Immigration. Travel. Living.

Italy: work permit and requirements

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In this article, I’ll guide you through the full application process for an Italian work permit. You’ll also get to see all the needed documents, types of authorization, cost and eligibility.

Requirements and eligibility

Who needs to register as a job-seeker? If you are a citizen of any EU country, you can live and work in Italy without a permit. Italy is part of the EU. This means that all EU nationals can work without any authorization.

As an EU citizen, you only need a “declaration of presence” from a Questura or local police station. If you plan to stay longer than 3 months and you must also apply for a residence permit.

All foreign citizens from non-EU countries that want to work in Italian companies must possess a work permit. Non-EU citizens planning on working in Italy for more than 3 months must possess a work permit. You must already have a job before you can apply for a work visa in Italy.

Application for a work permit in Italy

For non-EU nationals, application for a work permit is divided into 3 easy steps. This is the procedure to obtain an Italian employment authorization:

  • Step 1: Find an Italian employer, business or co-operation that will hire you. Once you get the job, your employer will apply for your license. In Italy, only the employer can apply for and receive the license. Once the application has been approved, your employer will send the document to you.
  • Step 2: Apply for a work visa in an Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. If your application is approved, you can proceed to step 3.
  • Step 3: Fly to Italy and begin your application for a residence permit. The residence permit allows you [non-EU national] to live and find a job in the country. Your residence license will be issued 8 days after your arrival.

If you plan on working in Italy, make sure you apply early. The Italian Government has annual quotas that decide the amount of non-EU citizens that would possess. 

Types Of Work Permits In Italy

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One of the reasons why Italy is one of the best places to get employed in Europe is because they offer various visa types that fit many specific needs. If you are planning on working in Italy, these are the major types of work permits available in the country:

  • Seasonal;
  • Long-Term;
  • Subordinate;
  • Self-Employment.

You can find more information at the Italian Ministry of Interior’s website.

The Seasonal Work Permit

The seasonal work permit is an authorization that is quite easy to obtain. It is given to seasonal activity workers usually in agriculture and tourism. Any Italian co-operation based in any of these industries can hire foreign personnel using a seasonal employment visa. It is valid for 20 days to 3 months.

The Long-Term Permit

The long-term permit also called residence permit is the opposite of the seasonal work permit. This document allows the beneficiary to stay in Italy for an indefinite period. The best thing about long-term permit is that if the beneficiary leaves Italy, he/she can easily re-enter without applying for a visa.

The Subordinate Work Permit 

This type of work visa can only be obtained by the employer on behalf of the non-EU employee that wants a job in the Italian Republic. The company or employer is required to acquire clearance from the Immigration Department (Nulla Osta). 

Self-Employment Visa

Self-employment permit allows non-EU nationals to partake in any kind of job or start a business of its own. It is valid for up to 2 years.

Documents Needed For Work Permit Application in Italy

The application of the permit is handled by the Italian company employing the foreign worker. When applying for a work permit, these are the documents required by the Italian government to begin processing the Italian work permit for a non-EU citizen:

  • Evidence of accommodation in Italy;
  • A fiscal document of the company;
  • The company’s certificate of incorporation;
  • The employee’s salary statement.

You don’t need to apply for a work permit, your employer will do that for you. You only need to apply for a work visa. When applying for this type of visa, you have to submit supporting documents that would validate your identity and prove your claim. Some of the documents to apply for an Italian work visa are:

  • Copy of the signed work contract;
  • Passport with at least two blank pages;
  • Diplomas or other certificates;
  • Visa payment receipt;
  • Accommodation in Italy;
  • A copy of your Nulla Osta;
  • Passport photographs;
  • Italian Long-Stay Visa Application form;
  • Bank statement or Proof of sufficient financial means.

The cost of an Italian work visa is €60. You need to pay this non-refundable fee before you can begin your application. All supporting documents must be legalized & translated by an Italian notary. Italian work visas are valid all through the contract duration, it is valid for a maximum of two years and can also be renewed and extended for up to five years.

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