How To Apply for Seasonal Farming Jobs In Italy (Decreto Flussi 2026)
It is being able to wake up in the Tuscan hills rolling or the olive groves of Puglia in the sunshine not as a tourist, but as a significant element of the agricultural history of Italy. This dream is becoming reality of thousands of foreign workers, as it is possible thanks to the Decreto Flussi 2026.
The Flow Decree is the point of entry of non-EU citizens seeking non-renewable legal, seasonal employment in one of the most beautiful sceneries in Europe, but there is a strict quota system, and, with the so-called Click Day that lasts only a few minutes, you must have an accurate plan to make it. This guide gives the professional roadmap that would get you through the 2026 agricultural season.
The Application Framework: Comprehending Decreto Flussi 2026
Decreto Flussi is the multi-year Italian immigration mechanism that aims at staffing labor shortages in strategic sectors.2 In 2026, the Italian government has put a colossal stress on the agricultural sector to provide food exports under its Made in Italy label.
- Agricultural Quota 2026: In a wider 88 000 seasonal worker cap, the government has set aside around 47000 slots to seasonal farm work in 2026 alone.
- Model C-Stag (Agricolo): It is the particular version of the digital application that your employer will need to use.4 It is important to note that he or she will have to select the Agricolo version or he or she will be disqualified.
- Click Day (January 12, 2026): The most important date in the calendar. The portal becomes open at the time of 9:00 AM CET. Since slots are issued in a chronological order even a delay of 10 seconds can mean going out-of-quota.
- Pre-compilazione (Pre-filling): The Ministry permits a pre-filling stage beginning in late 2025.5, to prevent the rush on the Click Day, employers are allowed to save drafts and test the data before the actual submission.
Legal Requirements and necessary Documents
Italian system places the application on the employer with the worker required to furnish the ammunition (documentation) to succeed.
- Nulla Osta (Work Authorization): This is your equivalent of your “Clearance” and it is given by the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (SUI) and is required prior to you taking a footstep into an embassy.8
- SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identita Digitale): Your Italian employer will need this digital ID in order to submit your application to the ALI portal.9 Do not have it and then they will not be able to do it.
- PEC (Posta Elettronica Certificata): In Italy, formal communication via Certified Email occurs.10 Make sure that your employer has a PEC address so that the approval will be sent by you immediately.
- Evidence of Accommodation: There is a special 2026 provision that the employers are required to post a signed statement assuring you have housing that has local sanitary and safety standards.11
- Type D National Visa: After having the Nulla Osta, you need to apply within a 6 months period to the Italian consulate in your home country to be issued with the Visa, which is in the category of a Long Stay visa.
Top Farming Sectors for 2026
The agricultural requirements of Italy are regional and varied in nature. Target your job search to these hot spots:
- Vendemmia (Grape Harvest): This is in the North (Piedmont, Veneto) and in Central Italy (Tuscany). The high season is between August and October.
- Raccolta delle olive (Olive Picking): prevails in the South (Puglia, Sicily, Calabria). The work generally starts late in October till January.
- Horticultural Labor: All-year-round tomatoes, strawberry, and herb work in green houses with most of the work being in the Latina and Salerno areas.
- Employment Center Check: You should note that legally before your employer can finalize your contract, he/she must check with the local Centro per l’Impiego, whether there are any local workers that can be employed.
Post Arrival Compliance: Your First 8 Days
Arriving in Italy is not everything. You need to observe the 8-Day Rule to remain legal.13
- Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): Within 8 working days of arrival, you will need to visit a local post office (Sportello Amico) to dispatch your residence permit “kit.”14
- Codice Fiscale: This is the Italian Tax ID. It is necessary to open a bank account and get a salary legally.
- Contract Conversion: A significant advantage in 2026! In case you are at least 3 months employed and your employer would like to retain you, you may apply to transform your seasonal permit into a permanent permit (Subordinato) provided that you are not outside the quotas of conversion.
FAQs
May I make an application of the Decreto Flussi?
No. The application on your behalf can only be submitted by an Italian employer or a well-known Agricultural Association (such as Coldiretti).
Priorities, which countries come first?
Italy prioritizes the citizens of countries whose countries have migration cooperation accords, including Albania, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, India, and Pakistan.
What is the term of the seasonal permit?
Typically 6 to 9 months, depending on the cycle of harvest, and the contract entered into.
What would become of me in case I miss Click Day?
With the quota filled in a chronological order, a “Non in Quota” status is normally given to applications submitted late on Click Day. It would have to wait until the next year or a potential redistribution of quotas.
Does it have health insurance?
When employed, you can receive the support of the Italian National Health Service (SSN) in terms of your social security contributions (INPS) but you have to be covered with your own travel insurance in case of the first entry.
Final Thought
The Italian agricultural 2026 is an enormous opportunity and it rewards the ready. Get your employer prepared with his SPID and PEC long before January 12. The farms of Italy are calling–thou shalt be the one to answer the call?
Disclaimer
This paper is based on research and educational purposes. It is recommended that the readers should confirm the information to the reliable sources such as the Italian Ministry of Interior, before making their decisions.