. Pre-fill and submit
The employer accesses the online portal, pre-fills the form and submits it within the indicated times.
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4. Wait for the clearance
The Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione verifies requirements and, if positive, issues the work clearance (nulla osta).
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5. Visa and entry
With the clearance the worker applies for a visa at the consulate and, after entry, for the residence permit.
Documents
- — Application form pre-filled by the employer
- — Company and employment documentation
- — Identity documents of the foreign worker
- — Accommodation documents, where required
- — Any sector-specific authorisations
Timelines
| Stage | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decree publication | Annual or three-year cycle | The decree published in the Official Gazette on 15 October 2025 covers 2026-2028. |
| Submission windows | Set days per category | In 2026 windows opened between January and February; check the Ministry of Labour site for any reopening or residual quotas. |
| Review and clearance | Months | Timing varies with the competent Sportello Unico. |
Timelines shown are typical ranges reported by official sources or observed in practice: they are not guaranteed.
What happens next
- If this year’s window has closed, prepare documents for the next one.
- Check whether your category falls under non-quota entries provided by law.
- Follow official communications from the Ministry of Labour and the Prefetture.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Submitting outside the time windows.
Better approach: Check the official calendar: windows last only a few days.
Mistake: Assuming quotas apply to any sector.
Better approach: Quotas are split by sector and category — check yours.
Related guides
The work clearance (nulla osta)
The nulla osta al lavoro is the clearance issued by the Prefettura’s Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione at the employer’s request,…
The residence contract
The contratto di soggiorno is the agreement between employer and foreign worker guaranteeing accommodation, pay and return costs, …
Residence permit for subordinate employment
A permit for subordinate employment is based on an employment relationship with an employer in Italy: entering the country require…
How to apply for an Italian visa
Visa applications are filed at the Italian consulate competent for your country of residence, usually by appointment, with a valid…
Official sources
This page is based on the official sources listed below. Open them to check the most recent information directly with the competent authority.
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Ministry of Labour — Entry quota decree 2026-2028 (opens in a new tab)
Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali · in italiano
Pagina ufficiale sul D.P.C.M. pubblicato in Gazzetta Ufficiale il 15 ottobre 2025: quote di ingresso per lavoro 2026, 2027 e 2028 e calendario delle domande.
Link last verified:
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Prefectures — Territorial Government Office (opens in a new tab)
Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano
Portale delle Prefetture, competenti su cittadinanza, sportelli unici per l’immigrazione e nulla osta.
Link last verified:
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Portale Immigrazione (Immigration Portal) (opens in a new tab)
Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano
Il portale telematico del Ministero dell’Interno per la gestione delle istanze di soggiorno (kit postale, nulla osta, sportello unico).
Link last verified:
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Official Gazette of the Italian Republic (opens in a new tab)
Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato · in italiano
Fonte ufficiale di pubblicazione delle leggi, dei decreti e dei testi normativi italiani.
Link last verified:
Important notice
The information published on ItalyDocsHub is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may change. For current information and advice regarding your specific situation, always consult the relevant official authority or a qualified professional.
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