In early 2021, the unemployment rate in Italy was 10.2%. Unemployment dropped during October and November. However, it is predicted that jobs in the manufacturing industry will continue to be lost over the next ten years.
Growth is expected in other industries. These include administration services, accommodation & food, and wholesale & retail trade. Retail & hospitality managers, office professionals, and construction workers are likely to be the fastest-growing occupations.
The headquarters for many of Italy’s major brands are in northern Italy, which is more heavily populated than the south. Many career-focused graduates choose to seek work in northern cities such as Genoa, Milan and Turin. Popular graduate career paths include automotive, engineering, insurance, and telecommunications. Italy is a major global producer of olive oil, fruit, and wine. Employment opportunities in southern parts of Italy are likely to be linked to farming and agriculture.
Italians prioritise family life, and most people strive for a positive work-life balance. Most full-time workers in Italy work for around 36 hours per week. The maximum legal working week is 40 hours plus eight overtime hours. The typical working week is Monday to Friday, starting at 08:00 or 09:00. People take a one or even two-hour break between 13:00 and 15:00 and finish at 18:00 or 19:00.
In some public sector roles, you may be expected to work weekends, although individual employers set working hours. Employees can take a minimum of four weeks of paid annual leave plus 12 public holidays.
There is no set minimum wage in Italy. In 2020, the average annual wage in Italy was approximately 27,997 EUR (30,751 USD, or 23,344 GBP).
Different types of working visas in Italy
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens don’t need an Italian work visa to live and work in Italy. However, if you plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must visit the local town hall (comune) or police station to apply for a residence permit. You should do this promptly after arriving in Italy, especially if you plan to apply for permanent residence. You must produce documents, including an ID card or passport and your personal tax code, as part of the application. You can request your tax code (codice fiscale) online.
If you’re a non-EU citizen (including British citizens), you will need a visa, work permit, and residence permit to live and work in Italy. You can apply for several different visa types, depending on your stay's purpose. As a foreign national, you must apply for a residence permit soon after arriving in Italy.
Non-EU citizens should prioritise finding employment in Italy. Once you have a job offer, the employing organisation will take care of most of the visa application process. Here’s the process you will need to follow:
Apply for work with an Italian employer. They will apply for your work permit and send it to you if hired. Your work permit is usually sent electronically.
Once you have received the work permit, you will need to apply for an Italy work visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. The Italian government caps the number of work visas they approve each year. As part of the application, you will need to show your signed employment contract and other supporting documentation.
If your work visa application is approved, you can enter Italy and apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit). After arriving in Italy, you must visit your city’s local post office to apply for a residence permit within eight days. You must take your work permit, work visa, and other supporting documents. If a residence permit is granted, you can stay and work in Italy legally.
Italy work visas are usually valid for the duration of your work contract. The maximum time frame is two years, but they can be renewed for up to five years. If your application for an Italy work visa is approved, you will have up to six months to collect it and enter Italy.
Working in Italy as an EU citizen vs non-EU citizen
Working in Italy as an EU citizen is a relatively simple process. EU citizens are free to move to Italy and seek work without applying for a work permit or visa. However, EU citizens are required to obtain a declaration of presence from Questure or a local police office. If an EU citizen intends to stay in Italy for longer than three months, they must apply for a residence permit.
Non-EU citizens must receive an employment offer before applying for a work permit. Once this is approved, they must apply for an Italian work visa. Upon arriving in Italy, they must apply for a residence permit.
Typical expat jobs in Italy
Tourism and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) are popular opportunities for expats. Being able to speak English is a plus point when applying for these roles. But competition is fierce, with many prospective candidates applying for each position.
If you’re looking for teaching jobs in Italy for English speakers, you’re most likely to find opportunities in larger Italian towns and cities, such as Florence, Milan, and Rome.
Tourism is a key industry, with millions of people visiting Italy annually. Finding casual and temporary employment can be simpler than securing a permanent job. If you’re looking for seasonal work, this should be relatively easy to find in the many bars, hotels and restaurants. You might also enquire at holiday resorts, summer camps, and ski resorts in the Italian Alps.
If you’re looking for seasonal work away from tourism, there are often opportunities for fruit picking during the summer months.
Other popular job roles for expats include sales representatives, finance professionals, healthcare staff, engineers, and web developers.
Where to look for a job in Italy
You can search for jobs in Italy online or through recruitment agencies. To get started, visit the following websites:
Networking is another effective way to find out about job vacancies in Italy. Do you already work for an international company with offices in Italy? Find out if there are opportunities for secondment or relocation.
Many jobs in Italy are not advertised, so sending speculative applications is the norm. Research the organisation thoroughly, and address your application to the most appropriate person. This might be a manager or human resources professional, depending on the structure and size of the business.
