IMMIGRATION UPDATE | DPCM 2 October 2025
In October 2025, Italy published its immigration-flow programme for 2026–2028, providing 497,550 entries for seasonal work, non-seasonal employment and self-employment. The decree (DPCM of 2 October) also established sector allocations and a calendar for applications.
A quota does not itself authorise employment. The employer must follow the applicable procedure, satisfy the conditions for the category and obtain the required immigration and employment approvals. Timing is critical because applications may be processed according to the relevant window and available allocation.
Foreign companies planning an Italian operation sometimes assume that a non-EU employee can begin work while the corporate or payroll structure is being completed. That approach can create immigration, employment and tax exposure. Remote work from Italy may also require a separate analysis rather than avoiding the issue.
Workforce planning should therefore begin well before the so-called “click day”. The Italian hiring entity, proposed role, collective agreement, salary, place of work and candidate documents should be aligned in advance, with a contingency plan if the quota route is unavailable.