The “Decreto Flussi” (immigration flow) is issued every year and provides for the number of foreign citizens who can enter Italy to carry out non-seasonal, subordinate work, and self-employment. A special “Decreto Flussi” is envisaged for seasonal workers. “Decreto Flussi” visa system works under Legislative Decree 286/98 art. 5, 24, and 26, and DPCM flows 2008.
How does the “Decreto Flussi” application system work?
Applying for a work permit
The application for authorization for subordinate work must be submitted, on the dates provided by the decree, by the employer who submits a specific application online. In the application, the employer specifies the type of job offer and the future residence place of the worker.
If the application is filled in correctly – after the checks at the police headquarters and the Provincial Labor Directorate – the applications are accepted in chronological order.
The employer is then notified by the “one-stop-shop for immigration” to submit the original documents and to get the work permit approval, which will be sent at the same time to the Italian diplomatic representation of the country of residence of the applicant, at that point. They must be a non-EU citizen who will be able to go to the embassy to collect the entry visa for work in Italy. After due processing, the applicant is provided a visa type D to enter Italy.
The entry visa for work is called type D, for stays longer than 90 days. Within 8 days from the date of entry in Italy, the worker must go to the one-stop-shop with the employer to fill in the application forms for the residence permit for subordinate work, to be sent via the post office, and sign the residence contract.
Applying for a self-employed visa
The “Decreto Flussi” also provides for specific entry quotas for self-employment. Also, for this type of work, entry into Italy by visa is subject to the issuance of the work permit. Unlike subordinate work, however, the request for authorization must be presented directly by the worker or by his attorney at the competent Police Headquarters based on the place where the activity will be based, upon presentation of the declaration of issue of the qualification or a certificate from the competent Chamber of Commerce, Industry, or Crafts.
The police headquarters, within 20 days – once the requirements have been verified – issue the “Nulla Osta” (residence permit) directly to the person concerned or to his or her attorney.
Within three months, the foreign citizen must report to the Italian diplomatic representation in the country of origin or provenance to request the issue of an entry visa. Once in Italy, you can submit the application for a residence permit for self-employment through the post office by filling in the appropriate postal kit.
Applying for a seasonal visa
For seasonal work, a specific decree is issued every year with the quota of the number of foreign citizens who can enter Italy to carry out seasonal work. Within this type of employment, only those activities limited in time to a minimum period can be included. The visa duration could be from 20 days up to a maximum of 9 months.
As for the application for subordinate work, the employer must submit online through the website of the Ministry of the Interior a specific request for a permit to the Single Desk for immigration with territorial jurisdiction.
If the worker meets the legal requirements and has returned to the entry quotas, the competent Immigration Desk calls the employer to deliver the permit, and at the same time sends a copy to the Italian diplomatic representation in the country of origin or residence of the foreign worker.
At this point, the seasonal worker can go to the Italian consulate to apply for a visa. Once in Italy, he must go to the Immigration Office, which issued the authorization to fill in the application forms for the residence permit for seasonal subordinate work, which must then be sent via a postal kit.
The Eligible Countries
The “Decreto Flussi” system is only for eligible countries. The candidates of the following countries can apply for the visa under “Decreto Flussi” according to the latest announcements:
Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
What is the quota of the “Decreto Flussi”
The Decreto Flussi Program of Italy sets a fixed annual quota for the number of non-EU citizens who can legally enter the country for work. These quotas are decided by the Italian government based on labor market needs, especially in sectors where local workers are not sufficient. The quota system is divided into clear categories, including seasonal work, non-seasonal employed work, self-employment, and domestic care work.
Each category has a specific number of permits available, and once that number is reached, no further applications are accepted for that year. Seasonal work quotas usually represent the largest share, mainly for agriculture and tourism, because these sectors depend heavily on temporary foreign labor. Non-seasonal quotas are reserved for stable jobs in industry, construction, and services, often with priority given to workers from specific countries.
The quota mechanism ensures legal entry, protects workers’ rights, and helps Italy manage migration in an organized and transparent way. Because quotas are limited and highly competitive, timely application during the official click days is essential. You can check here the latest quota of Decreto Flussi.
Application through SPID
SPID is the access system that allows you to use the online services of the Public Administration and accredited private individuals with a unique digital identity. If you already have a digital identity, log in with your manager’s credentials. If you don’t have a digital identity yet, request it from one of the managers.
What is the SPID?
For creating a SPID from abroad, you need:
- an e-mail address
- the phone number of the mobile phone you normally use
- a valid Italian identity document (an identity card, a passport, or a driving license)
- Your income tax number
How to get SPID?
To get SPID, choose one of the Identity Providers and register on their site. The registration consists of 3 steps:
- Enter your personal data
- Create your SPID credentials
- Carry out the recognition of your choice between: in person, online, or via CIE, CNS, or digital signature.
The timing of issuing a digital identity depends on individual Identity Providers. You can apply for SPID here.