Italy’s Decreto Flussi 2025 sets the rules for hiring foreign workers in sectors facing labor shortages. This year, the Italian government has approved 181,450 work permits, a record number, divided among seasonal, non-seasonal, and self-employment categories.
✦ Who Is This For?
✅ Skilled professionals in construction, healthcare, transport, and tourism
✅ Entrepreneurs investing €500,000+ and creating jobs
✅ Founders of innovative startups
✅ Professionals in fields like architecture, engineering, medicine
✦ What’s New This Year?
181,450 permits available
Fully digital application process (PEC email required)
Faster decisions for employers (8-day silent consent rule)
Special entry for self-employment and investment-based migration
✦ Important Notes
Extra documentation is required for applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
Applications must be flawless and timely to be considered
Demand is extremely high — spots fill quickly
✦ Need Expert Assistance?
Whether you’re an employer or a future applicant, Italy Visa Experts offers personalized legal support, document preparation, and full guidance through the online process.
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If you’re a non-EU national who wants to move to Italy and work as a self-employed individual, you will need an Italy Self-Employment Visa. But that’s just for entering Italy.
What is an Italy Self-Employment Visa? The Itay Self-Employment visa is a type of Italian long-stay visa (national or D-visa). This is the type of visa you must apply for if you intend to work as a freelancer or open a start-up business in Italy.
However, the self-employment visa for Italy is simply an entrance visa. This means it allows you to enter the country, but you still need additional authorization to stay and work there.
You must have the authorization to work and the proper certification depending on what type of work you will perform prior to applying for the visa. You must get these authorizations in Italy while you are still in your home country. This means that you have to hire someone in Italy to assist you in getting these authorizations.
Who Should Apply for an Italy visa for Self Employment?
Any non-EU national who wants to go to Italy and work as a self-employed individual needs to apply for an Italy Self-Employment Visa.
The requirements for an Italian Self-Employment visa apply to non-EU countries who are exempt from the Schengen visa as well. This means that even if you are in Italy without a visa (because your non-EU country is exempt), you must leave Italy and apply for the long-stay visa from your home country.
The same applies to any foreign national who is in Italy with a Schengen visa. You cannot apply for a residence permit if you have not received your Italian long-stay visa.
EU nationals as well as citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are free to enter the country and work with simply their IDs or passports. But for stays exceeding 90 days, they need to obtain an Italian residence permit as well.
How to Obtain an Italy Self Employment Visa?
There is a set of requirements you have to complete before and after you apply for the Italian self-employment visa.
In fact, applying for an Italian self-employment visa is the third step in the lengthy process that is becoming self-employed in Italy. In a nutshell, the process for obtaining a self-employment visa for Italy is as follows:
Apply for a Nulla Osta (authorization to perform self-employed work) from the local Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico Immigrazione – SUI). Get the necessary authorization and documentation needed to perform the specific self-employed activity in Italy. Apply for the Self-Employment Visa at the Italian Representation in your country (embassy/consulate). Enter Italy and apply for an Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) to be allowed to live and work in Italy legally.
Starting from February 29, 2024, employers in Italy can submit applications on the Ministry of the Interior’s Portal to hire non-EU workers from abroad and to convert existing residence permits. This is part of the 151,000 quotas allocated by the 2024 “Quota Decree” (Decreto Flussi).
Application Timeline and Process
The application process will officially open at 9:00 AM on the designated “click days” as established by the January 19, 2024, Decree. The key dates are as follows:
March 18, 2024: Applications open for non-seasonal subordinate workers from countries with cooperation agreements with Italy.
March 21, 2024: Applications open for other non-seasonal subordinate workers, including domestic workers.
March 25, 2024: Applications open for seasonal workers.
Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2024, but given the competitive nature of the quotas, early submission is highly recommended.
Quota Breakdown for 2024
The 151,000 available quotas are divided into specific categories, targeting various sectors and types of employment. Here’s a breakdown of how the quotas are allocated:
1. Seasonal Work (89,050 Quotas) These quotas are designated for workers in the agricultural, hospitality, and tourism sectors, and are reserved for nationals from specific countries.
