1. InterNations worldwide
2. »
3. Guides
4. »
5. Italy Expats
6. »
7. Italy Guide
8. »
9. Working in Italy

Italy at a Glance

How and Where to Find a Job in Italy

Places like Milan attract many expatriates working in Italy's financial industry.

Tips for Job-Seekers

If you do not want to teach English and would like to try your luck searching for jobs in the conventional way, here are some tips:

• Be assertive and sound confident of yourself and your skills.
• Translate your CV into Italian (if you are not fluent in Italian, it is worthwhile to spend the money on a professional translator).
• Be honest about your Italian language skills, as potential employers will put you to the test in an interview.
• Check local and regional job listings in newspapers and go to companies in person. People tend to remember faces rather than names; therefore making a personal impression on a potential employer may benefit you in the long run.

Also, be sure to have all your university degrees and certificates translated into Italian. This will show your commitment to blending in with Italian culture and your sincerity in finding work.

Most European university degrees are accepted by Italian employers. If you, however, have a degree from the United States, for example, you may want to contact a local university and see what the equivalent in Italy is.

Rome

Of course, where to go about searching for a job is closely related to which line of work you are in and which industry you would like to join. Rome automatically comes to mind when thinking of Italy – a good choice for employment opportunities as it is the country’s wealthiest city.

The international airport and the fact that Rome houses three of the world’s 100 largest companies (the international oil and gas company Eni, the energy provider Enel, and Telecom Italia) may offer a number of jobs. In addition, Rome is home to many international schools, which might be a deciding factor if you move with your family.

Milan

For any bankers seeking new challenges in their lives and thinking of giving Italy a try, moving up north to Milan is their best bet. Milan is one of the world’s largest financial centers, and people in Milan have the highest average income in Italy. It is the seat of the Italian stock exchange, and many international banks have set up shop in Milan as well.

Today, Milan is a leading exporter of textiles and garments: Fashion labels such as Gucci, Prada, Valentino, and Versace have their headquarters there. It is also a very touristic city and thus a good destination if you are in the tourist business.

Sicily and Sardinia

Sicily and Sardinia are also not a bad place to settle down if you want to become self-employed in the tourist business. Although the two islands are practically overflowing with tourism offices and hotels, if you are convinced that your business sets itself apart from the rest, it is certainly worth a try.

Remember that you must be a legal resident to apply for self-employment and that you will be paying social security contributions and health insurance on your own.