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Italy Work Visa, Requirements, Price and Procedure

– Italy is a member of the European Union and a Schengen country.

Italy offers the best of its work visa programs mainly dealt with under the famous Decreto Flussi Program announced each year.

Just like many other Schengen countries, Italy also works under a quota system for non-EU citizens. It mostly offers work visas under the categories of seasonal and nonseasonal.

Italy

Country Profile

  • Capital: Rome
  • Official EU language(s): Italian
  • EU member country: since 1 January 1958
  • Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999
  • Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 October 1997
  • Population: 58,850,717
italy flag 1332900 640

Italy operates its work visa system under the Decreto Flussi quota and opens quota-based programs.

Here, the following information has been mentioned:

– The quota system of Italy’s work visa

– Types of Italian work visas

– Italy work visa requirements

– Italy work visa procedure

The in-quota and extra-quota system for the work visa in Italy

  • Limited Availability (In-Quota):  Think of this as a building with a set number of apartments available for rent each year. Landlords compete to fill these spots, and once they’re gone, that’s it for the year. This is similar to the in-quota system for work visas. The Italian government sets a yearly limit on the number of work permits issued for specific professions. If your desired job falls under this category, your employer needs to secure a spot within the quota before you can apply for the visa.
  • Open Availability (Extra-Quota):  Now imagine another building with no limit on the number of apartments that can be rented. This is like the extra-quota system. Certain professions and situations are exempt from the quota limitations. This includes highly skilled workers, researchers, and those with intra-company transfers. They can apply for a work visa without the employer needing to compete for a limited spot.

In-quota system for a limited number of Work Visa

The in-quota system in Italy acts as a gatekeeper for a specific number of work visas in certain professions. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Limited Spots:  Every year, the Italian government decides on the maximum number of work permits they’ll issue for specific job types. Think of it as a pie with pre-cut slices, each slice representing a work permit.
  • Employer Action: If your dream job falls under the in-quota system, your employer needs to take action. They have to apply and compete for one of those pre-cut “slices” (work permits) before they can even think about applying for the visa.
  • Competition: Employers might be competing against each other for the limited number of permits in your job category. The earlier they apply the better chance they have of securing a spot.
  • Finding Out: Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all list of in-quota jobs. It’s best to check with the Italian Ministry of Labor and Social Policies for the latest quota allocation each year. Such as for the year 2024, the set-aside quota is 151,000.

Extra-quota: unlimited number of work Visa in Italy for specific categories

  • No Yearly Cap: Unlike the in-quota system with its yearly limit, the extra-quota system doesn’t have a set number of visas available. This means there’s no competition for a limited pool of permits.
  • Specific Categories Apply: However, the extra-quota system isn’t a free-for-all. It’s reserved for specific categories of workers, such as:
  • Highly skilled professionals in certain fields (think engineers, scientists, researchers)
  • Workers with intra-company transfers (moving within the same company to an Italian branch)
  • People in certain professions outlined by Italian law (like journalists, and athletes)

Types of Italian Work Visas

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a fantastic option for highly qualified workers, but legal references can be daunting.

  • EU Blue Card: This is a special residence permit for non-EU citizens in several European countries, including Italy.
  • Fast Track Benefits: The Blue Card offers a faster and easier path to obtaining a residence permit compared to the standard work visa process.
  • Qualification Requirements: To qualify for the EU Blue Card in Italy, you’ll typically need:
  • A university degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
  • A job offer in Italy that pays a salary above a certain threshold (this amount is set by the Italian-   government and can change).

The Italian Intra Company Transfer Visa (ICT)

The Italian Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT) fast-tracks work permits for employees moving from a company’s overseas branch to its Italian branch. Think of it as a special visa lane for internal company transfers, making the process smoother for both the employee and the business.

The Italian digital nomad visa

Italy has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa for foreign remote workers. Highly qualified foreigners can now get a work visa in Italy for remote work needs. Non-EU applicants do not need to show heavy bank assets, the Italian language, or a job from an Italian employer to get this visa. Read here for complete details about it.

Freelance Visa (Self-Employment Visa)

This could be an alternative if you’re self-employed and have a steady income stream. Each year, the government sets aside a separate quota for this visa.

Business Visa

This visa is suitable for short-term business trips and might work for attending conferences or networking events. This visa is perfect for business trips, meetings, conferences, or networking events. It’s not meant for extended employment or setting up a business in Italy. Imagine it as a visa specifically designed for business purposes, allowing you to enter and stay in Italy for a limited period.

The application process for the Italian Work Visa

The application process for an Italian work visa can vary depending on the specific category you fall under (in-quota vs. extra-quota, specific professions). However, here’s a general outline to give you an idea:

Preparation:

  • Secure a Job Offer: This is the first crucial step. You’ll need a valid employment contract from an Italian company.
  • Determine Your Visa Category: Understand whether your job falls under the in-quota system (requiring your employer to secure a work permit) or the extra-quota system. Research the specific requirements for your category.
  • Gather Documents: This will typically include a completed application form, passport photos, and passport with validity beyond your stay, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, and any additional documents specific to your visa category.

Employer Action (for In-Quota System):

  • Nulla Osta Application: If your job falls under the in-quota system, your employer needs to apply for a “Nulla Osta” (work permit authorization) with the Italian immigration authorities in Italy.

You’re Application:

  • Submit Application: Once the Nulla Osta is obtained (for in-quota) or your category allows direct application, you can submit your visa application to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Interview (Possible): In some cases, you might be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.

After Submission:

  • Processing Time: Allow for processing time, which can vary depending on the workload and your specific situation.
  • Visa Collection: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy or consulate.

Next Steps (After Arrival):

  • Permessi di Soggiorno (Residence Permit): Within eight days of arrival in Italy, you’ll need to apply for a “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residence permit) at the local post office.

Italy work visa price

Following are the rates of different Italian work visas:

CategoryFee
Salaried employment€ 116.00
Self employment€ 116.00
Start-up€ 116.00
Entrepreneur€ 116.00
Corporate worker€ 116.00
Sports activity€ 116.00
Maritime€ 116.00
Medical care€ 116.00
Mission€ 116.00
Re-entry€ 116.00
Religious reasons€ 116.00
Exchange and mobility program€ 50.00
Apprenticeship€ 50.00
Vocational training€ 50.00
Working Holiday Visa€ 116.00
https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en

How to find jobs in Italy?

Finding jobs online in Italy is not that easy due to language barriers. But still, currently, more and more employers are open to higher workers from non-EU countries. The following job portals will help you to find suitable jobs in Italy for the work visa:

Public sector jobs

General job search sites

Seasonal jobs