Italian Work Permit for The Annual Quota System

The Decreto Flussi, also known as 'Flow Decree', is an Italian law that defines the annual quota on the number of foreign nationals permitted to enter Italy for work. It plays a vital role in regulating immigration and ensuring that the inflow of foreign workers meets the country's economic demands. Every year, in accordance with Law Decree 286/1998, the Italian government sets a specific quota for foreign nationals who are allowed to enter Italy with a work permit.​​​

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Eligibility for the Decreto Flussi includes the following categories:

 

For the year 2025, 70,720 entries are expected for non-seasonal subordinate work, 730 entries for self-employment and 110,000 entries for seasonal subordinate work.

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Non-Seasonal Employment

 

A total of up to 70,720 positions are available in sectors such as:

• Freight transportation for third parties

• Construction

• Tourism and hospitality

• Mechanics

• Telecommunications

• Food industry

• Shipbuilding

• Passenger transportation by bus

• Fishing

• Hairdressing

• Electricians

• Plumbers, as well as family and social care

 

Seasonal Employment

 

A total of up to 110,000 positions are available in sectors like:

• Agriculture

• Tourism and hospitality

 

These categories define the eligibility for workers based on their employment type and the specific industries in need of labor.

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Italian Self-Employment Visa: Flows Decree

 

In Italy, the entry of foreign nationals for self-employment is typically governed by the quotas set out in the Flows Decree. The decree also specifies various categories of self-employment from time to time.

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According to the latest Flows Decree currently in effect, the following five categories are eligible for entry for self-employment work:

• Entrepreneurs: Those wishing to implement an investment plan that benefits the Italian economy. They must use their resources (minimum €500,000) and create at least 3 new jobs.

• Freelancers: Individuals aiming to practice regulated or supervised professions, or unregulated but nationally recognized professions.

• Corporate Office Holders: Individuals who hold administrative or control positions within companies.

• Artists: Individuals with established reputation or high professional qualifications, employed by public or private entities.

• Foreign Nationals with Innovative Start-ups: Those intending to establish "innovative start-up" enterprises and who have a self-employed relationship with the company. (For more information on requirements for such companies, refer to our guide on Italy's Start-up Visa.)

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Main Requirements for Self-Employment Visa

 

The procedure varies depending on whether the activity requires registration in the public registers of professionals.

According to Article 26 of the TUI, a foreign national intending to engage in an industrial, professional, handicraft, or commercial activity in Italy, or wishing to establish corporations or partnerships or acquire corporate titles, must demonstrate the following:

• Adequate Resources: Sufficient resources to carry out the intended activity in Italy.

• Legal Requirements: Compliance with the specific requirements set by Italian law for the activity, including, if applicable, registration in the public registers of professionals.

• Suitable Accommodation: Proof of adequate accommodation in Italy.

• Annual Income: An annual income that exceeds the minimum threshold set by law for exemption from healthcare contribution costs.

 

Once the above requirements have been verified, the competent police headquarters will issue the provisional Nulla Osta for self-employment.

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Employer Requirements for Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Employment

 

Each employer is allowed to submit up to three requests as a private individual. However, this limit does not apply to requests made by employers' organizations.

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The required documentation, as mandated by the government, remains the same and includes:

• Certification of Compliance: This must be provided by professionals (such as employment consultants, accountants, or lawyers) or employers' organizations, confirming compliance with the contract requirements for hiring foreign workers.

• Certificate of Unavailability of Workers in Italy: This certificate is needed, and the waiting period has been reduced to 8 days after the publication of the job advertisement by public employment centers (CPI).

 

Exceptions to these documentation requirements apply to:

• Industry associations

• Employers who have a signed memorandum of understanding

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Additionally, employers are now required to designate a digital address (PEC) in the following databases:

• INI-PEC, for entities registered in the Business Register

• INAD, for entities not required to register, as well as for individuals

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Our Services and Assistance for The Annual Quota System Work Permit

 

Working with us ensures that your Annual Quota System Work Permit application package has all the necessary documentation, increasing your chances of approval. Our team can also ensure that all documents are correctly translated and formatted to meet the guidelines of the Italian consulates.