Is your company growing globally and beginning operations in Italy? If so, there’s a good chance you’ll be building a talented team by relocating some existing employees and hiring new applicants in Italy. If that’s the case, many employees will need to obtain a visa to legally live and work in Italy.
Types of work visas in Italy
As a member of the European Union (EU), Italy allows citizens from other EU member states to work without a special visa or permit. Citizens of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are also free to work in Italy. Any employees who are not EU, EEA , or Swiss citizens will need an Italy work visa called a Nulla Osta.
In Italy, a work visa falls under the category of a long-stay visa, which may also be referred to as a National or D-Visa. It’s important to note that an Italy work visa simply allows employees to enter the country. To stay in Italy and start working, they’ll need to obtain a residence permit upon arrival.
Requirements to obtain Italy work visas
Citizens of nations outside of the EU, EEA, amd Switzerland will need to have a job in Italy before applying for a work visa. They’ll also need a work permit, which the employer must apply for using supporting documents from the employee.
Along with the application for a work visa in Italy, employees will need the following supporting documents:
- A copy of a signed employment contract
- The original Nulla Osta and an additional copy
- A passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages that’s valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa’s duration
- Passport pictures
- A completed long-stay visa application form
- Proof of accommodation in Italy and paid visa fee
- Diplomas and other qualifying certificates
- International medical insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage and full and unlimited coverage for hospitalization. Emergency repatriation flights as well as repatriation of mortal remains must be included. Detailed table of benefit must be provided.
- Travel reservation (flight, bus, train, etc.)
Application process
The process of getting a Nulla Osta begins when an employee is offered a job in Italy. These are the necessary steps to obtain the work visa:
- The employer applies for a work permit at the immigration office in their respective Italian province.
- Once the work permit is granted, the employer may ask the immigration office to send all the necessary documentation to the Italian embassy or consulate where the employee will apply for a work visa.
- The employee will download and complete the Italy visa application form, collect all necessary documents, and submit the application in person at the Italian embassy or consulate.
- If the Italian authorities approve the application, the employee will have 1 month to pick up the visa and enter Italy.
- Within 8 days of entering Italy, the employee must apply for an additional permit to stay, referred to as a permesso di soggiorno, or residence permit, and the application can be obtained at a local post office in Italy.
An Italy work visa can be valid for up to 2 years depending on the employment contract, but it can be renewed for up to 5 years.
In November 2023, the Italian government published the legislative decree implementing Directive (EU) 2021/1883 on the EU Blue card. As per the new degree, the job offered in order to apply for the EU Blue card in Italy needs to meet the following requirements:
- The contract must be of a duration of at least 6 months.
- The annual gross salary indicated on the binding offer must not be less than the remuneration provided for within national collective agreements.
The new implemented directive also simplifies the procedure in the case of employers who have signed a special agreement with the Ministry of Interior, allowing the international worker to be issued a residence permit within 30 days after the submission of the mandatory online communication of the proposed job offer. While waiting for the issuance of the residence permit, it is possible for the employee to remain lawfully in Italy and temporarily carry out the work activity until receipt of communication from the public security authority. Employees will still require a fiscal code before being formally hired.
Other important considerations
There is a set quota of work visas that the Italian government will issue during a given window. Highly skilled employees may be exempt from the quota, but they will still need to go through the appropriate process of applying for a work permit and visa.
As of Jan. 30, 2023, Italy increased the work permit quota from 69,700 to 82,705 for non-EU and non-EEA nationals.
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For this particular location, G-P may offer support processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.