Work permits for employees in Italy: A complete guide for employers [2025]

If you plan to hire in Italy, it’s crucial to ensure that your employees are authorized to work there. The work permit options and processes in Italy vary—and sometimes new types of permits are made available. In 2022, the Italian government even approved a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to stay for up to one year, which will be live soon.

As an employer, it's your responsibility to ensure the employee obtains the required documents, or your company could be held partially responsible and face fines, imprisonment, or even a ban on hiring foreign workers by the government and immigration office.

Fortunately, this guide covers all the bases on work permits—from who needs a work visa to how to apply for one, and answers frequently asked questions. 

What is a work permit in Italy?

A work permit (or work visa) is issued by the Italian authorities to permit foreign nationals to work legally in Italy for a specific period of time.

Italy's work visa is considered a long-stay visa (also known as a D-Visa). In addition to the work permit, the individual must acquire a residence permit to stay in Italy.

The work permit's duration is linked to the employment contract. If the contract is unlimited, the work permit can last up to two years and may be renewed for a maximum of five years. 

As an employer, you must obtain a "Nulla Osta," a written statement that permits you to apply for a work visa in Italy for non-EU nationals. 

Who needs a work visa in Italy?

Citizens of Italy and those from the European Union, EEA, and Switzerland don’t require a work visa. If an EU citizen plans to work in Italy for more than three months, they must obtain a residence permit from their local municipality.

Those candidates not from EU/EEA countries will need a work visa before they can begin working in the country. They'll also need to apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno card) within eight days of entering Italy at the local post office (Portale Immigrazione).

When you send an offer letter to a new hire in Italy, include a clause stating that the offer depends on their legal eligibility to work in the country.

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How long does it take to get a work permit in Italy?

The processing time for Italian work visa applications can vary greatly depending on the type of visa. A work permit can typically be processed within a month. 

It's recommended to apply for the new hire's Italian work permit as early as possible to avoid any delays that could prevent them from joining your company. 

Types of work visas in Italy

There are several types of work permits available from the Italian government, including:

• Standard employment visa (D-Visa). This type of visa is ideal for foreign nationals with a full-time job offer in Italy. It lasts for two years initially and can be renewed for up to five years.

• Seasonal work visa. This visa falls under the Decreto Flussi quotas and covers specific sectors such as construction, tourism, and agriculture. It is valid for up to nine months.

• Extra-quota employment visa. If a profession doesn't qualify for a typical employment visa and isn't covered by the Decreto Flussi, this visa may be the right option. It is available for nurses, interpreters, artists, athletes, and journalists.

• Business Schengen visa. Individuals living in other Schengen member areas can enter Italy and work using a short-term Schengen visa. An employee holding this visa can stay in Italy for a maximum of 90 days every 180 days to conduct business.

• EU Blue Card. A highly skilled non-EU worker can apply for a European Blue Card. This work visa enables them to reside and work in any EU country, except Ireland and Denmark. To apply, the Italian employer or legal entity must submit a request to the Prefettura of the appropriate province. If your application is successful, you'll be granted an entry visa.

• Startup visa. The government sponsors the startup visa program for qualified non-EU citizens to grow their startups in Italy. You can apply through the Italian embassy. The visa has a validity period of one year, but it can be extended. 

Application process for Italian work visas

Here are the steps to obtain a work visa and residence permit for an employee in Italy:

• After extending a job offer, the employer must obtain a work permit (Nulla Osta) from SUI to hire the employee. The employer must collect supporting documents based on the employee's country of origin to apply for the work permit. These documents include the employee's passport, employment contract, and proof of qualifications.

• Once the employer's application is approved, they will receive the Nulla Osta, which grants the employee permission to work in Italy. The employee must then apply for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country.

• The employee must also download and fill out the Italian visa application form, gather all required documents, and submit the application in person at the Italian embassy or consulate.

• The next step is obtaining a residence permit, or Permesso di Soggiorno. The employee needs to apply for a residence permit at a local post office within eight days of entering the country. The work visa will remain valid for up to two years, depending on your employment contract, and it's possible to renew it for up to five years.

Keep in mind that work permit applications are only accepted a few months out of the year due to limited quotas, with highly skilled workers exempt from the quotas.

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Frequently asked questions about work permits for employees in Italy