Italy Plans Nearly 500,000 Foreign Worker Admissions by 2028: What Does This Mean for Those Seeking to Work Legally in the Country?

Italy has published the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of October 2, 2025, establishing the planning of foreign worker admissions for the 2026–2028 period.

The decree provides for up to 497,550 legal admissions of foreign nationals residing outside Italy for seasonal employed work, non-seasonal employed work, and self-employment, subject to the quotas, procedures, and requirements established under Italian law.

The measure confirms a reality that has been evident for several years: Italy continues to require foreign labor to address labor market shortages and demographic challenges affecting the country.

However, it is important to clarify from the outset that these quotas do not automatically translate into residence permits, visas, or guaranteed employment contracts.

Rather, they represent a legal framework for admissions, whose use depends on compliance with several administrative and immigration requirements.

Why Does Italy Continue to Admit Foreign Workers?

The answer lies largely in demographics.

For years, Italy has faced structural challenges such as:

• An aging population;
• Low birth rates;
• A shrinking workforce;
• Labor shortages in specific sectors of the economy.

In response, the Italian Government uses the Decreto Flussi system to regulate and plan the entry of foreign workers in categories considered essential to the functioning of the economy.

What Is the Decreto Flussi?

The Decreto Flussi is the mechanism used by the Italian Government to determine how many foreign nationals residing outside the European Union may legally enter Italy for employment purposes.

The quotas may cover several categories, including:

• Non-seasonal employed work;
• Seasonal work;
• Self-employment;
• Domestic work;
• Family assistance services;
• Agriculture;
• Tourism and hospitality;
• Other sectors authorized under the decree and applicable economic classifications.

The current DPCM establishes admission planning for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

How Many Admissions Have Been Planned?

The plan provides for up to 497,550 legal admissions over three years.

The allocation is as follows:

• 164,850 admissions for 2026;
• 165,850 admissions for 2027;
• 166,850 admissions for 2028.

Total:

497,550 planned admissions for foreign nationals residing abroad.

How Are the 2026 Quotas Distributed?

For 2026, admissions are allocated as follows:

• 76,200 admissions for non-seasonal employed work;
• 650 admissions for self-employment;
• 88,000 admissions for seasonal work.

Each category is governed by specific rules, and not every applicant will qualify under every available pathway.

Have the 2026 Click Days Already Taken Place?

Yes.

The main submission windows for applications relating to the 2026 quotas took place on:

• January 12, 2026;
• February 9, 2026;
• February 16, 2026;
• February 18, 2026.

However, this does not necessarily mean that all quotas have been exhausted.

Applications may continue to be submitted until December 31, 2026, provided that quota availability remains within the relevant category and all legal requirements are met.

For this reason, an assessment of each individual case remains essential.

Which Sectors Have the Greatest Demand?

Labor needs vary by region and economic activity.

Nevertheless, the quotas continue to reflect demand in areas such as:

Agriculture

Italian agriculture has historically relied on foreign workers to meet seasonal labor needs associated with harvesting and agricultural production.

Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism remains one of the pillars of the Italian economy and generates continuous demand for workers in hospitality and tourism-related services.

Family Assistance and Domestic Work

Italy’s aging population has increased demand for workers providing family support and assistance to elderly individuals.

Non-Seasonal Employment

In addition to traditionally seasonal sectors, the decree also covers categories of non-seasonal employment in activities specifically authorized under the applicable legislation.

Eligibility will always depend on the worker’s professional category, the employer’s economic activity, and quota availability.

Can Brazilian Citizens Benefit from These Quotas?

Yes, but not automatically.

The Italian system is not an open immigration program.

The existence of quotas does not mean that any Brazilian citizen can simply move to Italy and look for work upon arrival.

In general, the process requires:

• An Italian employer willing to hire the worker;
• Eligibility under one of the authorized categories;
• Availability within the relevant quota;
• Approval of a work authorization (nulla osta);
• Issuance of a work visa by the competent Italian Consulate;
• Lawful entry into Italy;
• Issuance of a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

Each step depends on approval by the relevant Italian authorities.

How Can a Brazilian Citizen Work Legally in Italy?

In most cases, the process follows a structured sequence:

1. Job Offer from an Italian Employer

The process generally begins with an Italian employer seeking to hire a foreign worker.

2. Application for the Nulla Osta

The employer submits the work authorization request to the competent Italian authorities.

3. Visa Issuance

Once the authorization is approved, the worker applies for the appropriate visa through the Italian Consulate.

4. Entry into Italy

After the visa is issued, the worker may legally enter the country.

5. Residence Permit

Following arrival, the process for obtaining the Italian residence permit begins.

What About Descendants of Italian Citizens?

One of the most interesting recent developments has been the creation of a specific admission pathway for certain descendants of Italian citizens.

Under the Decree of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated November 17, 2025, published on November 24, 2025, descendants of Italian citizens residing in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Canada, Australia, Venezuela, and Uruguay became eligible for a specific pathway for employed work outside the standard quota system, pursuant to Article 27(1-octies) of the Italian Immigration Consolidation Act (Testo Unico sull'Immigrazione).

It is important to note that this mechanism does not constitute recognition of Italian citizenship.

It is a separate immigration category subject to its own requirements.

Furthermore, based on inquiries we have conducted with Italian authorities, some Consulates continue to report that they have not yet received definitive operational guidance regarding the implementation of this pathway. There are also practical uncertainties regarding the procedures to be followed by the Questure responsible for issuing the corresponding residence permits.

As a result, although the legal framework already exists, practical implementation still appears to be undergoing administrative consolidation.

Is Italy Becoming More Open to Immigration?

The answer is not straightforward.

On one hand, Italy maintains strict immigration controls and requires compliance with specific legal requirements for entry and residence.

On the other hand, the Government recognizes the need to create lawful admission channels to address labor market needs and demographic challenges.

The result is a system that seeks to balance immigration control with legal pathways for foreign workers.

What Does This Mean for Those Seeking to Live and Work in Italy?

The 2026–2028 DPCM demonstrates that Italy continues to provide legal pathways for foreign workers.

However, it is important to avoid oversimplified interpretations.

The quotas do not represent guaranteed jobs or automatic residence rights.

Access to these pathways depends on meeting specific legal requirements, the availability of quotas, the involvement of an eligible employer, and approval by the competent authorities.

For this reason, any relocation project to Italy should be carefully planned, with a prior assessment of the most suitable immigration category for the individual circumstances involved.

How We Can Help

At Rafaela Barbosa International Law Firm, we assist individuals seeking to live and work legally in Italy through immigration and mobility solutions tailored to their circumstances.

Our services include immigration strategy assessments, work visa guidance, residence planning, Italian citizenship by descent, and analysis of the legal pathways currently available under Italian law.

If you would like to understand what options may be available for your specific situation, our team is available to provide an individualized legal assessment.

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