Skip to main content
International Work

Visas outside of the quotas: decreto flussi

The entry of non-EU citizens into Italy for work purposes is generally regulated by an annual quota system, established by the Italian Government through the so-called decreto flussi. Although this regulation is necessary to manage migration flows, the quotas have often been reserved for conversions of residence permits or exceptional situations, making access difficult for the “ordinary” foreign citizen.

However, article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act introduces an important exception to this general rule, providing for specific categories of workers who may enter Italy outside the quota system. These cases represent privileged opportunities, but they are intended for a minority of foreigners who meet very strict requirements.

The International Law Firm Boschetti has specialized in assisting those who fall within these particular cases, providing expert guidance through the complex regulations governing entry for work in Italy. Administrative case law is very strict, establishing that foreigners admitted on the basis of article 27 must return to their country of origin at the expiry of the permit, unless they prove that they continue to regularly carry out one of the activities that allow the issuance of such special permits.

It is essential to understand that, although considered legally resident, the “outside quota” worker does not enjoy the same freedom in the labor market as Italian citizens, remaining bound to the qualification that allowed their special entry. Our expertise is the key to ensuring a lawful and smooth process for foreign citizens who meet the legal requirements.

Which categories of workers can enter outside the quotas set by the decreto flussi (art. 27)?

Article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act outlines a series of cases that allow the issuance of a visa outside the quota system, granting entry into Italy for work in special circumstances. These categories are considered privileged and concern specific professional profiles. Among them are managers or highly specialized staff of companies with headquarters or branches in Italy, or of representative offices of foreign companies, provided they have been employed in the same sector for at least six months before the temporary transfer, which cannot exceed five years.

Also included are university exchange lecturers or native language lecturers, university professors with an academic assignment in Italy, and translators and interpreters. For these professionals, in the case of self-employment, prior certification from the Provincial Labor Office is required, confirming that the work does not constitute a subordinate employment relationship.

Another category includes family collaborators who have been engaged in a full-time domestic employment relationship for at least one year abroad with Italian or EU citizens residing abroad who are relocating to Italy to continue the relationship. For these workers, an employment contract authenticated by the diplomatic or consular representation is required.

Also included are individuals authorized to stay for vocational training purposes who carry out internships with Italian employers. Other special cases include maritime workers, employees of foreign employers with service contracts in Italy, workers in circuses and traveling shows, artistic and technical staff for opera, theatre, concert, or ballet performances, dancers, artists and musicians for entertainment venues, and artists for cultural or folk events.

Foreigners engaged in professional sports activities with Italian sports clubs, accredited correspondent journalists, individuals carrying out research activities or occasional work within youth exchanges or au pair programs, and finally professional nurses employed by public and private healthcare facilities, complete the range of possibilities for obtaining residence permits for employed or self-employed work outside the ordinary quotas.

The new visa for digital nomads

The Italian framework for work immigration has been enriched with a significant innovation with the introduction of the visa for digital nomads in Italy, officially introduced in 2024 and fully effective in 2025. This visa, expressly provided for by article 27, paragraph 1, letter q-bis) of the Consolidated Immigration Act, is aimed at highly qualified non-EU citizens who use technological tools to work remotely, either independently or for a company not necessarily based in Italy. For this category of workers, obtaining the visa does not require a work authorization as it does for other residence permits, significantly simplifying the entry process.

Among the essential requirements to obtain this visa are proof of legitimate annual income corresponding to three times the exemption threshold for the healthcare ticket (currently about 24,789 euros per year for workers without dependents). It is also essential to have valid health insurance coverage in Italy for the entire period of stay, to provide adequate documentation regarding the chosen housing solution, and to certify at least six months of previous professional activity in the digital work sector.

The procedure requires the preparation of documents, the application at the Italian consulate in the country of residence, a waiting period of 30-60 working days for approval, and, once in Italy, the application for a residence permit within eight days of arrival. The visa is valid for one year, renewable, and family members may accompany the applicant with a parallel application.

The Boschetti Law Firm is at your disposal to guide you in the preparation of all these documents, including the applications outside the quota decreto flussi 2025 for digital nomads, either as the exclusive subject of the assignment or within the package of international relocation services.

Entry outside the quotas as an opportunity to access international relocation

Entry into Italy through the provisions of article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act, which allows avoiding the ordinary decreto flussi, represents a strategic opportunity to access international relocation services, which are a strength of the International Law Firm Boschetti.

These specific cases of entry outside the quota, although intended for a qualified minority of foreigners, are crucial for those who wish to move to Italy for work or professional reasons without being bound by the numerical limitations imposed by annual quotas. International relocation is a complex process, requiring a deep knowledge of the Italian legal system, the identification of the most appropriate visa, the search for suitable housing, and guidance in essential services, not only for the individual but also for the family. The relocation service always starts with a general consultation to find the legal solution that legitimizes the transfer under immigration law, and the starting point, in the absence of even more specific situations, is to verify whether entry can take place outside the quota system because our client falls within the categories of article 27 of Legislative Decree no. 286/1998.

