Work visa · 3 min read
Italy Work Visa from India (2026): Decreto Flussi & Nulla Osta Explained
Quick answer
Indians get an Italy work visa through the Decreto Flussi, Italy's yearly quota for non-EU workers. An Italian employer applies for a Nulla Osta (work authorisation) on a fixed click day; once it is issued, the worker applies for a work visa at the Italian consulate or VFS in India. Typical jobs are in agriculture, factories, warehouses and logistics, paying about €1,200–1,800 a month. The process takes about 2 months after the Nulla Osta, and applicants are usually 21–45 years old.
Italy is one of the few European countries with a legal, quota-based route for non-EU workers — including Indians without a degree. It is also one of the routes most abused by fake agents, because very few people understand how it actually works.
Here is the process in plain language.
The system in one line
Italian employer applies → Nulla Osta is issued → you apply for a work visa in India → you travel and sign your contract in Italy.
What is the Decreto Flussi?
The Decreto Flussi ("flows decree") is Italy's official decree that sets how many non-EU workers can enter each year, and in which sectors. The current decree covers 2026–2028 and authorises close to 500,000 work entries over the three years.
Quota places are given out on fixed click days. For 2026 they were:
| Category | Click day 2026 |
|---|---|
| Seasonal agricultural work | 12 January |
| Seasonal tourism work | 9 February |
| Non-seasonal work (factory, logistics, construction, etc.) | 16 February |
| Domestic and care work | 18 February |
On each click day the online portal opens at 09:00 Italian time, and places are filled in order of submission — popular categories run out within minutes. Only an Italian employer can submit an application, not the worker.
What is the Nulla Osta?
The Nulla Osta al lavoro is the work authorisation issued to the employer for a named worker. Italian authorities are supposed to issue it within about 30 days of the application. It is not a visa. With the Nulla Osta, you then apply for a work visa (lavoro subordinato) at the Italian consulate / VFS in India, and you must travel while the Nulla Osta is still valid.
After you arrive, you sign the residence contract (contratto di soggiorno) and apply for your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) for work.
Jobs, salary and conditions
The Italy files we handle are with named, genuine employers in:
- Agriculture — farm workers, fruit and vegetable picking, greenhouse work
- Factory work — production and packing lines
- Warehouse and logistics — loading, sorting, logistics staff
- Helpers in these sectors
| Detail | Typical terms |
|---|---|
| Salary | €1,200–1,800 per month |
| Duty | 8 hours + paid overtime |
| Accommodation | As per company policy |
| Age | 21–45 |
| Process | About 2 months |
Documents you will need
- Passport with enough validity for the contract period
- Photographs in visa format
- Education and experience proof relevant to the job
- Signed job offer / employment details from the employer
- The Nulla Osta (issued to your employer, shared with you)
- Accommodation details in Italy as provided by the employer
How to avoid Italy work visa fraud
- Ask for the employer's name and company details — and check the company yourself.
- Understand the timing. If someone "guarantees" a Nulla Osta in September for a quota that closed in February, ask which decree and click day it is filed under.
- Never pay the full amount before seeing the Nulla Osta. At Dreams Destination, our service payment on Italy files is after the visa.
- Don't travel on a tourist visa to "convert" into work. That is illegal and leads to deportation.
For a full list of warning signs, read how to spot a fake immigration agent. For Germany and Dubai work options, see our work visa page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Nulla Osta for Italy?
The Nulla Osta is Italy's official work authorisation (clearance to be hired). An Italian employer applies for it under the Decreto Flussi quota. It is not a visa itself — after it is issued, you apply for the work visa at the Italian consulate in India.
When are the Decreto Flussi click days?
For 2026 the click days were 12 January (seasonal agriculture), 9 February (seasonal tourism), 16 February (non-seasonal work) and 18 February (domestic and care work). Dates are announced each year, so ask for the current window before applying.
What is the salary for an Italy work visa?
Most jobs filed through the Decreto Flussi for Indian workers pay around €1,200–1,800 per month for 8-hour duty, with overtime paid extra. Accommodation depends on the employer's policy.
Can I apply for the Italy work permit myself?
No. Only an Italian employer can apply for the Nulla Osta. A worker cannot apply directly, which is why the employer's genuineness matters more than anything else.
What is the age limit for an Italy work visa?
The files we process accept applicants aged 21–45. Individual employers may set their own requirements.