Guide to working in Italy

Table of contents

1. Italy's job market

2. Italy work visas

3. Financial planning

4. What you should know about work life in Italy

5. Tips for adjusting to life abroad

There is lots involved in the process of moving abroad for work, from applying for visas and finding the right role, to having an understanding of the job market and adjusting to expat life.

Check out our guide for some useful information about working in Italy as an expat.

Italy's job market

It can be good to know what Italy’s job market is like before you relocate, which is characterised by region.

For example, manufacturing, fashion and finance are key industries in the north, with Milan acting as the economic centre of the country. Meanwhile, the main job sectors in the south include agriculture and farming.

Additionally, there is an increasing demand for foreign workers in Italy, with the country requiring approximately 3.8 million by 2027 to close employment gaps.[2] Some of the industries facing shortages are:

Healthcare

• ICT

• Marketing

• STEM disciplines

• Trade and tourism

Check out our guide about living in Italy as an expat to gain a deeper understanding of the different facets of Italian life.

Italy's work visas

Depending on your nationality, you might need to apply for a visa before you’re able to work in Italy.

If you’re an EU/EEA national, then you’re free to work here without a permit. However, you must register your residency with your local municipality if you are staying in the country for longer than three months.

It’s important to note that the Italian government only allows a certain number of non-EU/EEA citizens to enter Italy for work under the Decreto Flussi (Entry Quotas Decree) law. For the period 2023-2025, this number amounts to 425,000 foreign workers. [3]

As well as this, the process of applying for work in Italy can be complicated for non-EU/EEA nationals. Some examples of documentation you will need to have are:

• An authorisation of work: examples of this include a valid job offer or contract of employment which your employer is responsible for acquiring from the local Prefetture (local government office).

• A work visa: this also needs to be obtained prior to your move to Italy.  Do plenty of research beforehand to find out how the process works, which can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.

• An integration agreement: you have to sign this agreement if you’re intending to stay in Italy for a period of more than a year. You must meet certain requirements as part of this, such as attending language classes and gaining adequate knowledge of the Italian culture.

• Residence permit: the employer has to obtain a residence permit for the non-EU citizen from an immigration office within eight days if they are staying in the country for more than 90 days.

Choosing a place to live is a key decision you will make when relocating, so it’s important you find somewhere that suits all your needs. Check out our blog about the best places to live in Italy for some inspiration.

Financial planning

Another important aspect of moving abroad is creating a financial plan, which could cover expenses such as accommodation costs, health insurance, flight tickets, and visa fees.

It can be useful to open an international bank account before you begin working. Spend time researching accounts that will meets your personal needs, taking into account factors like fees and charges, interest rates and what documentation you will need to open the account.

It’s important to note that health insurance cover is a pre-requisite when applying for a visa in Italy. To protect your healthcare needs, you could consider international health insurance, which can provide you with fast access to eligible medical treatment in leading private medical facilities and plenty of flexibility in where you receive care and who you’re treated by.

What to know about work life in Italy

Understanding the work life and culture can be good to have before you move. Here are some insights into this to give you an idea of what to expect:

• The average number of working hours is 36, and the maximum is 48.[4]

• The average income for a worker in Italy is €32,450, with salaries generally higher in the north than in the south. [5]

• Employees are entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday leave every year.

• Women have the right to 5 months of maternity leave, which can be taken up to 2 months before the baby is due. In this period, they are paid a minimum of 80% of their total salary.

• Men are allowed up to 10 days of paternity leave when their child is born, during which they will receive 100% of their salary.

Tips for adjusting to life abroad

Once you have moved abroad, it’s time to start settling to expat life and exploring all it has to offer. The adjustment period can take a while, but there are some steps you can take that will help you with this.

It’s advisable to learn Italian when working in Italy, as this will allow you to feel more comfortable in your workplace as well as make communication with your colleagues easier. Activities that can support you with this include enrolling on a language learning course, watching TV and listening to music in Italian, and speaking the dialect as much as possible.

Becoming involved in your community can also be a great way of building friendships after you first arrive. You can try attending nearby events, taking part in a gym class, or you use resources online to connect with fellow expats.

For some more tips about adjusting to expat life, click here.