The quota route: Decreto Flussi
If a role does not meet Blue Card conditions, the usual way in is an ordinary work permit within the annual entry quotas. Places are limited and applications open in set windows, so the calendar drives the plan.
2026 non-seasonal quotas
| Group | Entries 2026 |
|---|---|
| Nationals of countries under art. 6, par. 2, letter a of the decree | 25,000 |
| Nationals of countries with cooperation agreements with Italy | 18,000 |
| Stateless persons and refugees | 300 |
| Total non-seasonal | 43,300 |
DPCM 2 October 2025 (2026-2028 planning); Ministry of Labour note no. 531 of 16/02/2026. Figures from investireoggi.it, read 27 Oct 2026 secondary source. Seasonal and out-of-quota figures not read. Which countries fall in each group: [list to confirm on the decree text].
What it means in practice
- Nationality decides the pool. Check the candidate's citizenship against the groups before any offer.
- Be ready before the window. Places are shared by all employers in Italy. Contract, housing and documents should be prepared before applications open.
- Prefer the Blue Card when you can. A graduate or experienced specialist paid above the threshold avoids the quota entirely: see EU Blue Card.
- The sponsor must be in Italy. As Employer of Record we file the application, sign the stay contract and run payroll.