Destination Guide
Italy: the Decreto Flussi quota system and the digital nomad route
Most non-EU work immigration into Italy runs through an annual quota decree, alongside a separate visa for remote employees and freelancers working for foreign clients.
Overview
Italy manages most non-EU work immigration through the Decreto Flussi, an annual quota system. The 2026–2028 decree allocates roughly 500,000 work permits over three years, and once your employer’s application is accepted, the required nulla osta, or work authorization, must be issued within 30 days. Applications against the 2026 quota are due by the end of December 2026. Separately, Italy runs a Digital Nomad visa for remote employees and freelancers working for clients outside Italy.
How Vanguard helps
- Quota timing strategy so your application lands inside an open window
- Employer coordination for the nulla osta process
- Digital Nomad visa assessment for remote-work applicants
- Full application preparation and filing
Frequently Asked
Questions about moving to Italy
What if the annual quota is already full?
Timing matters significantly in Italy; we track quota openings and plan your application around them.
Do I need an Italian employer for the digital nomad route?
No, that route is specifically for remote workers and freelancers working for clients based outside Italy.
Ready to explore Italy?
Book a paid consultation and leave with a written pathway recommendation built around your profile.