Work permits

Italy Jobs for Foreigners 2026: Quotas, Employers and Work Authorisation

How Italy jobs for foreigners depend on the 2026-2028 flows decree, the employer application on the Ministry of the Interior portal and the quota calendar.

EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026

Introduction

Italy jobs for foreigners from outside the EU mostly run through a quota system. The government sets yearly limits for non-EU workers. Employers, not workers, ask for the work authorisation.

This guide uses the Italian Ministry of Labour and its published decree. It explains the numbers, the steps and the calendar. Dates for later years must be checked on official portals.

Quick Information

Legal basis	Prime Ministerial Decree of 15 October 2025
Total places 2026-2028	497,550 non-EU workers
Places in 2026	164,850
Places in 2027 and 2028	165,850 and 166,850
Who applies	The employer, on the Ministry of the Interior ALI portal
Official source	Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies

What the Flows Decree Is

Italy uses a decree to set how many non-EU workers may enter for work. The current decree covers three years. It was published in the Official Gazette in October 2025.

It sets the criteria for entry for work, inside and outside the quotas. It also sets the quotas and gives rules on the procedures.

The Numbers for 2026 to 2028

The ministry reports that 497,550 citizens of non-EU countries may be admitted over three years. That covers seasonal, non-seasonal and self-employed work.

• 164,850 places for 2026.
• 165,850 places for 2027.
• 166,850 places for 2028.

The decree spreads the places across sectors and contract types. Your sector and contract type decide which quota applies.

Italy Jobs for Foreigners: Who Files the Application

The employer files the request for the work authorisation. It is called the nulla osta. You cannot file it yourself for a quota place.

Applications go through the ALI portal of the Ministry of the Interior. Employers fill in the forms ahead of time in a pre-filling phase. Then they submit on set days.

The 2026 Calendar

The decree fixed opening times for 2026. All started at 9:00 a.m. The dates were as follows.

• 12 January for seasonal agricultural workers.
• 9 February for seasonal tourism workers.
• 16 February for non-seasonal employees from countries with migration cooperation agreements with Italy.
• 18 February for other non-seasonal employees.

These dates have passed for 2026. Check the ministry site for the dates that apply to later years.

What Workers Can Do

You cannot control the quota. You can prepare so an employer can act fast. Keep your passport, degree and work references ready and certified where needed.

Ask any employer early whether they know the procedure. Employers who have used the flows decree before are better partners.

Training Abroad and Other Options

The ministry site has pages on training abroad and on traineeships. Some routes link a training course in your home country to a later entry. Read those pages if your sector offers it.

The decree also covers entries outside the quotas. Use the ministry pages to see which rules fit your case.

After the Work Authorisation

When the authorisation is issued, the worker normally applies for a visa at an Italian consulate. After arrival, a residence permit follows. Follow the instructions on the official portals for each step.

Do not travel for work before the authorisation and visa are in place.

Finding Work in Italy

Search on EURES and on company career pages. Italian skills help in many sectors. Basic Italian also helps with daily life and paperwork.

Write a clear CV with dates and duties. Mention early that you need a quota-based authorisation.

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not pay a person who promises a quota place. Do not rely on old click-day dates. Do not assume a job offer guarantees a place in the quota.

Application Checklist

1. Find out which sector quota fits your job.
2. Ask the employer to confirm they can file on the ALI portal.
3. Prepare passport, degree and references.
4. Follow the ministry calendar for the right year.
5. Apply for the visa once authorised.
6. Plan the residence permit after arrival.
7. Check official sites before paying any fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the nulla osta myself? No. The employer requests it, and the decree sets the dates for employer applications.

Did the 2026 click days already happen? Yes. The dates listed by the ministry ran from 12 January to 18 February 2026.

How many places does Italy offer? The ministry reports 164,850 places for 2026 and 497,550 over 2026 to 2028.

Where do employers apply? They use the ALI portal of the Ministry of the Interior.

Next Steps

Decide which sector fits you and find an employer who knows the process. Then track the ministry calendar for the next opening. Confirm every date and rule on official sites.

Official Sources to Check

Use official platforms and national authorities to verify current rules before applying or travelling.

• Italian Ministry of Labour — Flows decree 2026-2028
• Ministry of the Interior — ALI portal
• EURES — Find a job

Continue Your Europe Job Search

Find vacancies, compare countries and prepare a stronger European job application at EU Job Hub, browse current jobs, or build a Europass CV.

Disclaimer: EU Job Hub provides general editorial information for jobseekers. It does not guarantee employment, sponsorship, work-permit approval or visa approval. Employment and immigration rules vary by country and by personal circumstances. Verify important information with employers and official authorities before making decisions. Never pay an individual or recruiter solely because they promise a job, placement or visa.