How to Get Your Italy Work Visa

Italy plans to issue nearly 500,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028. The Italian government has already allocated 151,000 work permits through the Decreto Flussi program in 2025 alone.

Getting your Italy work permit takes more than just applying when spots open up. The numbers tell a challenging story - only 7.8 percent of entry quotas set by the government resulted in work permits and stable jobs in 2025. You'll need to apply for your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within eight days of entering Italy. Understanding the process before you start is a vital part of success.

Why apply for an Italy work visa? 

• Italy’s quota for non‑EU work visas in 2025 is set at 165,000 slots.
• On June 30, 2025, the government approved a three‑year plan to issue 497,550 work visas
• Regarded as the 3rd largest economy and 8th in the World
• Travel to the EU Schengen Zone
• Italy work visa is also known as Italian Long-Stay visa
• Work for 36 hours a week

Italy is seen as an attractive destination to work. Italy's Work visa is considered an entrance visa, and it is necessary to have a work permit before entering Italy. Italy's work visa comes into the category of a long-stay visa. The long-stay visa is also known as a D-visa or National visa. After receiving an Italian work visa, one must apply for a residency permit within less than eight days of entering the country. The Italian government will announce to accept work permit applications for a few months every one or two years, based on the demand for the Italian job Market. 

Benefits of Working in Italy with Italy Work Visa

• More career opportunities 
• Work-life balance 
• Overtime Pay 
• Leave entitlement
• Parental leave
• Pension plan
• Retirement benefit 
• Minimum wage requirements 

Italy Work visa Types 

Suppose you are an individual planning to move to a foreign country. Whether you are self-employed or work for an organization, you must abide by the local employment laws of whichever country you reside in. 

This also means if a person plans to live and work in Italy, they must ensure they have the necessary work visa and residency permit before they start working. 

There are different types of work visa-the employer sponsors your visa, such as:

Salaried-employment visa: The employer can sponsor your visa through Salaried-employment visa. 

Self-employment visa- This visa sponsors categories like: 

• Business owner
• Start-up
• Freelancer
• Sports Activity
• Artistic Activity           

Seasonal Work Visa:

Italy offers seasonal work visas to individuals hired temporarily to fill the country's seasonal needs. An Italian employer must provide you with a job to be eligible for this visa. With this visa, an individual can work in Italy for up to nine months, and the employer will provide them with accommodation for stay. 

An extra-quota employment visa: 

An extra-quota employment visa is available for individuals whose professions don’t fall under the typical employment visa category. With this visa, an individual can stay for two years. This visa includes individuals who have highly specialized careers, such as: 

• Nurses
• Interpreters and translators
• Artists
• Athletes
• Journalists

A Business Schengen visa: 

Individuals living in other Schengen member areas are allowed to enter Italy and work through a short-term Schengen visa. With this visa, an employee can enter Italy for no more than 90 days every 180 days to stay and conduct business. 

The visa can’t be considered ideal for individuals who plan to live and work in Italy long-term. 

A Digital Nomad Visa: 

Many individuals who are working remotely are regarded as Digital Nomads. They earn a living by working online from different locations rather than a fixed place of business. Italy is registering a Digital Nomad visa, which allows visa holders to live and work in Italy for up to a year without the need to apply for a separate residency visa. 

A salaried Employment visa: 

A salaried employment visa is a standard residency visa that allows an employee to live and work in Italy long term. If a company is hiring you to live and work in Italy or being relocated, this visa will ensure your employment contract remotely. 

With the salary employment visa, the visa holder can live and work in Italy for up to a year.

A scientific Research visa: 

This type of visa is intended for individuals brought to Italy, especially to conduct research. If an individual obtains this visa, the research institution takes up the responsibility for hosting that individual in Italy and must also pay them a minimum salary of 12,000 EUR. 

A research visa is unique in that it is valid for the length of time agreed upon by the research industry to complete the research. After this, an individual can choose to apply for a salaried employment visa. 

Jobs in Italy with Italy Work Visa

Here is the list of high demand jobs in Italy:

Job Title	Average Salary (EUR)
Accountant	2,720
Chartered Accountant	3,310
Office Manager	3,230
Art Director	3,600
Aerospace Engineer	4,640
Creative Director	3,730
Pilot	6,210
Architect	4,460
Bank Branch Manager	7,060
Teacher	2,790
Business Analyst	4,740
Business Development Manager	5,940
Civil Engineer	3,570
Electrical Engineer	3,860
Chief Executive Officer	8,480
Chief Financial Officer	8,080
Dentist	8,730
Dietitian	7,690
Computer Technician	2,880
Journalist	4,460
Pharmacist	4,900
Sales Manager	6,670

Italy work visa requirements and documents

Your application needs these documents:

• Completed long-stay visa application form (National D-Type)
• Two recent color passport-sized photographs with white background
• Valid passport with minimum 3 months validity beyond visa duration and at least 2 blank pages
• Original Nulla Osta and a copy
• Copy of your signed employment contract
• Copy of your national ID card
• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage including emergency repatriation)
• Travel reservation showing entry into Italy
• Academic qualifications and professional certificates
• NADRA Family Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements)

Note that requirements might vary based on your nationality and specific situation. The local Italian mission will give you the most up-to-date requirements.

