Italy to grant 500,000 work visas in 2026-28. Apply now!

Italy has approved a large-scale labour migration plan that will allow nearly 500,000 non-EU workers to enter the country over the next three years. This decision is part of Italy’s long-term workforce strategy to address labour shortages caused by an ageing population and declining birth rates. The plan authorises both seasonal and non-seasonal work visas under Italy’s regulated migration framework. By expanding legal work pathways, the government aims to support economic growth while reducing irregular migration and labour exploitation across key industries.

Under the approved plan, Italy will issue approximately 500,000 work visas between 2026 and 2028. The visas will be distributed annually, with quotas released each year through official migration decrees. The total includes visas for seasonal workers, non-seasonal employees, and certain self-employed categories. This is one of Italy’s largest legal migration intakes to date and reflects increasing reliance on foreign labour to sustain industries struggling to recruit domestic workers.

The work visas are primarily intended for non-EU nationals who have secured a valid job offer from an Italian employer. Eligibility depends on the category of work, such as seasonal agriculture, tourism, construction, caregiving, or skilled employment. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including employment contracts, accommodation arrangements, and background checks. Employers play a key role in initiating applications under Italy’s quota-based system, making employer sponsorship essential for most applicants.

The expanded quotas mainly target sectors experiencing severe labour shortages. Agriculture and tourism are expected to receive a significant share of seasonal visas, especially during peak harvest and travel seasons. Other sectors such as construction, logistics, healthcare support, domestic work, and caregiving are also expected to benefit. These industries have consistently struggled to fill vacancies with local workers, making migrant labour critical to maintaining productivity and service continuity.

Italy’s decision is driven by structural labour shortages, an ageing workforce, and declining population growth. Many industries face persistent vacancies that cannot be filled locally, impacting economic output. The government views controlled labour migration as essential to sustaining businesses, supporting tax revenues, and ensuring long-term economic stability. By expanding legal migration channels, Italy also aims to reduce illegal employment and improve oversight of foreign labour recruitment.

Compared to previous three-year migration plans, the new quota represents a noticeable increase in permitted entries. Earlier plans allowed fewer workers and often failed to meet actual labour market needs. The updated quota reflects a more realistic assessment of workforce demand and signals a policy shift toward long-term labour migration planning. It also emphasises improved coordination between employers, government authorities, and labour market requirements.

The Decreto Flussi is Italy’s official migration decree that sets annual limits for foreign workers entering the country. It defines how many work visas can be issued, which sectors are eligible, and the application procedures employers must follow. The new three-year visa plan will be implemented through yearly Decreto Flussi announcements, making it a central mechanism for regulating labour migration into Italy.

Employers typically apply for work visas during specific application windows announced by the Italian government each year. These periods are often referred to as “click days,” when applications must be submitted online within a limited timeframe. Dates vary annually and are released ahead of the quota year. Due to high demand, applications are often processed on a first-come, first-served basis, making early preparation crucial.

Despite high quotas, critics argue that not all authorised visas translate into actual employment. Administrative delays, complex paperwork, and employer withdrawal can prevent workers from arriving. Some experts also point out gaps between labour demand and visa allocation timing. However, the government maintains that expanding legal pathways is a step toward improving labour market efficiency and reducing irregular employment.