ITALY Seasonal Worker Visa 2025

Introduction to the 2026 Flussi Decree

The Italian government has announced it will issue 88,000 seasonal worker visas in 2026. This quota, established through the annual “Flussi Decree,” covers both the agricultural and tourism sectors. A key advantage of this program is that it does not typically require Italian language proficiency or specific, formal work experience. The primary requirement is securing a formal job offer from an Italian employer.

This guide will explain how the seasonal worker visa program works, how to obtain a job offer, and how to prepare a strong application—including crafting an Italian-style CV (Curriculum Vitae), a compelling cover letter, and a professional email—all without the need for an agent.

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Understanding the Seasonal Worker Visa

This is a nine-month, non-renewable visa specifically for temporary seasonal work. The entire application process is initiated by your Italian employer on your behalf. Once they secure a work permit for you from the Italian government, you can then apply for a national type-D visa at the Italian embassy in your home country. This visa converts into a residence permit after you arrive in Italy.

It is crucial to understand that the success rate for securing a job offer is low, estimated at only 5-10%. However, by applying strategically with tailored documents, you can significantly improve your chances.

Eligible Job Sectors and Categories

The 88,000 visas are split between two main sectors:

Tourism & Hospitality: This includes all positions in hotels, restaurants, recreational activities (e.g., ski resorts), and sports instruction.
Agriculture: This includes jobs like fruit picking, general farm work, and roles in the agri-food industry.

Specific job titles that qualify for the visa include:

Agronomist
Agro Technician
Poultry Farm Worker
Agri-Food Technician
Farmer
Fruit Picker / Fruit Grower

Key Application Dates and Process

Since the employer handles the application in Italy, the critical dates are for them to submit the request for your work permit:

Agricultural Sector: Applications open on January 12, 2026.
Tourism Sector: Applications open on February 9, 2026.

If an employer agrees to hire you, they will apply for your work permit on one of these dates. After approval, they will send you the work contract and permission documents. You then use these to apply for your visa at your local Italian embassy.

Cost of Application

Applying without an agent significantly reduces costs. You will only need to pay for your documentation (e.g., passport, photos), the embassy visa fee, and any related expenses like fingerprinting.

How to Secure a Job Offer: CV, Cover Letter, and Email

1. Tailor Your CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Your CV must be in Italian and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Do not use a generic CV.

Use the EURES Portal: This official EU job portal allows you to create a CV in the format preferred by Italian employers.
Match Your Experience: List any relevant experience, even if it’s informal. If you are applying for a farm job, highlight any physical work or outdoor experience. Avoid applying for a fruit-picking job with a CV detailing a degree in IT or Business Administration, as employers may doubt your commitment to manual labor.
Include a Professional Photo: Unlike some countries, Italian CVs typically include a photo.

2. Write a Persuasive Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be unique for each application and written in Italian.

Header: Include the employer’s name and address at the top, followed by the date.
Content: Clearly state the job you are applying for and why you are a suitable candidate. Emphasize your flexibility, physical fitness for the role, and willingness to work hard. For example, explicitly state that you have no objection to working in the fields.

3. Draft a Professional Email
When contacting employers, your email must be clear and professional.

Subject Line: Mention the specific job title you are applying for.
Body: Briefly introduce yourself, state your interest in the advertised position, and list the attached documents (CV, cover letter, references).
Attachments: Include your tailored CV and cover letter. Also attach any certificates or documents that prove related experience, even if they are not formally required. Offer to provide professional references if needed.

Where to Find Job Offers

Search for vacancies on Italian job portals, both government-run (like Click Lavoro) and private sites. Use keywords like “lavoro stagionale” (seasonal work), “agricoltura” (agriculture), or “turismo” (tourism). Filter your search to find the most relevant openings.

Conclusion

The path to an Italian seasonal visa is challenging but possible with a focused and professional approach. By creating targeted Italian-language application materials and applying to a wide number of relevant job postings, you increase your odds of receiving a job offer. Once an employer selects you, they will manage the subsequent visa sponsorship process.

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For more detailed information, please refer to the official resources and previous articles on this topic. We wish you the best of luck in your application.