An Italy work visa allows non-EU citizens to enter Italy for employment. It is only an entry visa, and not a permit to live and work long-term. To legally live and work in the country, you must apply for a residence permit within 8 days of entering Italy.
Before applying for the work visa, you must have a valid job offer from an Italian company.
Also, keep in mind that the Italian Government sets an annual quota for the number of work permits it will issue to non-EU workers. Find below the details:
- For the next three years (2026-2028), the government has approved nearly 500,000 work permits for non-EU nationals.
- For 2026, the total quota is 164,850 workers.
- In 2027, it rises slightly to 165,850, and in 2028, it rises further to 166,850.
Key Takeaways
- An Italian Work Visa is only an entry visa — you must apply for a residence permit within 8 days of arrival.
- Your Italian employer must first secure a Nulla Osta (work permit) before you can apply for the visa.
- Italy has fixed yearly quotas; in 2026, only 164,850 foreign workers can receive work permits.
- Processing can take 2–4 months, and the visa is typically valid for up to 2 years, renewable up to 5 years.
Table of contents
Types of Italy Work Visas
Italy offers various types of work visas to non-EU citizens based on the nature of employment. Here are the most common options:
Salaried Employment Visa (Lavoro Subordinato)
This visa is granted to non-EU citizens who have a confirmed job offer from an Italian employer. It is mandatory for the employer to get an authorization or Nulla Osta from the Italian immigration authorities.
Read: Italy Visa – Different Types Of Visas To Enter Italy
Self-Employment Visa (Lavoro Autonomo)
If you want to work independently, start your own business, or work as a freelancer in Italy, you can apply for a self-employment visa. However, you must provide proof of financial stability, business plans, and relevant qualifications.
Seasonal Work Visa (Lavoro Stagionale)
A seasonal work visa is granted for temporary and seasonal work in tourism, hospitality, or agriculture sectors. Valid for up to 9 months and can be renewed.
Highly Skilled Worker Visa (EU Blue Card)
The EU Blue Card visa is issued to highly skilled professionals. They must possess the required educational qualifications and meet the salary threshold.
Eligibility Criteria for an Italy Work Visa
The key requirements for obtaining a work visa include:
- Confirmed job offer or contract from an Italian employer
- The employer must obtain a work permit (Nulla Osta) from the Italian immigration authorities
- No criminal record
- Proof of relevant degrees or professional qualifications
- Proof of financial stability to sustain in Italy
- Health insurance coverage
Documents Required for an Italy Work Visa
While applying for an Italy work visa, you must have the following documents:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and three months of validity beyond your intended stay
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-size photographs as per the required specifications
- Copy of work contract signed by both the employee and employer
- Visa fee receipt
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in the country
- Relevant educational certificates
- Original document and copy of Nulla Osta. Nulla Osta is a no-objection certificate from Italian immigration authorities that permits a non-EU national to apply for a work visa.
How to Apply for an Italy Work Visa?
The following are the steps to apply for an Italian Work Visa:
Step 1: Your employer must apply for your work permit or Nulla Osta at the Immigration office of the respective Italian province.
Step 2: Once the work permit is approved, the employer will send it to you to apply for a work visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
If your country does not have Italian representation, you must apply at the Visa Application Centre or another Schengen country’s representation that which Italy has outsourced visa applications:
Step 3: Download and complete the visa application.
Step 4: Submit the application form in person at the Embassy or Consulate. Attach the necessary documents.
Step 5: You may be called for an interview at the consulate or Embassy.
Step 6: Once the application is approved, you will be issued a work visa. You get six months’ time to travel to Italy.
Once you have entered Italy with a work visa, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days at a local post office. With the residence permit, you can stay and work in the country legally.
Italy Work Visa Processing Time & Cost
The processing time can vary depending on the type of work visa that you have applied for. It can take anywhere between 2-4 months.
The visa application fee will cost approximately €116, depending on the type of work visa. There may be additional charges such as visa application centre service charges, walk-in service fee (if you have not taken a prior appointment), convenience fee, mandatory travel insurance, etc.
The visa fees are non-refundable even if your application is not approved.
Conclusion
Getting a work visa is not easy because the Italian Government sets out yearly quotas in regards to how many non-EU citizens they will issue work visas to. This means the government defines how many foreigners can enter Italy for work, in which sectors, and under what conditions.
Italy Work Visa FAQs
An Italian work visa is usually valid for the duration of the work contract, but no longer than two years. It can be renewed for up to five years.
A work visa is considered an entry visa to Italy for employment. To apply for the work visa, you must have a work permit, which is an authorization by the Italian Immigration authorities allowing foreign nationals to work in Italy. Hence, a work visa alone cannot let you enter Italy for work; it is only the first step.
Your employer has to apply for a work permit at the Immigration office of the respective Italian province. Once the permit is approved, it will be sent to you and, you can then, apply for the work visa.
Yes, it is possible, but you must have a confirmed job offer from an Italian employer. You must also meet other eligibility criteria.
Also Read
- How To Find A Language Tutor In Italy – Tips For Expats And Students
- How to Migrate to Italy – All You Need to Know
- How To Get An Italian Startup Visa Or ISV
