ROME, Italy – February 10, 2026 – The race is on! Yesterday, February 9, 2026, marks one of the most critical dates for those dreaming of working in Italy’s in-demand tourism and hospitality sectors. The official “Click-Day” for seasonal work visas under Italy’s Decreto Flussi 2026 has officially opened, allowing employers to submit applications for the highly sought after work permits.
Thousands of applications are currently flooding the Italian Interior Ministry’s portal as employers attempt to secure their share of the 164,850 work permits specifically allocated for seasonal and tourism related roles in 2026. This is a first-come, first-served system, meaning speed is paramount.
Did you miss this window? Don’t panic. There’s another crucial date you need to circle on your calendar.
The Grand Opening: A Day of Intense Competition
The Decreto Flussi 2026 is a massive initiative by the Italian government, aiming to issue a record 497,550 work visas over the next three years (2026–2028). Yesterday’s Click-Day for seasonal workers, particularly in tourism, agriculture and hospitality, is just the beginning. The demand consistently outstrips the supply, making it a high pressure event for both Italian employers and foreign workers.
Employers who managed to submit their applications are now in the queue for evaluation. For those workers whose employers successfully applied, this is the first step towards an exciting opportunity to live and work in Italy.
Missed Feb 9? Mark Your Calendar for February 16
If your employer wasn’t able to submit an application today, or if you’re looking for a non-seasonal role, there’s still a significant opportunity coming next week.
The next crucial Click-Day is scheduled for February 16, 2026. This date is dedicated to applications for:
- Non-seasonal subordinate workers in sectors like construction, road transport, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors (non-seasonal roles).
- Self-employed workers.
This next window is equally competitive, so preparation is key. Employers often work with local associations or immigration experts to ensure their submissions are fast and accurate.
Who Benefits Most? Priority Countries for 2026
Italy’s Decreto Flussi prioritizes applications from citizens of countries that have specific migration agreements with Italy. For 2026, significant quotas are reserved for nationals from:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Albania
- Morocco
- Philippines
- Ukraine
- And many others…
If you are from one of these countries and seeking a work opportunity in Italy, ensure your potential employer is aware of these reserved quotas, as it can significantly improve your chances.
What Happens Next? The Application Process
Once an employer successfully submits an application on a Click-Day, the process moves to the Prefettura (local government office) for review. If approved, a Nulla Osta (work permit clearance) is issued, which the foreign worker then uses to apply for a D-visa (national visa for long stays) at the Italian Consulate in their home country.
This entire process can take several weeks or even months, so patience is required after the initial submission.
Stay Ahead of the Curve for European Work Visas
The landscape of European immigration is constantly evolving. While Italy is currently in the spotlight, other nations are also updating their policies:
- Germany’s Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): Now requires a blocked account of €13,092 for job seekers without a prior offer.
- Spain’s Historic Amnesty: A massive program is underway to regularize 500,000 undocumented migrants, creating new pathways for integration.
The Italian Click-Days are a testament to Europe’s ongoing need for foreign labor, particularly in key sectors like tourism and construction. For those looking to work in Europe, staying informed about these critical dates and policy changes is essential.
Keep an eye on these developments, and prepare for the next opportunity.
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J. Maham is a specialized travel and immigration analyst with a focus on European work permits and South Asian’s mobility. With over 5 years of experience tracking global visa policy shifts, Maham provides verified, actionable insights for professionals seeking legal pathways to the EU and beyond.