2. Non-Seasonal Work and Self-Employment (61,450 Quotas) This category includes 61,250 quotas for subordinate (employed) work and 200 for self-employment, covering several key industries:
2,500 quotas for citizens of countries actively promoting media campaigns against irregular migration.
25,000 quotas for citizens from specific countries, including Albania, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Nigeria, and Tunisia, among others.
20,000 quotas for citizens from countries with upcoming cooperation agreements with Italy, with 4,000 reserved for workers from Tunisia.
100 quotas reserved for employed or self-employed work for foreign nationals of Italian descent residing in Venezuela.
200 quotas reserved for stateless persons and refugees.
3. Family Care and Domestic Services (9,500 Quotas) These quotas are allocated for workers in the domestic and family care sectors, addressing Italy’s growing need for caregivers and household support.
4. Permit Conversions (5,150 Quotas) This category is specifically for non-EU nationals already residing in Italy or another EU country who wish to convert their existing permits:
4,000 quotas for converting seasonal work permits to standard, non-seasonal work permits.
150 quotas for converting EU long-term residence permits issued by another EU country to an Italian work permit.
500 quotas for self-employment, targeting entrepreneurs, freelancers, corporate executives, and artists who meet specific criteria.
Self-Employment Opportunities
The 500 quotas available for self-employment include:
Entrepreneurs with an investment plan of at least €500,000 that creates at least three new jobs in Italy.
Freelancers practicing regulated professions or those recognized nationally.
Corporate Executives (e.g., CEO, Board Member) in Italian companies active for at least three years.
Start-up Founders who meet the conditions for setting up innovative start-ups in Italy.
Renowned Artists who have achieved international acclaim or are employed by prestigious Italian institutions.
Conclusion
The 2024 Quota Decree offers a unique opportunity for both employers and non-EU workers looking to establish themselves in Italy. However, with a limited number of quotas and high demand, it’s crucial to act quickly and ensure all necessary documentation is in order. By navigating the process efficiently, businesses can secure the talent they need, and workers can take a significant step toward building their future in Italy.
Starting from February 29, 2024, employers in Italy can submit applications on the Ministry of the Interior’s Portal to hire non-EU workers from abroad and to convert existing residence permits. This is part of the 151,000 quotas allocated by the 2024 “Quota Decree” (Decreto Flussi).
Application Timeline and Process
The application process will officially open at 9:00 AM on the designated “click days” as established by the January 19, 2024, Decree. The key dates are as follows:
March 18, 2024: Applications open for non-seasonal subordinate workers from countries with cooperation agreements with Italy.
March 21, 2024: Applications open for other non-seasonal subordinate workers, including domestic workers.
March 25, 2024: Applications open for seasonal workers.
Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2024, but given the competitive nature of the quotas, early submission is highly recommended.
Quota Breakdown for 2024
The 151,000 available quotas are divided into specific categories, targeting various sectors and types of employment. Here’s a breakdown of how the quotas are allocated:
1. Seasonal Work (89,050 Quotas) These quotas are designated for workers in the agricultural, hospitality, and tourism sectors, and are reserved for nationals from specific countries.
2. Non-Seasonal Work and Self-Employment (61,450 Quotas) This category includes 61,250 quotas for subordinate (employed) work and 200 for self-employment, covering several key industries:
2,500 quotas for citizens of countries actively promoting media campaigns against irregular migration.
25,000 quotas for citizens from specific countries, including Albania, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Nigeria, and Tunisia, among others.
20,000 quotas for citizens from countries with upcoming cooperation agreements with Italy, with 4,000 reserved for workers from Tunisia.
100 quotas reserved for employed or self-employed work for foreign nationals of Italian descent residing in Venezuela.
200 quotas reserved for stateless persons and refugees.
3. Family Care and Domestic Services (9,500 Quotas) These quotas are allocated for workers in the domestic and family care sectors, addressing Italy’s growing need for caregivers and household support.
4. Permit Conversions (5,150 Quotas) This category is specifically for non-EU nationals already residing in Italy or another EU country who wish to convert their existing permits:
4,000 quotas for converting seasonal work permits to standard, non-seasonal work permits.
