Italy has kicked off 2026 with one of its largest openings for foreign workers, issuing 88,000 italy work permits in January under the first click day of its new migration plan. The move targets deep labor shortages in agriculture and tourism and signals an early start to the three year decreto flussi program.
The permits were released on January 12 2026 through Italy’s Interior Ministry portal and are part of a wider strategy to manage legal migration while supporting key industries. Employers across the country rushed to file applications within minutes of the system opening.
Italy work permits under the 2026 Decreto Flussi
The 88,000 slots released in January are seasonal italy work permits reserved for non EU nationals in farming and tourism hospitality. These fall within a broader quota of 164,850 work permits allocated for 2026 alone under the 2026 to 2028 decree.
Agriculture applications opened on January 12 while tourism hospitality requests are set for February 9. Non seasonal subordinate work permits will follow on February 16 and 18 extending opportunities for longer contracts.
Applications can only be submitted online by employers using the ALI portal of the Ministry of Interior. Forms must be pre filled in advance making preparation critical in a highly competitive process.
The seasonal italy work visa allows approved workers to stay up to nine months. Priority is often given to applicants with prior European work experience.
The decree reflects Italy’s urgent need for foreign labor and offers a legal pathway for those seeking an italy visa for foreigners and italy visa for non eu nationals. For employers and job seekers alike these italy work permits could shape the labor market in 2026.
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