How To Apply For Italy Job Visa from Pakistan/India 2026
Pakistani and Indian citizens have never been any closer to achieving the dream of working in Europe. In 2026, the Italian government has announced a historic Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) expansion, with a special 10,500-job quota category of Pakistan, and prioritized positions of India.1
Critical Visa and Legal vocabulary
In order to manoeuvre around the Italian system, you are required to communicate in the language of the Ministry of Interior. A wrong interpretation of these words may result in a denied application.
- The three-year legislative plan, Decreto Flussi 20262028, allowing the non-EU nationals almost half a million work permits.
- Nulla Osta (Lavoro): The most important document. It is the certificate of No Impediment, which has been issued by the officials of Italy.3 Your employer needs to get this and it is only after that you can apply to get a visa at VFS Global.
- Sportello Unico per l Immigrazione (SUI): The One-Stop-Shop of immigration where the legal heavy lifting is done in Italy.
- Visto per Lavoro Subordinato: The Type D national Visa of salaried employees.
- Lavoro Stagionale vs. Non Stagionale: Seasonal employment (not more than 9 months, typically Agriculture/Tourism) vs.6 Non-seasonal employment (not permanent jobs in Construction/Manufacturing).7
- EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE): This one is intended to be held by high professional people and is based on 3 years degree and minimum payment level.8
Digital Portals and Submission Tools: Winning the Day of Click
The whole process of application is digital and time sensitive. Time and once again happening takes a few first.
- ALI Portal: It is the official gateway (portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it) on which applications are submitted.
- SPID (Digital Identity): This is required of your Italian employer to enable them to log in.9 You cannot apply yourself.
- Pre-compilazione (Pre-filling): This is an important stage (usually Oct -Dec) during which employers store your information in a draft.
- Click Day 2026: The exact time the portal goes live.10 In the case of 2026, they are:
- January 12: Seasonal Agriculture.
- February 9: Seasonal Tourism.
- Feb 16: Non seasonal labour in agreement countries (Pakistan / India).
Pakistan and India 2026 requirements
Whereas the employer initiates the process in Italy, you are expected to be prepared in your home country with certain, legalized documents.
- National Visa Form (D type): The long stay form that is offered through VFS Global.
- NADRA FRC / Birth Certificate: This is important to demonstrate family relation of Pakistani applicants. In India, official birth certificates are supposed to be Apostilled.
- Polio Vaccination Certificate: It is considered to be a mandatory requirement specifically to Pakistan applicants.13
- Legalization & Apostille: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) must certify all of the degrees and police clearance certificates.
- Priority Quota: Italy has two categories of countries that cooperate in the area of migration. 38 countries are given priority slot in the quota, which includes Pakistan and India.
After the arrival: the first 8 days
The battle is half getting on land in Italy. These steps are to be done as soon as possible to remain legal.
- Permesso di Soggiorno: You need to request your residence permission within 8 days after arrival.17
- Questura: You will go over to the local police headquarters to print your fingerprints and biometrics.18
- Codice Fiscale: Your tax code in Italy. Without it, you will not be able to get paid or open a bank account.
FAQs
Is it possible to apply to the Italy work visa without an employer?
No. Italian employer will have to start by applying to your Nulla Osta on the ALI portal.
Does the 10500 quota of Pakistan differ with that of India?
Yes Pakistan has a quota of 10,500 (3500 per annum) 3-year quota which is structured, when India is classified under general quota of Priority Countries.
What is the price of the visa in VFS Global?
The visa cost is around 116 euros, the charges of VFS service and legalization fee.
Do I need to speak Italian?
Although not a condition to the visa, jobs in Hospitality and Healthcare usually demand some basic knowledge of Italian.
Is it possible to change a job in Italy?
Yes, however, you have to have your sponsorship transferred to your new employer, and the SUI is to be notified.
Final Thought
The 2026 Decreto Flussi is a life-altering prospect to employees in Pakistan and India.22 The new 10,500-job quota of Pakistan and prioritized status of India makes the gates to Italy broader than ever.23 The system however, is biased towards the fast and the prepared. Make sure that your pre-compilazione is ready and your documents are legalized by MOFA today.
Disclaimer
The information provided about the job is educational and informational only. Before applying, please confirm information on the official employer or the government site (e.g., Ministry of Interior or VFS Global).