Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in Italy

Jump right in:

• Requirements & eligibility for working in Italy
• Salaries in Italy
• Self-employment
• Business culture
• Social security & benefits
• Parental leave

Requirements and eligibility for working in Italy

Before you can start working in Italy, it’s important to know if you’re eligible and what requirements you’ll need to meet. These vary depending on whether you're an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or a non-EU national.

Working in Italy as an EU citizen

As mentioned, you don’t need to meet a lot of requirements if you are a European looking to work in Italy. There is no need to obtain special permits, given the EU’s laws on free movement of people.

In general, you will only need a valid ID document or passport, and a tax number, (codice fiscal). To get a tax number in Italy, you will need to issue a request with the Agenzia delle Entrate.

Even though you don’t need a work visa or permit to work and live in Italy, you still need to register in the country. You do so by reporting your presence at a police station and filling out the necessary forms and paperwork.

Doing this as soon as you arrive in the country comes in handy if you plan on applying for permanent residence later on—that way, your stay in the country can be registered as early as possible.

Working in Italy as a non-EU citizen

Third-country citizens will need a work visa to be able to work in the country. We cover all the information you need on work requirements and eligibility on the Visas and Work Permits section of this guide.

The first thing you should know is that securing a job in Italy is a priority. This is because your Italian employer will be taking care of most of the visa application process for you. Read on as we guide you through finding and applying for a job in Italy.

What are the most in-demand jobs?

Industries such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing continue to experience significant talent shortages. Professionals with experience or qualifications in these areas are more likely to find opportunities and smoother entry into the job market.

Here are some of the key sectors currently in need of workers:

• IT
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Education
• Construction and trades
• Creative industries
• Accommodation and food service activities

Italy’s job market also varies regionally. The north tends to offer more industrial and tech-based roles. Cities like Milan, Turin and Rome are more popular with expats, while the south is more focused on agriculture and tourism. That said, job seekers with technical skills are likely to find opportunities across the country.

How to apply for a job in Italy

Below are tips on navigating the Italian job market, your CV, cover letter, interview and networking tips

Italian-style CV

It is a good idea to know the style of CV that goes around in Italy. That is because recruiters are used to looking and skimming through a certain kind of structure, and you want to up your chances by making their job easier. Here are some tips for you CV:

• Keep your CV clean and easy to read, using a simple layout and clear sections like personal details, education, work experience, and skills. Ideally, it should be no longer than one to two pages.
• Make sure to include your personal and contact information. A professional photo is not required but is commonly included.
• List your work experience and start with the most recent position backward.
• List your education and any training or certifications you've completed, starting with the most recent.
• Be sure to include your language skills, especially your level of Italian, using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale.
• Although the Europass CV format is still used in some cases, it’s now considered outdated for most jobs. A more modern, customized CV is preferred.

Cover letter tips

In Italy, a cover letter (lettera di presentazione) is often expected especially for professional, office, or skilled positions. While it may not always be strictly required, including one shows that you're serious about the position and helps set you apart from other candidates.

Your cover letter should:

• briefly introduce yourself
• explain why you're applying
• highlight what makes you a strong fit for the role
• be clear, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job
• one page and avoid repeating everything from your CV

If you're applying for a job where Italian is the working language, it's best to write the cover letter in Italian unless the company or job posting specifies otherwise.

Interview tips

You should definitely dress to impress—according to the company’s culture, of course. Do some research to get a sense of what the dress code might be and, when in doubt, aim for more formal rather than casual.

For greetings, be formal, greet with a firm handshake, and make eye contact.

Punctuality is key. You should even aim to be around ten to fifteen minutes early to your appointment.

Networking tips

Whether you have already secured a job or are still looking for that opportunity, networking is essential to your career, and you are going to want to do that in Italy.

There are several ways you can establish professional connections with peers, employers, or clients. You can attend networking events, be present in professional social media such as LinkedIn, and join the many business groups in Italy. Some of the biggest organization are:

• CNA (National Confederation of Artisans and SMEs)
• CONFAPI (Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Confcommercio
• Confindustria

You can also rely on InterNations, the largest global community of expats. You can find an InterNations community in Naples, Turin, Genoa, Milan, Parma, Verona, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice, and Rome, where you can connect to other expats and get acquainted with the job market in Italy.

What are the top platforms to search for a job in Italy?

There are several online platforms and resources where you can search and apply for jobs in Italy. Most job hunting takes place online, and using the right platforms can make your search much easier. Some of the most popular platforms include:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• InfoJobs
• Trovalavoro
• Monster
• Jooble

You can also check company websites directly, especially for international firms or startups, and explore Facebook groups or expat forums where job leads are often shared.