Consider attending networking events and setting up a professional social media account on LinkedIn.
If you would like to apply for a position advertised online, you will usually need to complete an application form or submit your CV or resume with a cover letter. Your documents should be submitted in Italian unless instructed otherwise. Having your qualifications and certificates translated into Italian is helpful, as this will save you time later on.
Your CV or resume must fit with the Italian-style CV format. Start with your personal data, including your full name, contact information, and birth date. Including details of your nationality will help the employer to identify whether you will be granted a work visa.
The next section should be about your professional work experience. Begin with your current or most recent job role. Work back to your qualifications, including your university or college degree or diploma (if applicable).
Add contact information for a referee who may be contacted to vouch for your suitability for the role. Some candidates include a professional headshot photo, but it’s not essential. Don't include information on hobbies or interests unless these are relevant to the position or industry you are applying for.
Your CV or resume should be a maximum of two pages long. The only exception is if you put yourself forward for professional roles in medicine or engineering, where you must list full details of your technical skills and experience.
When attending an interview, always dress in accordance with the company culture. If in doubt, dress smartly. Italians are known for their style, and Italy is one of the major fashion capitals in Europe. Professional attire should be smart and elegant. Always choose a formal outfit for initial meetings and interviews. You can gauge the company culture and adjust your attire for future meetings if necessary.
Italy has a comprehensive process for job applications. You can expect to attend a series of interviews, and you may also be asked to sit skills tests or psychometric assessments.
Greet the interviewer with a handshake, and maintain regular eye contact throughout the meeting. Punctuality is essential, so make plans to arrive around ten minutes before your scheduled interview.
Working for a foreign company while living in Italy
Modern technology means most people can work from anywhere. And with so many companies now choosing to support remote working, you might be tempted to consider working for a foreign company while living in Italy. If you are thinking of doing this, you must seek advice on the following complex issues:
Social security contributions
This is important if you’re living as a resident in Italy or spending much of your time working in Italy while employed by a non-Italian company. If this applies, your employer must pay the appropriate social security contributions. Under Italian law, social security contributions are due if employment activities are carried out in Italy.
Employment law
Check whether the work you will be doing as an employee in Italy is subject to Italian employment law. You must determine whether the Trattamento di Fine Rapporto (TFR or Employee Leaving Indemnity) will be due.
Tax
Under Italian law, any earnings from employment duties carried out in Italy will be subject to Italian tax. If you’re receiving pay from a non-Italian employer, Italy has double tax treaties in place. This ensures the income is taxable only in the employee’s resident country unless the work takes place in another country. If the work takes place solely or partially in another country, your earnings may also be liable for tax there. This issue is highly complex, so it is worthwhile to seek advice from a qualified professional.
Starting your own business in Italy
If you’re an EEA national, setting up a business in Italy is relatively straightforward. You can register with the authorities and begin self-employment quickly, as long as you follow the relevant procedures.
As a self-employed worker, you will not be entitled to the same social security benefits as employees. To receive an entitlement to social security benefits, you will need to register with the relevant scheme and make regular payments to the Istituto Nazionale di Previdenza Sociale (INPS). Benefits include healthcare, pension, and employment benefits. You will also receive protection from the National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL).
Self-employed workers must pay the total social security contribution. You will be responsible for registering for the mandatory scheme and making contributions. The amount you pay is calculated based on the income you declare for the purposes of paying income tax.
For non-EEA citizens, the process is complex:
- You must submit an application for a work visa. This will only be granted in line with yearly quotas set by the Italian government.
- As part of your application for a self-employed visa, you must specify the category of your self-employment. The options include freelancer, business owner, start-up, and sports personnel.
- After submitting your application, you must obtain self-employment clearance. You must apply for this via the Italian Policy Commissary (Questura) within a 90-day timeframe.
- You will need to identify which administrative body is responsible for regulating your area of work. You can check this via the Italian Chamber of Commerce. You will be issued with a ‘benchmark’ document, or parametri di riferimento. This certifies that you are qualified to work in your area of expertise, without detriment to the economy in Italy.
The simplest option for non-EEA nationals is to set up as a freelancer. Other options require significant up-front investment, and you might also be liable to pay corporate taxes. If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Italy, consider using the services of a qualified local accountant.
Whatever option you choose, you will need to pay income taxes. Depending on your profits, you may also be liable for corporate taxes.
Last thoughts
Working in Italy as an expat doesn’t need to be complicated. Start your research now, and you can be one step closer to enjoying the Italian lifestyle. Whether you want to apply for expat job opportunities or set up your own business, follow our guide to start applying for jobs in Italy today.
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