Italy work visa Processing time and fees

Processing times can vary:

• Standard processing: 2 to 30 days
• Complete process (including work permit): 2 to 6 months

The costs you should expect:

• Visa fee: €116
• Additional costs for the residence permit once in Italy:

• €40 for stays between 3-12 months
• €50 for stays between 12-24 months
• Plus administrative costs (€30 for postal kit, €16 for tax stamp, €30.46 for issuance)

The embassy or consulate will notify you upon approval. You'll have six months to collect and use your visa to enter Italy [151].

Tips for  Italy Work Visa successful visa application

Here's how to boost your approval chances:

1. Start early: Get your documents ready well ahead, especially during busy seasons
2. Double-check everything: Small mistakes can cause rejection or delays
3. Organize methodically: Arrange documents according to the embassy's checklist
4. Submit complete applications: The embassy usually rejects incomplete applications right away
5. Be interview-ready: You should prepare answers about your job, company, and Italian plans

Your visa approval means you must enter Italy within its validity period. You'll need to apply for your residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days after arrival, we'll cover this crucial step next.

Enter Italy with Italy Work Visa and Apply for a Residence Permit

Your next significant step after landing in Italy with your work visa is to apply for a residence permit. This document makes your stay legal and lets you access vital services during your employment period.

What is the Permesso di Soggiorno

The Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) lets non-EU citizens legally live in Italy beyond their original entry visa. You can work legally, access healthcare services, open a bank account, and join educational programs with this permit. The authorities usually issue electronic residence permits within 60 days. You must renew it every 10 years based on the document's expiry date.

How to apply within 8 days of arrival

You must submit your residence permit application within 8 working days of entering Italy. This strict deadline has no extensions. You can apply through two main ways:

At the Sportello Amico post office:

• Get the "Kit Giallo" (Yellow Kit) with application forms
• Complete all forms and attach required documentation
• Pay application fees between €100.46 and €160.46 based on permit duration
• Submit your application to receive a receipt ("cedolino")

You can also apply at your province's Questura (Police Headquarters). Your receipt serves as temporary proof of legal status while you wait for the actual permit.

Documents needed for the residence permit

Your application requires:

• Valid passport with visa and photocopies
• Completed application forms from the Yellow Kit
• Four similar, recent passport-sized photographs
• €16 revenue stamp (marca da bollo) from a tobacco shop
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or deed)
• Original and photocopy of your work contract
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Health insurance documentation

Signing the Integration Agreement

You'll sign the Integration Agreement (Accordo di Integrazione) when applying for your residence permit at the Immigration Services Office or Questura. Non-EU citizens aged 16-65 must sign this two-year contract with the Italian state when applying for residence permits lasting at least one year.

The agreement comes in 19 languages and requires you to:

• Learn simple Italian language skills
• Understand key principles of Italian civic life
• Ensure your minor children's education if applicable
• Meet integration requirements to earn points needed for permit renewal

These steps secure your legal status in Italy. You can then focus on your professional goals throughout your authorized stay.

Italy Work Visa Validity and Renewal Options

Your successful Italy work visa application opens doors to many opportunities. Let's look at how long your visa lasts and what you need to do to renew it. This knowledge will help you plan your career and life in Italy better.

How long the Italy work visa is valid

Your work permit duration matches your employment contract length. Time-limited contracts usually get one-year permits, while unlimited contracts receive two-year authorizations. The maximum duration of any new work visa is two years. Your residence permit will last as long as your visa or work authorization.

Here's what you'll pay for residence permits:

• €40 for stays between 3-12 months
• €50 for stays between 12-24 months
• €100 for long-term permits

Renewing your Italy Work visa and staying long-term

You should submit your renewal application 60 days before your current permit expires. The immigration office accepts applications 90 days before expiry. Some cases allow submissions up to 60 days after expiration. Early planning helps avoid gaps in your documentation.

Your renewal requires you to:

• Meet the original visa requirements
• Show proof of current work income
• Have stable housing through a rental agreement or property deed

Long absences from Italy could affect your renewal chances. Permits valid under two years don't allow stays outside Italy beyond six consecutive months. Longer permits of two years or more limit absences to half the permit's duration.

Switching from student or training permit to work visa

1. The Cutro Decree has made it easier to switch from student permits to work visas.
2.These conversions now happen outside Flow Decree quotas.
3. You can apply for conversion throughout the year without number restrictions.
4. Moving to subordinate employment needs a job offer with more than 20 weekly hours.
5. Self-employment switches require proof of your business plan and funds exceeding €8,500.
6. University students don't need to finish their studies before applying for conversion.
7. Students with training or internship permits must complete their programs first.
8. A work contract signed before your student permit expires might still allow conversion.
9. The best approach remains applying well before your current permit ends.
How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the best route to get work in Italy. Our impeccable services are:

• Y-Axis has helped multiple clients to work overseas.
• The exclusive Y-axis jobs search services will help you search for your desired job overseas.
• Y-Axis coaching will help you ace the standardized test required for immigration.

*Want to work in Italy? Contact Y-Axis, the No.1 Work Overseas Consultant in the UK

 

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