150 quotas for converting EU long-term residence permits issued by another EU country to an Italian work permit.
500 quotas for self-employment, targeting entrepreneurs, freelancers, corporate executives, and artists who meet specific criteria.
Self-Employment Opportunities
The 500 quotas available for self-employment include:
Entrepreneurs with an investment plan of at least €500,000 that creates at least three new jobs in Italy.
Freelancers practicing regulated professions or those recognized nationally.
Corporate Executives (e.g., CEO, Board Member) in Italian companies active for at least three years.
Start-up Founders who meet the conditions for setting up innovative start-ups in Italy.
Renowned Artists who have achieved international acclaim or are employed by prestigious Italian institutions.
Conclusion
The 2024 Quota Decree offers a unique opportunity for both employers and non-EU workers looking to establish themselves in Italy. However, with a limited number of quotas and high demand, it’s crucial to act quickly and ensure all necessary documentation is in order. By navigating the process efficiently, businesses can secure the talent they need, and workers can take a significant step toward building their future in Italy.
Starting from February 29, 2024, employers in Italy can submit applications on the Ministry of the Interior’s Portal to hire non-EU workers from abroad and to convert existing residence permits. This is part of the 151,000 quotas allocated by the 2024 “Quota Decree” (Decreto Flussi).
Application Timeline and Process
The application process will officially open at 9:00 AM on the designated “click days” as established by the January 19, 2024, Decree. The key dates are as follows:
March 18, 2024: Applications open for non-seasonal subordinate workers from countries with cooperation agreements with Italy.
March 21, 2024: Applications open for other non-seasonal subordinate workers, including domestic workers.
March 25, 2024: Applications open for seasonal workers.
Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2024, but given the competitive nature of the quotas, early submission is highly recommended.
Quota Breakdown for 2024
The 151,000 available quotas are divided into specific categories, targeting various sectors and types of employment. Here’s a breakdown of how the quotas are allocated:
1. Seasonal Work (89,050 Quotas) These quotas are designated for workers in the agricultural, hospitality, and tourism sectors, and are reserved for nationals from specific countries.
2. Non-Seasonal Work and Self-Employment (61,450 Quotas) This category includes 61,250 quotas for subordinate (employed) work and 200 for self-employment, covering several key industries:
2,500 quotas for citizens of countries actively promoting media campaigns against irregular migration.
25,000 quotas for citizens from specific countries, including Albania, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Nigeria, and Tunisia, among others.
20,000 quotas for citizens from countries with upcoming cooperation agreements with Italy, with 4,000 reserved for workers from Tunisia.
100 quotas reserved for employed or self-employed work for foreign nationals of Italian descent residing in Venezuela.
200 quotas reserved for stateless persons and refugees.
3. Family Care and Domestic Services (9,500 Quotas) These quotas are allocated for workers in the domestic and family care sectors, addressing Italy’s growing need for caregivers and household support.
4. Permit Conversions (5,150 Quotas) This category is specifically for non-EU nationals already residing in Italy or another EU country who wish to convert their existing permits:
4,000 quotas for converting seasonal work permits to standard, non-seasonal work permits.
150 quotas for converting EU long-term residence permits issued by another EU country to an Italian work permit.
500 quotas for self-employment, targeting entrepreneurs, freelancers, corporate executives, and artists who meet specific criteria.
Self-Employment Opportunities
The 500 quotas available for self-employment include:
Entrepreneurs with an investment plan of at least €500,000 that creates at least three new jobs in Italy.
Freelancers practicing regulated professions or those recognized nationally.
Corporate Executives (e.g., CEO, Board Member) in Italian companies active for at least three years.
Start-up Founders who meet the conditions for setting up innovative start-ups in Italy.
Renowned Artists who have achieved international acclaim or are employed by prestigious Italian institutions.
Conclusion
The 2024 Quota Decree offers a unique opportunity for both employers and non-EU workers looking to establish themselves in Italy. However, with a limited number of quotas and high demand, it’s crucial to act quickly and ensure all necessary documentation is in order. By navigating the process efficiently, businesses can secure the talent they need, and workers can take a significant step toward building their future in Italy.
