🇮🇹 Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)
Also known as: Decreto Flussi, nulla osta work visa
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
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.
Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $130 |
| Processing time | 12–40 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians.
Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $130 | 12–40 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)
- 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
This list is the checklist for Indians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in Italy. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) cost?
- The government fee is about $130 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) processing time?
- Typical processing takes 12–40 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Italy is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the Decreto Flussi the same as the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota)?
- Yes. Decreto Flussi and nulla osta work visa are other names people use for the Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota).
Italy Work Visa (Decreto Flussi Quota) guides by nationality
Other Italy visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: interno.gov.it. This guide is general information, not legal advice.