Our international relocation services are designed to simplify every stage of the transfer. In addition to the preliminary consultation already mentioned, in which the client’s specific housing and work needs are also assessed, we provide assistance in preparing the documentation for the entry visa and residence permit, and pre-arrival orientation on Italian cultural, healthcare, educational, and tax regulations.

Our expertise also extends to the search for housing, in collaboration with qualified real estate agencies, and to real estate consulting for purchase or rental, ensuring cadastral and urban planning checks. For categories such as professional nurses, a specific case of entry outside the quota, obtaining authorization for family and social healthcare assistance is a fundamental step that requires a specific procedure and the recognition of the degree. Our team also assists with logistical aspects, such as international moving, and with post-arrival settlement services, such as registry registration, identity card and tax code applications, opening bank accounts, registering with the National Health Service, and school enrollment for children.

Typical scenarios / Case studies

The typical scenarios have been developed by drawing on the most significant corporate immigration cases that the firm regularly handles, with the aim of creating structured, complex examples that help the reader navigate their own situation. The case studies, by contrast, illustrate individual real-life matters, anonymised to protect client confidentiality, presented with full factual and contextual detail.

Relocation

US professional chooses Italy: elective residence obtained and future planned

American professional obtains an elective residence visa while maintaining ties with the USA. Integrated assistance from legal strategy to property search..

Application completed in approximately 3 months without additional requests
Business

US opera singer obtains work authorization in 7 days

American opera singer with contracts already signed with an Italian theatre. Self employment work authorization obtained on an urgent basis to meet professional commitments.

Work authorization issued within 7 days from submission of the application
Real Estate

US client purchases property in Rome: secure transaction

American client assisted in the purchase of a property in Rome. Urban planning issues and contractual risks identified and resolved before signing, transaction completed through notarial power of attorney.

Purchase completed within one month, entirely managed remotely
Business

American investor: from New York to a villa in Tuscany

Cross-border property transaction with full relocation service. Purchase of a high-end property, with tax status, residency and NHS registration handled remotely.

Complete relocation service, from property due diligence to handing over the keys
Retirement

Canadian couple, retirement property in Puglia

From Toronto to the Itria Valley. Purchase of a farmhouse with cadastral issues, 7% flat tax on foreign pensions, elective residence visa and healthcare transition.

7% flat tax activated, cadastral issues resolved before the deed of sale
Business

British entrepreneur, opening a business in Milan

Post-Brexit, a London-based tech entrepreneur establishes an operational headquarters in Milan. Immigration pathway as a non-EU national, company incorporation, and tax planning.

European operational hub established with self-employment visa successfully obtained
Tax Planning

Swiss retiree: 7% flat tax regime in Southern Italy

A banking executive relocates from Zurich to Calabria. Management of the Swiss occupational pension pillar, Italy-Switzerland Tax Convention, and deregistration from the cantonal tax register.

7% flat tax activated on all foreign-sourced income
Retirement

American couple: retirement project in Abruzzo with visa and flat tax

From Connecticut to Abruzzo. Elective residency visa, 7% flat tax coordinated with IRS and FATCA obligations, and transition from Medicare to the Italian NHS (SSN).

7% flat tax activated on Social Security and 401(k) pension income
Relocation

German couple, from Munich to Tropea

Retired engineers from the Bavarian automotive sector. Multi-tier pension management, Italy-Germany Tax Convention, and the 7% preferential tax regime.

Three German pension pillars optimised with Italian flat tax
Business

Startup tech: apertura filiale italiana per il mercato EU

A Bay Area SaaS company establishes a Milan headquarters. Innovative startup SRL, EU Blue Card for the team, transfer pricing, impatriates tax regime, and GDPR compliance.

Operational within 5 months, payroll cost −35% with impatriates tax regime
Business

Fashion brand, representative office in Milan

Brand premium newyorkese apre presidio a Milano. Strutturazione per evitare stabile organizzazione, trasferimento direttrice creativa e gestione showroom.

Rischio stabile organizzazione prevenuto, presidio EU operativo
Corporate

Manufacturing company, ICT transfers to Italy

Multinazionale giapponese trasferisce 3 figure chiave in Piemonte. Permessi ICT per manager e specialista, coordinamento consolare e regime impatriati per tutti i dipendenti.

3 trasferimenti completati in 4 mesi e mezzo, linea produttiva avviata nei tempi previsti

    How the International Law Firm Boschetti can help you obtain a visa outside the quotas

    Dealing with the complexities of obtaining a visa outside the quotas and a residence permit for special cases in Italy requires specialized legal expertise and a personalized approach. The International Law Firm Boschetti is the ideal partner to guide you through this process, turning a potentially difficult task into a clear and manageable path. Our methodology begins with a thorough preliminary consultation, during which we analyze your specific situation and identify the most effective strategy for entry into Italy, determining whether your status as a foreign citizen may fall within the categories of article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act.

