Pakistan → Italy: the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi) roadmap
Italy's main work route for skilled and unskilled foreign workers is the Decreto Flussi, an annual employer-sponsored quota system that issues a fixed number of work authorisations (nulla osta) each year. The 2026-2028 decree authorises about 497,550 entries over three years, with 164,850 slots for 2026 (88,000 seasonal, roughly 76,850 non-seasonal and self-employed), allocated on first-come "click days" starting in January and February 2026. Because the process is employer-initiated and quota-limited, the main hurdle is securing an Italian job offer and a quota slot before applying for the D-type long-stay work visa; the nulla osta processing time is reported as 30 to 60 days depending on the source, so that figure is approximate.
Moving from Pakistan
- You apply for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi) at the Italy consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves Pakistan, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in Pakistan usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Italy's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your Pakistan documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a Pakistan passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any Pakistan to Italy applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Italy.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- A concrete job offer from an employer legally resident in Italy who agrees to sponsor you
- Your occupation/category must fall within an open Decreto Flussi quota (seasonal, non-seasonal employed, or self-employed)
- The employer must secure a quota slot by applying on the correct click day before slots run out
- Valid passport and clean criminal record; no prior immigration violations or re-entry bans
- For sponsoring household roles, the employer must meet minimum income thresholds (e.g. ~EUR 20,000/yr single, ~EUR 27,000 family)
- Some 2026 quota slots are reserved for ~38 priority and cooperation-agreement countries (incl. Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tunisia)
Your step-by-step roadmap
Phase 1: Secure job offer and quota slot
- Find an Italian employer willing to hire and sponsor you under an open Decreto Flussi category
- Employer pre-fills the nulla osta application on the Ministry of the Interior ALI portal
- Employer submits the application the moment the relevant click day opens (slots fill fast)
Phase 2: Nulla osta (work authorisation)
- Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (Single Immigration Desk) reviews the application
- Nulla osta issued within ~30-60 days if the quota slot is secured
- Employer confirms/accepts the authorisation within 7 days via the ALI portal
Phase 3: Work visa at the consulate
- Apply for the D-type long-stay work visa at the Italian Embassy/Consulate within 180 days of nulla osta issuance
- Submit passport, nulla osta, contract details, photos and pay the ~EUR 116 fee
- Apply in the window from 3 months to 1 month before travel
Phase 4: Arrival and residence permit
- Enter Italy and sign the residence contract (contratto di soggiorno) at the Sportello Unico within 8 days
- Apply for the permesso di soggiorno at a post office using the postal kit
- Receive the electronic residence permit card; the postal receipt allows you to work while waiting
Phase 5: Permanent residence and citizenship
- After 5 years of continuous legal residence, apply for the EU long-term residence permit (no expiry)
- Maintain stable income, accommodation and a clean record throughout
- After 10 years of legal residence, apply for citizenship with proof of income and B1 Italian
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: From securing an employer and quota slot, expect roughly 2-5 months to nulla osta and visa, then the residence permit on arrival, with about 5 years to permanent residence and 10 years to citizenship.
Citizenship: An EU long-term residence permit (no expiry) is available after 5 years of continuous legal residence, and Italian citizenship by naturalisation is available after 10 years of legal residence, subject to income (~EUR 8,263/yr), B1 Italian, and a clean criminal record.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.