Find a Job and Work in Italy

Working in Italy is straightforward for EU citizens and subject to specific rules for non-EU citizens. This guide shows you how to work legally, where to find jobs, what an Italian job application looks like, and what you need to keep in mind regarding recognition of qualifications, language, and salary. This guide explains your rights at work—including your contract, pay, and termination. Labor Law in Italy.

EU or non-EU citizen?

➤ EU citizens (including Germany and Austria) and Swiss citizens: Full freedom of movement for workers—you can work without a work permit, and for longer stays, you only need to register your residence.

➤ Non-EU citizens (e.g., the U.S., the U.K.): You usually need a work visa, which your future employer must apply for through the decree on immigration quotas requested.

Work Permit for Non-EU Citizens

The path leads across the decree on immigration quotas, the government quota for work visas (nearly 500,000 permits are planned for 2026–2028). Procedure:

1. Your Employer proposes a work permit at the One-Stop Shop for Immigration of the prefecture—at designated click days (first-come, first-served basis).
2. The nulla osta is to be completed within 30 days is granted and is 6 months Valid.
3. This is how you apply for the [...], in your home country Work Visa, arrive and apply for the Residence Permit (residence permit).

Where to Find Jobs

• EURES – the EU job portal with job listings and advice for EU citizens.
• Employment Centers – the local public employment offices.
• Online Portals: Indeed, LinkedIn, InfoJobs, Subito Lavoro.
• Networking & Unsolicited Applications: In Italy, a lot depends on personal connections (word of mouth).

Applying for a Job in Italy

An application consists of the resume (preferably in Europass format) and a cover letter (Cover letter). This is followed by the colloquio (Job interview). Keep your resume concise, and highlight your language skills and relevant experience.

Recognition of Your Degrees

With regulated professions (e.g., doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers) you need an official Recognition (recognition). The Italian system evaluates academic titles CIMEA. Be sure to set aside time for this and for certified translations. The guide explains exactly how this works Professional Recognition in Italy.

Language and Salaries

For most jobs, Knowledge of Italian crucial—with the exception of international companies, tourism, and remote work. To find out how to make quick progress, read on at Learn Italian. Salaries are often considered RAL (Gross annual salary) are listed and tend to be on the low side by EU standards; the north pays more than the south. For more context, see our guide to the Cost of living.

Self-Employment as an Alternative

If you can't find a job or want to work flexibly, self-employment is an option: With a VAT Number Do you work as a freelancer or sole proprietor—including under the favorable forfettario tax regime?.

What You Need to Do Next

EU citizens register their residence and can start looking for a job right away. Non-EU citizens first need an employer to apply for the nulla osta. Make sure to get your Codice Fiscale early, prepare an Italian resume, and verify the recognition of your degrees. If you later lose your job through no fault of your own, this will protect you. NASpI Unemployment Benefits from.