How to Apply for The Italy Work Visa 2024

Italy’s work visa is only issued at certain times of the year. Learn how to apply for an Italy work visa online in 2024.

Did you know that Italy only accepts a limited number of work visa applications and only during specific months each year?

So, if you’re a non-EU citizen and want to move to Italy for work, you need to prepare early.

1. Find a company to hire you: You’ll first need to find an employer in Italy who is willing to hire you.
2. Employer applies for your work permit: The company will then apply for your work permit on your behalf.
3. Apply for your work visa: Only after your work permit is approved can you apply for the work visa, but remember, this can only be done during the periods when Italy is accepting visa applications.

To help you through this process, we’ll explain everything you need to know, from finding a job and getting your work permit to securing your residence permit and arranging the necessary paperwork.

Are foreigners allowed to work in Italy?

Yes, foreigners are allowed to work in Italy, provided they meet certain requirements.

• Europeans, including EEA and Swiss citizens, must obtain a declaration of presence from the local police station and apply for a residence permit if their stay exceeds 3 months.
• Non-Europeans need to secure a job offer, obtain a work permit, and then apply for a work visa and residence permit to legally live and work in Italy.

Types of Work Visas in Italy

There are different types of long-term work visas, also known as National Visas (Visa D), for those who want to work in Italy for more than 90 days.

The main work visas in Italy are:

1. Salaried Employment Visa: Sponsored by your employer, this visa lasts for up to 2 years and can be renewed for up to 5 years.
2. Self-Employment Visa: Designed for individuals who wish to start or move their business to Italy. The visa is valid for up to 2 years.
3. Long-Term Seasonal Work Visa: For workers in the agricultural and tourism sectors. This visa is valid for up to 9 months.
4. Working Holiday Visa: For those who wish to work while on holiday. This visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months.

How Can I Get a Work Visa for Italy?

There are 5 main steps to obtaining a work visa for Italy:

1. Find a Job in Italy: Secure a job where an Italian employer is willing to hire you and sponsor your work permit.
2. Employer Applies for Your Work Permit: Your Italian employer will apply for your work permit (nulla osta al lavoro) at the nearest immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
3. Receive Your Work Permit: Once your employer has been granted your work permit, they will send you a digital copy and notify the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.
4. Apply for a Work Visa: With the Nulla Osta and other necessary documents in hand, you have 6 months to apply for a work visa at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy.
5. Enter Italy: Once your visa is granted, you have 6 months to pick it up and enter Italy.

To apply for both the work permit and the work visa, you’ll need to gather specific documents. You can find the list below.

Italy Work Permit Requirements

Since your Italian employer will apply for your work permit, you’ll need to provide them with supporting documents. The exact documents required can vary by local immigration office, so it’s advisable to ask your employer what specific documents you need to submit.

In general, you’ll need the following documents for an Italian work permit (Nulla Osta al lavoro):

• A copy of your valid passport or ID.
• The proposed work contract, including:
  • Terms of employment, duration of the contract, salary, and social security contributions.
  • Employer’s details, such as Chamber of Commerce registration number, legal name, and address of the company.
• A signed ‘stay contract’ (Contratto di soggiorno) confirming:
  • The employer’s responsibility to notify of any changes in the employment contract.
  • Provision of suitable accommodation in Italy that meets local housing standards.
  • The employer’s obligation to cover repatriation costs in case of expulsion from Italy.

Italy Work Visa Requirements

To apply for an Italian work visa, you’ll need the following documents:

• Application form for the Italian Long-Stay Visa.
• Proof of visa fee payment.
• A copy of your signed employment contract.
• The original and a copy of your Nulla Osta.
• Valid passport and photocopies.
• 2 recent passport photos.
• Proof of accommodation in Italy.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.
• Copy of your flight itinerary.
• Proof of health and travel insurance that covers Italy.
• Other supporting documents, such as diplomas.

Italy Work Visa Processing Time: A work visa for Italy is typically processed within 2 to 30 days. Once your visa is approved, you’ll be notified by your local embassy, and you’ll have 6 months to collect it.

Note: A work visa is generally valid for the duration of your job contract.

How much does italy work visa cost?

The cost of an Italy work visa is €116 which is payable when you submit your application. This fee must be paid in euros at the time of your application.

Is It Easy to Get a Work Permit in Italy?

It can be challenging to obtain a work permit in Italy because the Italian government sets an annual limit on the number of work permits it grants. This limit is based on the country’s job market and immigration numbers, and it is known as Decreto Flussi.

Due to this quota, it’s crucial to apply for an Italy work visa as early as possible, as applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Italy Work Permit Quota for 2024 (Decreto Flussi)

For 2024, the Italian government has set the work permit quota at 151,000. Of these:

• 89,050 are for seasonal workers.
• 61,950 are for non-seasonal workers.
• 800 are for self-employed workers.

Italy Work Permit Open Date 2024

The application forms are usually available from mid-January. However, you can only apply for work visas from:

• 5th February: For non-seasonal workers from countries with labor agreements with the Italian government.
• 7th February: For all other non-seasonal workers.
• 12th February: For seasonal workers.

Although applications remain open until December, the quota typically fills within minutes of the applications opening, so it’s essential to act quickly!

After Arriving in Italy

1. Collect Your Residence Permit

You have 8 days after your arrival in Italy to sign the ‘stay contract’ (Contratto di soggiorno) at the immigration single desk (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) and obtain your Italian residence permit.

To get your residence permit, visit the post office to complete an application form and pay €76.46. This application will be sent by post to the police.

In the meantime, you’ll receive a receipt that serves as proof of legal stay until your residence permit arrives. The receipt will include a user ID and password to track the status of your application.

Within a few months, the local police station (questura) will contact you to present your passport, work visa, and take your fingerprints. After this, you will receive your residence permit, which is a smart card granting you the right to stay and work in Italy.

2. Sign the Integration Agreement

If you are moving to Italy for more than 1 year, you need to sign an integration agreement. This agreement includes:

• Committing to speaking Italian at level A2 or above.
• Learning about civilian life in Italy, including healthcare, the schooling system, work obligations, etc.

You must complete these requirements before your second year in Italy ends. Courses for these requirements can be taken at the local prefettura.

Completing these requirements will earn you points. You need 30 points to renew your residence permit and uphold the agreement. Passing the civic education test grants 16 points, while learning Italian earns 14 points for level A2 and 30 points for level B1 or above.

3. Register with the Municipality

Anyone planning to stay long-term in Italy must register with the local municipality. This will add your name to the local registry’s records (Ufficio Anagrafe).

4. Get Your Codice Fiscale

Apply for your TAX ID, known as Codice Fiscale. This will enable you to pay taxes, open a bank account, get a mobile phone number, and access Italian healthcare.

5. Apply for Health Insurance

As a non-EU citizen working in Italy, you must register for the Italian healthcare system. All employees receive free access to state healthcare (Iscrizione Obbligatoria) as their social security contributions fund the system.

6. Open a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Italy is straightforward. Visit the bank where you want to register and bring the following documents:

• Passport or national ID card.
• Tax number (Codice Fiscale).
• Proof of address in Italy.
• Residence card or proof of employment in Italy.

Due to COVID-19, you can also open a bank account online. The bank will ask for photos of the documents listed above and may request a photo of you.

Although your Italian bank card will be dispatched within 3 working days, you can use your online bank account to make payments immediately.