Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as an employed worker in Italy? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.
To work in Italy as an employed worker, you must obtain:
Italy operates a quota-system which is fixed annually. Quotas do not apply to certain categories of workers.
Where and how to apply
Authorisation to work
Your employer must apply for an authorisation to work at the One-Stop-Shops for Immigration in the Prefettura of the province where the job will take place.
An authorisation to work will be granted only if you come within the annual quota for non-EU workers.
The One-Stop-Shop will electronically inform the consulate or the embassy that an authorisation to work has been granted.
Visa
The embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence will produce a visa which you have six months to collect and use to enter Italy. This period of time is calculated starting from the date on which the authorisation to work is released. The authorisation to work is necessary to obtain the entry visa.
Residence permit
Within eight days of arrival in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit at the One-Stop-Shop for Immigration in the Prefettura of the province where you will work.
As a general rule, visas to enter the Italian territory (excluding Uniform Schengen Visas) cost €116. As for residence permits, their cost is €40 for stays between 3 and 12 months; €50 for stays between 12 and 24 months; and €100 for long-term residence permits, highly-qualified workers and intra-corporate transferees. In addition, administrative costs amount to €30 for the sending of the postal kit; €16 for the tax stamp; and €30.46 for issuance costs.
When applying for an authorisation to work, your future employer must submit documents regarding:
You must sign a residence contract (in Italian) with your employer, and present a passport and travel documents.
Duration of validity of permits
Your work authorisation is related to your contract of work-related residence and will last for a corresponding period of time:
The duration of your residence permits will depend on your visa or work authorisation.
Conditions for renewal
Renewal is granted provided you meet the requirements necessary for entering the territory. Requests for renewal must be presented at least 60 days before expiration of the residence permit.
Decisions related to visas and residence permit can be challenged before the Regional Administrative Tribunal within 60 days of notification.