Italy Announces New Policy for Seasonal Work Visa (Decreto Flussi) 2025

Italy has exciting news for seasonal workers! On May 11, 2025, the country introduced major reforms to its Seasonal Work Visa Program (Decreto Flussi). These updates provide more rights, quicker access to legal employment, and simplified paperwork for workers in agriculture, tourism, and elder care.

New Changes to the Italy Seasonal Work Visa for Applicants

The immigration department of Italy has released four significant changes for the seasonal work visa program:

1. Immediate Right to Work After Arrival

Starting in May 2025, seasonal workers can begin working legally as soon as they arrive in Italy. This is a major improvement, allowing workers to avoid delays while waiting for their residence permits. New conditions include:

• Submitting the Unilav employment form electronically.
• Registering with Italy’s INPS (Social Security) system.
• Providing proof of having applied for the residence permit.

Impact: This change eliminates long wait times and ensures workers do not lose income while paperwork is pending.

2. Significant Increase in Visa Quotas

For 2025, Italy will issue a record 165,000 work visas, with 93,550 set aside for seasonal workers. Target sectors include:

• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Construction
• Homecare (new sector with 10,000 visas)

Note: Priority will be given to nationals from countries with bilateral labor agreements with Italy.

3. No Quotas for Permit Conversions

A major relief for current seasonal visa holders is the ability to convert seasonal permits into long-term work permits without annual quotas. This includes converting permits issued by other EU countries into Italian residence permits.

4. Digitalization of the Entire Process

Italy is modernizing its application process:

• Employers must use Certified Email (PEC) and digital signatures.
• No physical paperwork will be accepted; all communication and contracts must be digital.
• Biometric verification is mandatory at consulates and local offices.

Who Can Benefit from the New Italian Seasonal Work Visa Policy?

The new policy will benefit various groups, including:

• Workers from non-EU countries seeking seasonal jobs in Italy.
• Returnee workers from previous years.
• Individuals looking to convert existing seasonal or EU residence permits to long-term work rights.
• Caregivers, farmers, tourism workers, and hospitality staff.

Application Process for Decreto Flussi (Seasonal Work Visa—Italy)

The application process for the Seasonal Work Visa involves the following steps:

• The employer applies for a “nulla osta” (work authorization) at the Prefettura.
• The worker applies for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate.
• The worker enters Italy with a visa.
• The worker must submit a residence permit application within 8 days.
• The worker can start working immediately after submitting the Unilav form and registering with INPS.

Final Thoughts

These reforms in Italy’s Seasonal Work Visa Program represent a significant step forward for international workers. With faster access to employment and simplified processes, this policy aims to attract and support seasonal workers effectively. If you are considering seasonal work in Italy, take advantage of these new rules for a smoother experience!