In a transformative move set to benefit tens of thousands of international workers, Italy has announced landmark reforms to its Seasonal Work Visa (Decreto Flussi) program for 2025. Officially unveiled on May 11, 2025, by Italy’s immigration department, these changes are designed to accelerate employment, enhance worker protections, and eliminate red tape.
If you’re eyeing opportunities in agriculture, tourism, hospitality, eldercare, or homecare, here’s your comprehensive guide to the biggest shake-up in Italy’s seasonal work policy in years.
✅ What’s New in Italy’s Seasonal Work Visa 2025?
1. Immediate Legal Right to Work After Arrival
Italy has eliminated the frustrating delay between a worker’s arrival and their legal employment status. From May 2025, you can start working the moment you land, even before your residence permit is approved.
Here’s what you must do:
-
- Submit the Unilav employment form electronically.
- Register with INPS (Italian Social Security).
- Show proof of residence permit application.
🟢 Impact: You’ll no longer have to wait weeks or months without income — work starts right away!
2. Record-Breaking Quota of 165,000 Work Visas
For 2025, Italy has massively expanded its visa ceiling to meet labor demands, approving 165,000 work visas — including a dedicated 93,550 for seasonal workers.
Priority sectors & reserved quotas:
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- 🌾 Agriculture
- 🏖️ Tourism
- 🏨 Hospitality
- 🏗️ Construction
- 👵 Homecare (NEW – 10,000 spots)
🌍 Priority access will be granted to nationals from countries with bilateral labor agreements with Italy.
3. No More Quotas for Seasonal-to-Permanent Permit Conversions
A major breakthrough: seasonal visa holders can now convert their permits into long-term work permits without being limited by annual quotas.
💡 Even residence permits issued in other EU countries can now be converted into an Italian permit — a welcome relief for many looking for permanence.
4. 100% Digital Application System
Say goodbye to paperwork! Italy has officially modernized its seasonal work visa process.
✔️ Employers must use:
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- Certified Email (PEC)
- Digital signatures
✔️ Workers must undergo:
-
- Biometric verification
- All documents to be submitted electronically.
🖥️ All communication and contracts will now be digital-first, making the process quicker and more transparent.
🎯 Who Benefits From These Reforms?
These changes are expected to positively impact a wide range of applicants, including:
| Eligible Groups | Opportunities Unlocked |
|---|---|
| Non-EU workers seeking seasonal jobs | Immediate legal employment + faster entry |
| Returnee seasonal workers | Priority access due to previous work history |
| Workers seeking to convert seasonal or EU permits | Pathway to long-term stay without quota restrictions |
| Caregivers, hospitality staff, agricultural workers | Priority in visa allocation due to sector demands |
đź“Ś Step-by-Step Application Process (Decreto Flussi – Seasonal Visa)
| Step | What You Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Employer submits a “nulla osta” (work authorization) at local Prefettura |
| 2 | Worker applies for visa at Italian embassy/consulate |
| 3 | Enter Italy with approved visa |
| 4 | Apply for residence permit within 8 days of arrival |
| 5 | Begin working immediately after submitting Unilav form and registering with INPS |
🗓️ When Was This Announced?
The reforms were officially announced on May 11, 2025, and apply to new applicants from May 2025 onward.
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