Work Visas and Immigration in Italy

Visas for foreign nationals

Italy offers numerous visas for those wishing to work in the country, some under the European Union, and some under its own administration. Hiring foreigners without valid work permits can result in fines, legal consequences, or visa annulment. In Italy, there are several types of visas available for foreign workers.

• Schengen business visa: This visa covers business or study purposes and is throughout the EU for 90 days.
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa: This visa is for employees transferred within the same company to an Italian branch.
• Lavoro subordinato visa: This Italian visa covering long-term work has different requirements depending on the industry and type of work.
• EU Blue card: This permit covers highly qualified non-EU nationals with a job offer in Italy.
• Digital nomad / remote worker visa: This visa for highly skilled or specialized workers allows employees to work remotely while living in Italy.
• Other visas: There may be other avenues of legal employment in Italy including the Italian start-up visa and the elective residence visa.

Foreigners may also apply for a Short-Term Business Visa, which is issued for business-related activities such as meetings or negotiations in Italy. It does not permit full-time employment in an Italian company.

Sponsorship and employer responsibilities

Hiring a foreign national in Italy requires compliance with immigration, labor, and tax regulations. The sponsoring employer (or employer of record) must meet the following requirements:  

Eligibility criteria 

• Confirm that the foreign applicant has the required qualifications and that no suitable Italian or EU/EEA citizen is available.
• Apply for a work authorization (Nulla Osta) through the One-Stop-Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione), in accordance with the annual quota system (Decreto Flussi).
• Submit a signed job offer, company registration documents, and the applicant’s credentials to the relevant immigration authorities.  

Required documentation 

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
• Employment contract specifying job duties, salary, and duration
• Company registration and letter of intent
• Certified copies of educational and professional qualifications
• Completed visa application form and biometric photos 

Post-arrival requirements 

• Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): After entering Italy, the foreign worker must apply for a residence permit within eight days at the local police headquarters (Questura).
• Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): Ensure registration with the Italian Revenue Agency for tax purposes.
• National Social Security Institute (INPS): Register the employee for social security contributions.  

Update local authorities in case of change of address, employment status, or permit renewal.