On 29 July, the Italian Government published on its official website the draft of the immigration quota decree for the three-year period 2026–2028. Below is a detailed explanation of its contents and the new elements introduced.
Indice
- How many quotas are set out in the decree for the 2026–2028 period?
- Which productive sectors are included for non-seasonal subordinate work?
- Which professional categories can apply for a self-employment visa under the 2026–2028 decree?
- Which countries are included in the 2026–2028 decree?
- Does the decree provide for the entry of domestic workers (housekeepers and caregivers)?
- What quotas are set out for seasonal employment?
- Who is eligible to apply for seasonal work under the decree?
- When can applications under the 2026–2028 decree be submitted?
- Why consult an immigration lawyer in Bologna?
1. How many quotas are set out in the decree for the 2026–2028 period?
The draft decree provides for a total of 497,550 quotas over the three-year period, distributed as follows:
- 164,850 units for the year 2026;
- 165,850 units for the year 2027;
- 166,850 units for the year 2028.
2. Which productive sectors are included for non-seasonal subordinate work?
Access to Italy for non-seasonal subordinate employment is restricted to specific productive sectors:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing;
- Food, beverage and tobacco industries;
- Textile, clothing and footwear industries;
- Metal and metal products industries;
- Other manufacturing industries;
- Construction;
- Wholesale and retail trade;
- Accommodation and food service activities;
- Tourism-related services;
- Transport, logistics and warehousing;
- Operational support services for businesses and individuals;
- Health care, social assistance and private health services;
- Other services.
“Other manufacturing industries” refer to activity groups with ISTAT ATECO 2025 codes 16–22 and 26–33. “Other services” refer to codes K, 61, 62, 63, M and 68, as defined in the same classification.
3. Which professional categories can apply for a self-employment visa under the 2026–2028 decree?
The following categories may apply:
- Entrepreneurs proposing investment plans of national economic interest, with personal resources of at least €500,000 and creation of at least three new jobs;
- Self-employed professionals engaged in regulated or supervised professions, or those represented by nationally recognised associations that issue certifications of quality and professional qualification;
- Company directors or statutory auditors as defined under Interministerial Decree of 11 May 2011, No. 850;
- Artists of established reputation or high professional qualification, engaged by public or private entities in accordance with the aforementioned decree;
- Foreign nationals intending to set up “innovative start-ups” pursuant to Law 17 December 2012, No. 221, meeting the relevant requirements and having a freelance relationship with the start-up.
4. Which countries are included in the 2026–2028 decree?
The decree allows entry for nationals of the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Korea, Côte d’Ivoire, 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.
Additional countries may be included if cooperation agreements on migration are signed during the period.
Note: No nationality restrictions apply for permits concerning domestic workers (housekeepers and caregivers)
5. Does the decree provide for the entry of domestic workers (housekeepers and caregivers)?
Yes. The decree sets out the following quotas:
- 13,600 units for 2026;
- 14,000 units for 2027;
- 14,200 units for 2028.
There are no limitations based on country of origin for this category.
6. What quotas are set out for seasonal employment?
The decree includes the following allocations for seasonal work:
- 88,000 units for 2026;
- 89,000 units for 2027;
- 90,000 units for 2028.
In addition, for citizens of countries that enter into migration cooperation agreements during the three-year period:
- 12,600 units in 2026;
- 12,750 units in 2027;
- 13,000 units in 2028
7. Who is eligible to apply for seasonal work under the decree?
Seasonal work is open to nationals of the same countries listed in section 4, with the addition of any new countries that sign cooperation agreements with Italy during the period.
8. When can applications under the 2026–2028 decree be submitted?
The official application dates (so-called “click days”) have not yet been announced. However, the draft decree suggests that a pre-filing period will be introduced again, likely to occur between October and November 2025, as was the case in previous years.
9. Why consult an immigration lawyer in Bologna?
Submitting an application under the immigration quota system involves strict documentation and procedural requirements. Consulting a lawyer who specialises in immigration law ensures correct document gathering, accurate completion of applications, and timely submission.
Integra – Immigration, Work and Rights, based in Bologna (Via Cesare Battisti 33) and Pesaro (Viale della Vittoria 161), offers specialised legal support in this area.