Italy Unveils New Work Visa Quota Plan For 2026-2028, Offering Travel And Work Opportunities For Foreign Workers, Including Indian Nationals

Published on November 6, 2025

Italy has unveiled its new work visa quota plan for 2026-2028, offering travel and employment opportunities for foreign workers, including Indian nationals, in a bid to address labor shortages across key sectors. The country has approved nearly half a million work permits over the next three years, targeting industries such as agriculture, tourism, construction, and caregiving. This move comes as part of Italy’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled labor to fill critical gaps in its workforce, providing a clear and legal pathway for foreign workers, especially from India, to contribute to its thriving economy.

Italy has announced an ambitious work visa quota plan for the years 2026 to 2028, offering nearly half a million job opportunities to foreign workers, including Indian citizens. This decision, unveiled through the Flussi Decree, will help meet the growing demand for labor in various sectors across Italy, ranging from agriculture to hospitality, construction, and caregiving. The Flussi Decree provides clear guidelines on the number of work permits that will be issued, categorized by job type, and specifies the application process that employers and potential workers must follow to secure a job in Italy.

Overview of the Work Visa Quota Plan

The Italian government’s newly approved work visa quota plan aims to address labor shortages in crucial sectors by opening the doors to foreign workers. Between 2026 and 2028, Italy will grant 497,550 work permits to foreign nationals. The yearly allocation of permits is divided as follows:

• 2026: 164,850 permits
• 2027: 165,850 permits
• 2028: 166,850 permits

These permits are exclusively available to foreign nationals residing outside Italy, with the quota subdivided based on job categories such as seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employed positions. Importantly, the plan offers a structured opportunity for skilled workers to apply for jobs that are in high demand, including those in agriculture, tourism, construction, and domestic care.

Key Application Dates for 2026

To streamline the application process, Italy has designated specific days throughout the year as “Click Days,” when employers can submit applications for work permits. For the year 2026, the key Click Days are as follows:

Employers must ensure they prepare their applications in advance. The government will release further guidelines on the application process, outlining detailed instructions for employers and foreign workers alike.

Opportunities for Indian Nationals

Indian citizens are eligible for this new visa scheme, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals from India looking to work in Italy. Indian workers can apply for work visas if they meet the specific requirements and if they have a valid job offer from an Italian employer.

Italy has long been a top destination for Indian workers, especially in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and domestic care. The Flussi Decree creates a structured and legal pathway for skilled foreign workers to contribute to Italy’s economy. Indian nationals wishing to apply for these opportunities must ensure they meet the following key requirements:

• A valid job offer from an Italian employer in one of the designated sectors.
• Relevant skills or experience in the respective job category.
• A clean criminal background and a valid passport.

Upon receiving the work permit (nulla osta) from their employer in Italy, applicants will be able to apply for a visa at their nearest Italian consulate or embassy. After arriving in Italy, they must also apply for a residence permit within eight days of entry.

Why the Flussi Decree Matters for Foreign Workers

Italy’s decision to introduce this new visa quota reflects the country’s critical need for foreign labor. Several industries, particularly agriculture, home care, and tourism, are experiencing chronic labor shortages that cannot be met by the local workforce alone. The Flussi Decree aims to fill these gaps by offering foreign workers the opportunity to fill positions that are crucial for the functioning of these sectors.

For Indian workers and other foreign nationals, this decree opens the door to thousands of job opportunities in Italy, which is one of Europe’s most sought-after countries for migrant workers. Notably, the demand for seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism will be particularly high, with many positions becoming available in the peak seasons. Additionally, there will be a demand for caregivers and home service workers, as Italy’s aging population requires more assistance in daily living.

What Does This Mean for the Italian Economy?

The influx of foreign workers into Italy is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy. By fulfilling labor shortages in critical sectors, Italy will be able to maintain the efficiency of its agricultural, hospitality, and home care industries, which are vital to the national economy. The government’s strategy to bring in skilled workers legally will help ensure that the workforce is sustainable and adequately equipped to meet the country’s evolving needs.

Furthermore, this initiative will also benefit local communities, as foreign workers contribute to the local economy by spending money in areas such as accommodation, food, and transport. For many workers, Italy offers the chance to improve their quality of life while contributing to a country that depends heavily on foreign labor.

Final Thoughts: A Welcoming Path for Foreign Workers

Italy’s Flussi Decree for 2026-2028 is a promising development for foreign nationals looking to work in Italy, including Indian citizens. By opening nearly half a million job opportunities, the government is making a significant effort to address the labor shortages in key sectors.

For potential workers, understanding the application dates, job categories, and eligibility criteria is critical to ensuring a successful application. As Italy continues to attract workers from around the world, particularly those in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and caregiving, foreign nationals will find valuable opportunities to live and work in one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic countries.

Italy has unveiled its new work visa quota plan for 2026-2028, offering foreign workers, including Indian nationals, a clear path to employment due to growing labor shortages in key sectors. This initiative aims to fill critical gaps in industries like agriculture, tourism, and caregiving while boosting Italy’s economy.

Foreign workers, particularly those from India, are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by securing a job offer from an Italian employer and preparing the necessary documents in advance. Following the application deadlines and adhering to the process will increase the chances of obtaining a work permit, which can lead to long-term career opportunities and a fulfilling life in Italy.