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:
Italy offers various types of work visas to non-EU citizens based on the nature of employment. Here are the most common options:
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
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.
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.
The EU Blue Card visa is issued to highly skilled professionals. They must possess the required educational qualifications and meet the salary threshold.
The key requirements for obtaining a work visa include:
While applying for an Italy work visa, you must have the following documents:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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