🇮🇹 Moving to Italy in 2026: The "Click Day" Countdown and the Exams You Need to Win

If you have been dreaming of making Italy your home, 2026 is officially the year of opportunity. The Italian government has recently confirmed its three-year plan for foreign worker entries, and the numbers are record-breaking. For 2026 alone, the quota has been set at 164,850 work visas, part of a massive nearly 500,000-person expansion through 2028.

However, getting to Italy is only half the battle. Staying here, driving here, and becoming a citizen here requires navigating specific legal hurdles. Here is your roadmap for the 2026 "Click Days" and the exams you need to prepare for right now.

The 2026 "Click Day" Calendar

The Decreto Flussi (Flows Decree) operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis. On these specific dates, the application portal opens, and thousands of spots are filled in minutes.

Mark your calendars for the 2026 windows:

• January 12, 2026: Seasonal work in Agriculture and Fishing.

• February 9, 2026: Seasonal work in Tourism and Hospitality.

• February 16, 2026: Non-seasonal employment (Construction, Mechanics, Telecommunications).

• February 18, 2026: Healthcare workers and family caregivers (badanti).

Why a Visa is Only Step One

A common mistake many newcomers make is thinking the visa is the final destination. In reality, the visa gets you through the door, but Italian Law determines if you get to stay.

To transition from a temporary arrival to a settled resident, you will encounter these three critical requirements:

1. The A2 Integration Exam: To obtain a long-term EU residence permit, you are legally required to prove an A2 level of Italian. Without this certificate, your path to permanent residency hits a wall.

2. The B1 Citizenship Exam: If your goal is an Italian passport (via marriage or naturalization), the B1 language certification is non-negotiable.

3. The Patente B (Driving License): For many non-EU citizens (including those from the US, UK, and Canada), your home driver’s license is only valid for one year after you gain residency. To keep driving, you must pass the Italian driving exam, which is notoriously difficult and conducted entirely in Italian.

How Ready Set Italia Helps

At Ready Set Italia, we specialize in the "Second Step." While others focus on just getting you here, we focus on making sure you can thrive once you arrive.

The terminology used in the A2, B1, and Patente B exams is highly specific. You don't just need to speak Italian; you need to understand the technical language of the Italian bureaucracy and the highway code. Our courses are designed to strip away the confusion and prepare you to pass these official exams on your first attempt.

📚 Official Sources & Resources

We believe in transparency. You can verify the 2026 quotas and legal requirements via these official Italian government channels:

• Visa Quotas & Applications: Ministero dell’Interno (Ministry of the Interior) – The official source for the Decreto Flussi 2026–2028.

• Online Application Portal: Portale Servizi ALI – The official government site where "Click Day" applications are submitted.

• Driving Regulations: Il Portale dell'Automobilista – The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s portal for the Italian driver's license (Patente B).

Ready to make 2026 your year in Italy?

Don't wait until you arrive to start preparing. The most successful expats are the ones who start studying before the "Click Day" even begins.

👉 Explore Ready Set Italia’s Exam Prep Courses Here