Italy remains one of the most sought-after destinations for non-EU nationals, offering a combination of cultural depth, economic opportunity, and quality of life. Recent reforms reflect both openness and a more targeted approach to regulated migration.

At the center of this strategy is Italy’s annual immigration planning mechanism, the Flow Decree (Decreto Flussi). The 2026–2028 decree marks a significant expansion, allocating nearly half a million work permits to non-EU applicants. While work-based migration remains dominant, Italy continues to offer structured pathways for investors, retirees, students, remote workers, and families.

Below is an overview of the principal immigration routes shaping Italy’s migration landscape over the next three years.

Italy’s Work-Related Pathways: The Flow Decree at the Forefront

Italy faces growing labor demand across healthcare, construction, agriculture, tourism, and technology. The updated Flow Decree, approved on July 4, 2025 and published in October 2025, allocates a total of 497,550 work permits across three years.

Annual caps are set at:

• 164,850 permits for 2026
• 165,850 permits for 2027
• 166,850 permits for 2028

Permits are divided into seasonal work, non-seasonal employment, and self-employment categories. Italian employers must initiate applications through the Ministry of the Interior’s ALI Portal, strictly respecting quotas, deadlines, and sector-specific limits.

National Work Visa (Type D)

The National Work Visa is the primary route for non-EU nationals with a confirmed full-time job offer exceeding 90 days. The process begins with the Italian employer securing a nulla osta (work authorization) from the local Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione.

Once approved, the employer and employee sign an employment contract aligned with the applicant’s education and professional background. The consular application requires a valid passport, criminal background clearance, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Italy.

Due to quota limits and high demand, this pathway is highly competitive and requires precise coordination between employer and applicant.

Seasonal and Short-Term Work Visas

Italy’s seasonal work visas support industries with cyclical labor needs, particularly agriculture and tourism. These visas allow stays of up to six months and are restricted to designated sectors such as farming and hospitality.

While not a long-term residence solution, seasonal visas remain essential for businesses managing peak demand and for applicants seeking short-term professional experience in Italy.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified non-EU professionals and combines academic credentials with a competitive salary threshold. Holders benefit from enhanced EU mobility rights and simplified family reunification.

Italy’s increasing demand for professionals in technology, engineering, healthcare, and scientific fields makes this an underutilized but strategically important pathway.

Self-Employment and Freelance Visa

Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals may apply under Italy’s self-employment visa category. Applications are closely scrutinized and require a solid business plan, proof of financial sustainability, evidence of market demand, and professional licenses where applicable.

While demanding, this route provides access to one of Europe’s most dynamic markets for applicants able to demonstrate genuine economic independence.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Multinational companies can relocate managers and specialized staff from non-EU offices to Italian branches through the intra-company transfer visa. This pathway supports internal mobility, operational continuity, and knowledge transfer for global firms expanding in Italy.

Navigating the Work Visa Application Process

Italian work visas follow a structured, multi-step process:

• Employer authorization: The Italian employer applies for the nulla osta within the annual quota.
• Consular application: The applicant submits a Type D visa application at the Italian consulate in their country of residence. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, during which the passport is retained.
• Arrival formalities: Within eight days of arrival, the applicant must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), generally valid for up to two years and renewable.
• Contract finalization: Employer and employee complete and sign the employment agreement.
• Integration steps: Municipal registration, health service enrollment, tax code issuance, and opening a local bank account are required for full compliance.

Recent reforms aim to improve digital processes, enhance pre-departure training, and simplify family reunification, supporting smoother integration for new arrivals.

Investment and Residency Pathways

Investor Visa

Italy’s investor visa continues to attract non-EU nationals willing to invest in government bonds, Italian companies, startups, or qualifying philanthropic initiatives. Once approved, the investment must be completed within three months of entering Italy to obtain a renewable two-year residence permit.

This pathway offers flexibility, Schengen mobility, and potential long-term settlement for investors and entrepreneurs.

Elective Residence Visa

The elective residence visa is designed for financially independent individuals, including retirees, who do not intend to work in Italy. Applicants must demonstrate stable passive income and comprehensive health insurance, ensuring they can support themselves without entering the Italian labor market.

Further Immigration Pathways: Study, Family, and Remote Work

Italy also offers additional long-stay pathways tailored to specific circumstances:

• Study visas require official enrollment in an accredited Italian institution and may be issued for short-term programs or as long-stay Type D visas for degree courses.
• Family reunification visas allow spouses, children, and dependent relatives to join a legally resident sponsor in Italy, subject to housing and income requirements.
• Digital nomad and remote worker visas are gaining traction, requiring proof of ongoing remote employment and sufficient income. These visas reflect Italy’s response to the global shift toward location-independent work.
• Religious, business, and elective mission visas are available for specific purposes, based on invitations, financial proof, and the nature of the stay.

Short-Stay Visas and Upcoming ETIAS Requirements

For stays under 90 days, the Schengen short-stay framework applies for tourism, business, family visits, and short-term study. US citizens remain visa-exempt, but from 2026 onward, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require pre-travel online authorization.

All travelers must demonstrate sufficient financial means and confirmed accommodation. Short stays are often used to explore Italy before committing to long-term migration plans.

Planning Your Path: Practical Observations

Italy’s immigration system currently offers substantial opportunity, paired with detailed legal requirements and frequent regulatory updates. All long-stay Type D visas must be applied for at the Italian consulate in the applicant’s country of permanent residence, and passports are typically held during processing.

Given quota limits under the Flow Decree and growing demand for investor and elective residence routes, proactive planning is essential. Early preparation, accurate documentation, and professional guidance remain the keys to a successful Italian relocation.

About the Advisor

Beatrice Rigotti is an established immigration advisor specializing in Italian law. Known for her practical, detail-oriented approach, she assists clients with work visas, investor pathways, family reunification, and relocation planning for retirees. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Beatrice provides tailored guidance that bridges official policy with real-world outcomes.

If you are considering moving to Italy or seeking clarity on the most suitable immigration pathway, she is available to provide informed, strategic support.