Salaries in Italy

If you’re planning to work in Italy, it’s important to have a general understanding of salary expectations. Wages can vary significantly depending on your profession, experience level, and the region you work in with higher salaries generally found in the north. Below is a quick overview of how pay works in Italy, from minimum earnings to what’s considered a good salary.

What is the minimum wage in Italy?

Italy does not have a statutory national minimum wage. Instead, wages are typically set through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between trade unions and employer associations.

On average, the minimum wage negotiated through CBAs is around 7 EUR to 9 EUR (8 to 10,5 USD) per hour, though actual pay may vary depending on the sector, job type, and level of experience.

There are also regional differences in salaries. Due to Italy’s North-South economic divide, wages tend to be higher in the north (such as Milan or Bologna) and lower in the south, where the cost of living is also generally cheaper.

What is the average salary in Italy?

The average salary in Italy is around €33,150 annually. While this is lower than the global average, it’s still considered a comfortable income for a single person, especially outside of Italy’s most expensive cities.

Keep in mind that salaries in Italy vary based on industry, experience, job level, and region. For example, professionals working in sectors like tech, engineering, and finance often earn significantly above the national average, while jobs in hospitality or retail may fall below it.

Below is a list of common job positions and how much they pay on average.

Self-employment

This sub-section covers how you can be self-employed, some of the top self-employed jobs in the country, as well as some of the benefits you are entitled to as a self-employed professional.

How to be self-employed in Italy

The requirements to work in Italy as self-employed will also differ for EU citizens and non-EU citizens. While EU workers can simply enter the country, register with the local authorities, and take up self-employment—provided they follow all the right procedures and requirements for their specific activity—non-EU citizens will first have to apply for a self-employment visa which is subject to a yearly quota.

When applying for a self-employment visa in Italy, you’ll need to decide what type of work you plan to do. Under Italian law, self-employed work can fall under several categories, such as:

• Handcrafting: For those starting a small local business or artisanal trade.
• Entrepreneurship: For individuals operating as sole traders or independent business owners.
• Trade and commerce: Allows you to establish and manage your own company.
• Liberal professions: Covers qualified professionals like doctors, lawyers, architects, and accountants.
• Corporate roles: Includes company directors and executive-level positions in Italian firms.

Knowing your category in advance is important, as each one may have different requirements and paperwork when applying for your visa.

After you’ve submitted your visa application:

1. First, you’ll need a provisional clearance (nulla osta) from the questura (the Italian police commissary).
2. After this, you need to find the administrative body with the Italian Chamber of Commerce that regulates your field of work. They’ll give you a declaration of parametri di riferimento, a document that certifies you’re capable of carrying out your work activity without burden to the Italian economy.
3. Once you have these documents, the immigration office (SUI) and the Provincial Directorate of Labor verify that you are eligible and fit the quota, and can then grant you the work permit.

Before you get started with any kind of trade, make sure you are registered for taxes by requesting a tax and a VAT number. As a self-employed worker, you will be paying taxes on your income at the same rates as other workers in Itay.

Freelance or limited liability company

By far, the easiest way to take up self-employment is through freelance work.

Registering a limited liability company or joint-stock company requires more investment up-front. For this type of business, you may need to pay corporate tax as well, so many business owners choose to work with an accountant to be on the safe side.

While both structures are subject to taxation, but a limited company offers liability protection and may be more suitable if you plan to expand or hire staff.

Both freelancing and setting up a company have their own advantages and drawbacks. Freelancing offers flexibility and lower startup costs, while a company structure provides more protection and room to grow. The right choice depends on your income level, business goals, and how you plan to operate.

What are the top self-employment opportunities in Italy?

As for the top self-employed jobs in Italy, these are pretty universal. Besides the type of freelancing and remote work you can do anywhere, the top self-employed jobs are also the most in-demand in the country, such as web and app developers, engineers, designers, teachers, and so on.

Whichever occupation you choose, building a solid network of contacts in your area of expertise is key, if you are planning on being a freelancer, a consultant, or a business owner.

What are the benefits of being self-employed in Italy?

As self-employed, you will need to make regular payments to social security, the Istituto Nazionale di Previdenza Sociale (INPS). This means you are entitled to social security benefits provided you are registered with your corresponding scheme. This includes:

• access to the national healthcare system and other financial protections such as pension or unemployment benefits
• protection by INAIL (the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) in case of an accident, occupational disease, or death in the workplace.

Unlike employees who pay only one-third of the amount owed to social security (the employer pays the other two thirds), self-employed workers pay the entirety of that amount.

