Immigration
EU free movement with a quota-based decree for non-EU workers
EU nationals move freely, while non-EU immigration runs through the Consolidated Immigration Act. Economic migration is largely controlled by an annual flows decree setting quotas, alongside routes for study, family reunion and self-employment.
Key rules
- Non-EU work entry usually depends on quotas fixed by the decreto flussi.
- A residence permit application must generally be filed within eight working days of entry.
- Long-term EU residence status is available after five years with income and integration conditions.
Governing law
- Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree 286/1998)
- Citizenship Act (Act 91/1992)
In practice
Quota applications open on a fixed date and are often exhausted within hours, so preparation before the click day is decisive.