Work Visa,
in Italy.

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Types of work visas in italy

Italy is a member of the European Union (EU) and therefore allows citizens from other EU member states to work without a special visa or permit. Citizens of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) are also allowed to work in Italy.

Any candidates who are not EU or EEA citizens will need an Italian work visa. In Italy there are various work permits:

Seasonal work visa (usually related to agriculture or tourism);
Sport or artistic activities visa;
Working holiday visa, and/or;
Long-term stay salaried employment visa.

Most of the time, the long-term stay salaried employment visa is the type of visa sought after. Therefore, the information below will be in regards to this type of visa.

Required documents for a work visa in Italy

The application process is carried out by the employer on the website of the Ministry of the Interior. Employers will need from their employee:

A copy of the employee’s passport;
Proof of accommodation in Italy;
The residence contract in Italian;
Proof that the employee has sufficient means to return home, and;
All information concerning your future employment status.

Process to get a work visa in Italy

Getting a work visa when the employee is based outside of Italy

Generally, employees can only apply to a work visa when based outside of the country. After the employer has completed the application for the employee the employee will then book an appointment with the closest Italian embassy or consulate.

When the employee appears at the appointment they will need:

An Italian visa application form completed;
A recent passport-sized photo;
A valid passport (the expiration date must be at least three month longer than that of the visa), and;
Work permit (called nulla osta – obtained by the employer before the employee can start this process) from the SUI (Sportello Unico per L’Immigrazione).

Getting a work visa when the employee is based inside of Italy

Getting a work visa for an employee based inside of Italy is generally not possible. Employees can only apply for a work visa if they are outside of Italian borders. If the employee is inside Italy for whatever reason, they will have to leave the country and apply at the Italian embassy of their home country.

Special notes about work visas in Italy

It is important to note that to hire a foreign worker in Italy, the employer needs to first obtain a permit called a nulla osta from the Italian immigration office. Securing a job is necessary before going through the work visa application process.

Italian work visas cost 116 EUR.

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Your business can easily hire employees in Italy without opening a local entity. We handle local employment law, complex tax regulations, and international payroll in 180+ countries worldwide. All you need to do is focus on your business.

FAQs

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for non-EU nationals who meet a certain criteria for being highly skilled in their job. You are eligible for a EU Blue Card if:

You have a Master’s degree or equivalent;
Have a least 5 years of experience in your field;
Have a job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year, and;
Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country which you want to work.

The EU Blue Card is to attract highly skilled employees into the EU economic system.

Can Italy work visa holders bring their family members?

Yes, Italy visa holders are allowed to bring their family. This includes your spouse, minor children, adult children with disabilities, dependent parents, or parents over 65 years of age. The work permit must have a minimum duration of over 1 year.

The work visa holder in Italy must submit a request for family reunification with the SUI (Italian Immigration Office) and show proof of sufficient income and adequate accommodation for the family unit.

How long will it take to get a work visa in Italy?

After submission of the application, the processing time to get a work visa in Italy will usually take no longer than 30 days.

How long can I stay in Italy on a work visa?

This depends on the duration of the work contract, but no longer than 2 years on a work visa is allowed.

Can a global employer of record provide a work visa in Italy?

Yes, a global employer of record can provide help getting a work visa in Italy.

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"As a seed-stage, London-based startup, we were initially hesitant to expand internationally due to the administrative workload involved. Horizons took the headache out of the process, allowing us to hire a team of software engineers in Germany."

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Christoph EngelbertCo-Founder & CTO, Clevabit (Germany)

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