That also means you are responsible for registering with the mandatory social security scheme that applies to your activity and pay the contributions required. These contributions are mostly calculated based on the total income you declare for the purposes of income tax (IRPEF).

Business culture

Getting to know Italy’s business culture is essential for a successful integration in the workplace. Overall, Italians have a well-balanced working culture when it comes to private life and work.

Things you should know

• Your typical work week in Italy is Monday to Friday.
• Working hours in Italy are usually from 9:00 to 18:00, with a lunch break near 13:00.
• Some sectors like healthcare and transportation can follow different working hour rules due to shift needs and are regulated by collective agreements.
• Italian workers are entitled to at least 20 days of paid vacation, but the number could be higher, depending only on the contract.

Workplace dress code

As for the workplace dress code, you should remember that Italy is one of Europe’s biggest fashion capitals. Italians have style, and this can reflect on their work dress code as well. Feel free to express some individuality with your attire, so long as you keep it professional and preferably elegant. It is important to stick to more formal attire for first meetings and interviews.

Social security & benefits

Having an Italian social security number will guarantee your rights as a resident in the country, whether that is for healthcare, financial aid, or other benefits. This number is the same as your tax number. Both nationals and foreigners can get a social security number in Italy. This number appears on your Tessera Sanitaria, or Carta Nazionale dei Servizi, the Italian social security card, which you should have on you whenever accessing the national healthcare services.

How to get a social security number in Italy?

In Italy, the equivalent of a social security number is called the Codice Fiscale. It’s a personal tax identification number required for nearly everything like working, opening a bank account, signing rental contracts, registering with the healthcare system, and more.

If you're a non-EU citizen, how and where you get your Codice Fiscale depends on your reason for entering Italy:

• If you're coming to Italy for employment or family reunification, you can apply for it at the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Single Desk for Immigration) when submitting your visa documents.
• If you're applying for or renewing a residence permit, the Questura (local police headquarters) can issue your Codice Fiscale as part of that process.
• In all other cases such as if you’re a student, freelancer, or staying long-term for other reasons, you can obtain it from the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency).

EU nationals can apply at any Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) office by presenting a valid identification document.

What are the requirements to apply for a social security number?

You’ll need to provide some basic documents and information. The exact requirements may vary slightly depending on where and why you're applying but in general, as a non-EU citizen you'll need to submit at least one of the following documents:

• a valid passport with visa (if required)
• a certificate of identity issued by the Italian diplomatic or consular authorities of the Country of nationality (with photo)
• a valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
• an ID card issued by the municipality of residence in Italy.

Additionally, you must prove that you have the legal right to stay in Italy, even if temporarily.

Social security benefits in Italy

You are entitled to a number of benefits provided by the state if you pay social security contributions in the country. These include several aids when it comes to:

• employment
• unemployment
• healthcare
• family benefits
• old-age
• disability
• invalidity and more

This may include monetary allowances or leaves of absence from work.

You can find more information on each benefit on the National Institute of Social Security (INPS) website.

Parental leave

Parental leave in Italy is available to both employed mothers and fathers, whether they work full-time, part-time, or on fixed-term contracts. Parents can take parental leave up until the child turns 12 years old.

The leave can be taken continuously or split into several shorter periods. Both parents are entitled to take up to six months of leave each, with a combined total of ten months. This can be extended to eleven months if the father takes at least three months of leave. Single parents are entitled to up to ten months of leave on their own.

During parental leave, compensation is typically provided by INPS (Italian Social Security Institute). The first six months are paid at 30% of the regular salary. No salary is paid beyond this time unless the child is under 6 years of age. In this case, the 30% salary benefit can continue to be paid.

Maternity leave and benefits

Maternity leave in Italy is mandatory for employees and typically spans five months: two months before the expected birth date and three months afterward. During this period, employees are legally protected from dismissal, and their job position is secured.

Women on maternity leave are entitled to receive 80% of their gross salary, which is covered by INPS. In some cases, collective bargaining agreements or employers may top up the remaining 20%. In addition to employed women, self-employed individuals and freelancers may also qualify for maternity benefits, although taking leave is not mandatory for them.

Adoptive and foster mothers are also eligible for maternity leave under similar conditions, starting from the date the child enters the family.

Paternity leave and benefits

Paternity leave in Italy is compulsory and has been expanded in recent years to promote shared parenting. Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paid leave, which must be taken within five months of the child's birth. This leave is paid at 100% of the salary and is funded entirely by INPS.

An additional day can be granted if one day of the mother’s statutory maternity leave is transferred to the father, although this is optional. Beyond the initial 10 days, fathers also have the right to take part in parental leave.