The Decreto Flussi (Flows Decree) is Italy’s annual immigration quota system that regulates the entry of non-EU workers for employment purposes, including seasonal agricultural jobs, non-seasonal roles, and self-employment. For 2025, the Italian government has allocated a total of 181,450 quotas under the Decreto Flussi, marking a significant increase from previous years to address labor shortages in key sectors like agriculture, tourism, and construction. This guide provides an overview of the Decreto Flussi for 2025, including quotas, eligibility, application process, and tips for success. Platforms like Hijraleek can help connect you with verified Italian employers to secure job offers and navigate the process.
What is Decreto Flussi?
The Decreto Flussi is an Italian law issued annually by the government to set numerical limits (quotas) on non-EU immigrants entering Italy for work. It covers three main categories:
- Seasonal Work: Temporary jobs in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality (up to 9 months).
- Non-Seasonal Work: Permanent or long-term employment in sectors like construction, IT, and healthcare.
- Self-Employment: For entrepreneurs or freelancers.
The 2025 quotas were announced in late 2024 and published in the Official Gazette on October 3, 2023, as part of a three-year plan (2023–2025) that totals 452,000 entries. However, uptake has been low—only 7.8% of the 2024 quota (about 9,331 permits out of 119,890) was used due to bureaucratic challenges. Applications open on specific “click days” via the Ministry of Interior’s online portal, processed on a first-come, first-served basis until quotas are exhausted.
Decreto Flussi 2025 Quotas Breakdown
For 2025, Italy has reserved 181,450 total quotas, distributed as follows:
| Category | Quota | Key Sectors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Work | 110,000 | Agriculture (e.g., fruit picking, olive harvesting), Tourism/Hotel | Largest quota; up to 9 months; priority for countries with migration agreements (e.g., Morocco, Tunisia). |
| Non-Seasonal Work | 70,720 | Construction, IT, Healthcare, Transport, Fishing | For citizens from cooperating countries; includes family/socio-health care without nationality restrictions. |
| Self-Employment | 730 | Entrepreneurship, Freelance | Limited; for stateless persons, refugees, and Venezuelans of Italian origin. |
- Sector-Specific Allocations: Non-seasonal quotas prioritize construction (e.g., mechanical/telecom), food/shipbuilding, and passenger transport.
- New for 2025: Dedicated quotas for countries running anti-irregular migration campaigns (proportional to past entries). Eligible countries include Jordan and Kyrgyzstan.
- Outside Quotas: Options like EU Blue Card (for high-skilled workers) or Digital Nomad Visa are unlimited.
Applications for 2025 opened in March 2024 and continue until December 31, 2025, or quota exhaustion. Seasonal quotas filled quickly in past years, so apply early.
Eligibility for Decreto Flussi 2025
To qualify under the Decreto Flussi, non-EU nationals must meet general criteria, varying by category.
General Requirements
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens from countries with migration agreements (e.g., Albania, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Georgia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Gambia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Philippines, Moldova, Ukraine).
- Age: Minimum 18; no upper limit, but physical fitness required for seasonal work.
- Job Offer: Signed contract from an Italian employer proving no EU workers available (labor market test).
- Health and Background: Clean criminal record (apostilled certificate); medical certificate for seasonal roles (no communicable diseases).
- Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds (€5,000–€7,000) if not covered by employer.
Category-Specific Eligibility
- Seasonal Work: For agriculture/tourism; up to 9 months; renewable if worked in Italy within 5 years.
- Non-Seasonal: For listed sectors; 2-year permit, convertible to 3-year if prior seasonal experience.
- Self-Employment: Business plan and €10,000+ investment.
EU Blue Card alternative: For high-skilled (salary > €40,000/year); no quota limit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Decreto Flussi process is employer-driven and online, starting with “click days.”
1. Secure a Job Offer
- Use Hijraleek, EURES, or Italian job boards (e.g., InfoJobs.it) for seasonal farm roles.
- Employer submits “Nulla Osta” (work authorization) via Ministry portal during open periods (e.g., March 25, 2025, for seasonal).
2. Employer Applies for Quota
- During click days: Non-seasonal (March 18–21, 2025); Seasonal (March 25, 2025).
- Portal: portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it.
3. Visa Application
- Once approved, apply for Type D visa at Italian embassy/consulate or VFS Global.
- Documents: Passport, Nulla Osta, contract, photos, insurance (€30,000 coverage).
- Fee: €116 (visa) + €16 (fingerprinting).
4. Arrival and Residence Permit
- Enter Italy; apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days at local Questura.
- Processing: 1–3 months; valid 2–3 years for non-seasonal.
Total timeline: 4–8 months from job search to start.
Costs of Applying for Decreto Flussi 2025
Government Fees
- Nulla Osta: €40–€100 (employer pays).
- Visa Fee: €116.
- Residence Permit: €80–€200.
- Biometrics: €16.
Other Expenses
- Documents: Translation/apostille €100–€300.
- Medical Exam: €50–€100.
- Travel: Flights €200–€800.
- Legal Assistance: €500–€1,500 (optional).
Total: €500–€2,000; employers often cover initial costs.
Salary and Benefits Under Decreto Flussi
Average Salaries
- Seasonal (Agriculture): €1,200–€1,800/month (€8–€12/hour); e.g., olive pickers €1,500/month.
- Non-Seasonal: €2,000–€3,500/month; e.g., construction €2,500/month.
- Minimum Wage: €1,000/month (varies by sector); overtime +25%.
Benefits
- Housing: Employer-provided for seasonal (€100–€200/month deduction).
- Insurance: Mandatory health/life coverage.
- Leave: 4 weeks paid annually.
- Pathways: Seasonal to non-seasonal conversion; PR after 5 years.
Challenges and Tips for Success
Common Challenges
- Quota Exhaustion: Seasonal quotas fill in days; apply on click day.
- Bureaucracy: Complex docs; low uptake (7.8% in 2024).
- Language: Basic Italian needed for rural work.
Tips
- Apply Early: Monitor interno.gov.it for dates.
- Use Platforms: Hijraleek for jobs.
- Prepare Docs: Apostille early; use certified translators.
- EU Blue Card Alternative: For skilled workers, no quota.
Useful Resources
- Ministry of Interior: Portal for applications.
- VFS Global: Visa centers.
- Hijraleek: Job matching.
Conclusion
The Decreto Flussi 2025 opens 181,450 doors for non-EU workers, with 110,000 for seasonal agriculture. Start with a job offer via Hijraleek and apply on click days for success.
