Italy at a Glance
Working in Italy
Italy is an important economic contributor to the EU.
Working in Italy is a dream for many people, which quite a few have made come true. Red tape is rather a nuisance, though, which makes mastering the bureaucratic aspect of working in Italy a test of patience. Nonetheless, the prospect of working in Italy should not be daunting.
Working in Italy: Economy
Italy’s economy was ranked the 6th richest in the world by the IMF and World Bank. People working in Italy enjoy a high standard of living and at 8%, unemployment is currently one of the lowest in the European Union. Those thinking of working in Italy should do so in the export industry, as it is the 8th largest worldwide.
Among other things, Italy exports motor vehicles, chemicals, energy, firearms, and fashion. Many employees working in Italy find an occupation in the tourist industry. This sector is one of the fastest growing and most prosperous industries in a country with an annual 44 million visits.
Working in Italy’s north offers more jobs in the service industry, while the south is rather rural. Working in Italy will show you that the country’s north and south are very different in terms of economic prosperity. The north is generally wealthier and more industrialized, while the southern parts still focus on agriculture.
Working in Italy: Legal Issues
Before you start working in Italy, you must be sure that you have the following legal documentation so that you may receive a social security number and health insurance. Applying for a social security card is a one-time-only affair. You do this at the INPS (Instituto nazionale della previdenza sociale, the National Social Security Institute).
While working in Italy, you will be automatically insured by your employer. If you are self-employed, you must contact the INPS for more information regarding the payment of social security contributions, as these figures vary based on income and type of work.
Working in Italy: Residence and Work Permits
If you want to be working in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit within eight days of your arrival, which may or may not be granted within 120 days. As an EU citizen or a member of the Schengen agreement countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you do not need to apply for a special work permit.
The European Union allows you to work in any Schengen/EU country. If you are not a national of the abovementioned countries, you must apply for a working visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is generally more complicated to find work in Italy if you are not an Italian citizen, since preference in job openings is given to Italians. Therefore it is very useful to offer a certain skill or expertise when working in Italy in a field that may be lacking qualified labor, such as the IT sector. You will be treated like any other Italian employee and receive the same benefits once you have officially started working in Italy.
Join the leading
Expat Community in Italy
- Have access to high-quality expat guides and information
- Get to know like-minded expatriates in Italy
- Meet fellow expats at InterNations events and activities in your area
Membership at InterNations is invitation-only. You need to request an invitation to become a member.