    Preparing the documentation is a crucial stage, and our team will meticulously assist you in collecting, translating, and legalizing all the documents required for the visa and residence permit application. We understand that Italian bureaucracy can be an obstacle, but our in-depth knowledge of the regulations and constant updates on immigration law ensure accurate and up-to-date information. Many of our clients have expressed gratitude for our professionalism, availability, and honesty, reporting quick successes even in complex situations, such as recognition of citizenship or unlocking pending cases. These testimonials confirm our commitment to offering top-quality service, with proactive, fast, and precise responses.

    Whether you are a manager, a highly specialized professional, an artist, an athlete, a journalist, a digital nomad, or a nurse, the Boschetti Law Firm is ready to support you at every stage, from the first contact to the issuance of your residence permit. With us, you will not have to worry about distance or the complexity of the procedures; our dedication and patience, as emphasized by numerous clients, will make the difference. To have a clear picture of your possibilities and to begin your journey to Italy without concerns, we invite you to contact the International Law Firm Boschetti for a personalized consultation.

    Request a preliminary assessment

    Fill in the form so that we can assess your case. We will contact you within 48 working hours to let you know if and how we can assist you.

    Contattaci 2026 ENG
    Privacy
    This form is reserved for individuals who require legal assistance regarding a specific matter. We do not provide free consultations or respond to general inquiries via email. If you have a case that requires professional evaluation, please complete the form: we will contact you to schedule an initial consultation.

    Via dei Gracchi, 151
    00192 Roma – Italy

    info@italyvisainvestments.com
    Tel: + 39 – 06 889 21971

    By appointment only
    Day: Monday – Friday
    Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

    Digital Nomad Visa: what are the income requirements and how is the activity proven?

    The Italian digital nomad visa requires an annual income from lawful sources of at least three times the healthcare exemption threshold (approximately EUR 20,000–21,000 gross), although in practice a benchmark of around EUR 28,000 is often considered.

    Applicants must work remotely, as employees or freelancers, for an employer or clients not based in Italy, proven through a contract or binding offer. The application must be submitted to the Italian consulate in the country of residence. Valid health insurance, accommodation in Italy, and high qualification requirements are also needed.

    The visa is valid for up to one year and is renewable.

    Intra-company transfer: what procedure to assign a manager to Italy?

    The intra-company transfer (ICT), governed by Article 27-quinquies of the Immigration Act, allows managers, specialists, and trainees from a non-EU company to work at the Italian branch of the same company or group. The procedure requires a work authorization (nulla osta) from the Immigration Office and the subsequent ICT visa issued by the Consulate.

    The ICT permit lasts up to 3 years for managers and specialists and 1 year for trainees. It is exempt from annual quotas. The company must prove the corporate link and the employee’s role, as well as compliance with Italian working conditions.

    Non-EU nurse: how does qualification recognition work in Italy?

    Recognition of a nursing qualification obtained outside the EU requires a decree from the Ministry of Health, following an assessment of the application submitted with the required documentation. The applicant must provide the qualification with official translation, legalization or apostille, together with the other required documents and a detailed study program.

    If the qualification is not fully equivalent, the Ministry may require an aptitude test or a compensatory traineeship. After recognition, registration with the OPI (Order of Nursing Professions) of the relevant province is required. Processing times are approximately 4 months from the complete submission of the application.

    Self-employment visa refused: can it be appealed and within what time limits?

    Yes, the refusal of a self-employment visa can be challenged by filing an appeal before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio within 60 days from notification of the refusal, or by filing an extraordinary appeal to the President of the Republic within 120 days. An appeal to the TAR also allows for a request for interim relief (suspension), provided that, in addition to a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits, there are grounds of urgency.

    The most common grounds for refusal include: insufficient income, incomplete documentation, and failure to demonstrate the economic sustainability of the activity. A lawyer assesses the merits of the appeal and, if the defect exists and can be remedied, it may be more effective to submit a new, corrected application.

    EU Blue Card vs standard work visa: which is more suitable for highly qualified personnel?

    The EU Blue Card is generally more advantageous for highly qualified profiles: it requires a job offer of at least 6 months, a salary not lower than the levels set by collective agreements and the national average (ISTAT), and a higher education degree or qualified professional experience. It is limited to highly qualified subordinate employment.

    The standard work visa falls within the quotas of the immigration decree and offers greater flexibility in requirements, but with longer processing times. The EU Blue Card is quota-exempt and allows intra-EU mobility with certain limitations. The choice depends on the applicant’s profile and compliance with the required criteria.

    The ItalyVisaInvestment website is owned by Studio Legale Boschetti and is the go-to resource for foreigners who wish to invest in Italy, obtain elective residence, or apply for an investment visa.

    © BOSCHETTI STUDIO LEGALE SRL - società tra avvocati - Società unipersonale - Via dei Gracchi, 151 - 00192 Roma - Iscritta al Registro Imprese di Roma - REA n. 1695445 CCIAA Roma - C.F. - P.IVA: 17095831008 - Capitale sociale: € 20.000,00 euro i.v. - Tel. +39 0688921971 - mail: info@studiolegaleboschetti.com - pec: boschettistudiolegale@legalmail.it - Cookie e Privacy Policy