Italy Expands 2026 Decreto Flussi with 8,865 Extra Seasonal Work Permits to Tackle Summer Labor Shortages

Rome, May 21, 2026 — In a significant mid-year adjustment, the Italian government has approved an additional 8,865 seasonal work permits under the 2026 Decreto Flussi, aiming to ease acute labor shortages in agriculture, food processing, tourism, and hospitality during the peak summer season.

This expansion comes after the main application windows (Click Days) for seasonal quotas closed in January and February, reflecting the government’s responsive approach to urgent workforce needs in key economic sectors.

Italy Decreto Flussi 2026 adds 8,865 seasonal work permits for agriculture, food, tourism, and hospitality on a rolling basis.

Breakdown of the Additional Quotas

The extra permits are divided as follows:

• 5,389 permits — Agriculture and food processing sectors (harvesting, fruit/vegetable picking, livestock, and related industries)

• 3,476 permits — Tourism and hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, resorts, and related services)

These additional slots will be allocated on a rolling basis until exhausted. Employers who applied in the earlier rounds will be automatically considered where possible, while new eligible requests can now be submitted through the Interior Ministry’s online platform.

Why Italy Is Expanding Seasonal Permits

Italy continues to face structural labor shortages in seasonal industries, driven by an aging population, low birth rates, and young Italians’ reluctance to take up physically demanding or low-paid seasonal roles. Tourism — a cornerstone of the Italian economy — is particularly vulnerable, with many businesses struggling to staff hotels, restaurants, and beach resorts during the high season.

Agriculture has also been hit hard, with reports of unharvested crops in regions such as Puglia, Sicily, Campania, and Veneto due to insufficient workers. The government’s decision to expand the quota demonstrates a pragmatic response to these real-time pressures.

How the Application Process Works

Important notes for employers and foreign workers:

• Workers cannot apply directly. Italian employers or authorized representatives must submit requests for a Nulla Osta (work authorization) via the dedicated online portal of the Ministry of the Interior.

• After the Nulla Osta is granted, the worker needs to apply for a Type-D National Seasonal Work Visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

• Visa processing time is currently averaging around 20 working days.

• The permits are strictly seasonal and tied to specific employers and sectors.

Outlook for 2027

While the 2026 seasonal windows are now closed or in their final stages, the government has indicated that pre-registration for the 2027 Decreto Flussi is expected to open later this year. Employers are advised to begin preparing documentation and planning workforce needs early for the next cycle.

Broader Context of Italy’s Migration Policy

The expansion of seasonal permits aligns with Italy’s dual approach to migration: maintaining strict controls on irregular entries while providing legal, structured pathways for essential seasonal labor. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, the Decreto Flussi has become one of the largest regular migration channels in Europe, with multi-year planning designed to give businesses greater predictability.

This latest increase brings the total seasonal work permits for 2026 significantly higher than originally planned, underlining the ongoing tension between political rhetoric on immigration control and the practical realities of Italy’s labor market.

What This Means for Foreign Workers

For workers from countries with strong ties to Italy (such as those in North Africa, South Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America), these extra permits represent new opportunities for legal seasonal employment. However, competition remains high, and securing a position depends heavily on employer sponsorship.

For Employers: The rolling application process offers flexibility, but prompt action is recommended as the additional quotas are expected to fill quickly, especially in high-demand tourism regions.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, application procedures, and sector-specific information on Italy’s Decreto Flussi, seasonal work visas, and employer requirements in 2026–2027, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/italy