Article Overview
Italy controls most work immigration from outside the EU through an annual quota system known as the Decreto Flussi. If you want to work in Italy as an employee, the key point to understand is that the process starts with an Italian employer, not with the worker. This guide explains how the system works and what it means for applicants from Pakistan and other countries.
What is the Decreto Flussi?
The Decreto Flussi is a government decree that sets how many non-EU workers can enter Italy for work in a given period. The current decree covers 2026 to 2028 and allows close to 500,000 entries over the three years. Quotas are divided into categories:
- Seasonal work: mainly agriculture and tourism, with around 88,000 to 90,000 places a year.
- Non-seasonal employment: for sectors such as construction, transport, manufacturing and hospitality, with around 76,000 places a year.
- Domestic and care work: a separate quota for family assistance roles.
- Self-employment: a small quota for specific self-employed categories.
Some quotas are reserved for nationals of countries that have cooperation agreements with Italy on migration. Check whether Pakistan is on the current list for the category you are interested in.
How the process works
- The employer applies for a nulla osta: an Italian employer submits an online request for authorisation (nulla osta) to hire a named worker, on the official "click day" for that category.
- Quota allocation: requests are processed in order within the available quota. Places in popular categories are often filled very quickly.
- Checks: the immigration office (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) checks the employer, the job offer and the worker's details.
- Nulla osta issued: once approved, the nulla osta is sent to the employer and to the Italian consulate.
- Visa application: the worker applies for the work visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in their country of residence, usually within six months of the nulla osta.
- Arrival and permit: after arriving in Italy, the worker signs the residence contract and applies for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) for work.
What are click days?
Click days are the dates on which employers can submit their requests for each category. In 2026, click days were held in January and February, and the decree sets a similar calendar for each year of the 2026 to 2028 period. Employers usually prepare and pre-fill requests in advance, so the worker's documents need to be ready well before the click day.
Documents commonly needed from the worker
- Valid passport.
- Details for the employment contract and proof of qualifications or experience where required.
- Accommodation arrangements in Italy, often confirmed by the employer.
- Visa application form and photos at the consulate stage.
Watch out for scams
Because quotas are popular, there are many offers online that promise Italian work visas in exchange for large payments. A real process always involves a genuine Italian employer, an online nulla osta request and a visa issued by the Italian consulate. Never pay for a "job" or a nulla osta through informal agents, and check any employer independently.
Other routes to work in Italy
Some categories can enter outside the quotas, such as highly qualified workers on the EU Blue Card, intra-company transfers, researchers and certain specialist professions. Students who complete studies in Italy may also be able to convert their permit to a work permit under specific conditions.
How ZANS Consultants can help
We explain the Decreto Flussi process, check documents and support the visa and residence permit stages once an Italian employer has started the nulla osta process. Learn more about our Italy Work Visa service and our Italy immigration services, or book a consultation.
General information only: Italian quotas, dates and eligible countries change. Check the current decree and the Italian consulate's guidance before applying. The Italian authorities make the final decision on every application.
