Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) for Indians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
Italy's main route for non-EU workers, and it runs on a quota lottery rather than merit. The 2026–2028 decree authorises about 497,550 entries — 164,850 in 2026 rising to 166,850 in 2028 — split into non-seasonal employed work at 76,200 a year, seasonal work at 88,000 to 90,000, family care work at 13,600 to 14,200, and just 650 self-employment places. The mechanics matter more than the numbers: only your Italian employer can file the nulla osta, through the Interior Ministry's ALI portal, on a fixed "click day", and places are taken in submission order until the quota is gone. The 2026 click days have already passed — 16 February for non-seasonal work and 18 February for domestic and care work — so if you are starting now you are preparing for the 2027 round. Have your employer ready in advance, because success is largely about being first in the queue.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 12–40 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $130. Difficulty: 4/5.
Documents you'll need
- Check the next click day and which quota you fit
- Find an Italian employer willing to sponsor
- Prepare the employment contract and accommodation proof
- Employer registers on the ALI portal ahead of the click day
- Employer submits the nulla osta application on click day
- Await the nulla osta decision
- Get your documents translated and legalised
- Apply for the entry visa at the Italian consulate in India
- Enter Italy and sign the contratto di soggiorno
- Apply for your permesso di soggiorno
- Obtain your codice fiscale and register with the health service
- Plan family reunification and long-term residence
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 12–40 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $130. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Italy is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Italy visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.