Gizane Campos Working in Italy is a great choice for both EU and non-EU citizens who want to work abroad. The country offers many job opportunities, beautiful landscapes, and a rich culture, making it a good place for work-life balance. Italy has specific visas for foreign workers, including the Italy Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, the Work Visa for skilled professionals, and the Startup Visa for entrepreneurs.
This article will guide you on everything you need to know about working in Italy, including different work visas, popular job sectors, wages, taxes, and employment rights.
This is what to expect:
Why Work in Italy?
Italy has a diverse job market, particularly in IT, fashion, and engineering sectors. To work in Italy, non-EU citizens generally need a work visa (“Nulla Osta”) and a residence permit, which their employer will apply for after securing a job offer.
The country welcomes foreign workers and offers visa options such as the Italy Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, the Work Visa for skilled professionals, the Startup Visa for entrepreneurs and the Italy Golden Visa for investors. EU nationals can work in Italy without a visa, which gives them the advantage of accessing the open labor market. Italy also has a great work-life balance, a Mediterranean lifestyle, a rich cultural heritage, and it attracts many international professionals.
To learn more about the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Benefits of Working in Italy
- Work-Life Balance: Italy emphasizes a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation days and shorter working hours.
- High Quality of Life: Enjoy excellent healthcare, a rich cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes.
- Employment Rights: Strong labor laws protect workers’ rights, including fair wages and paid leave.
- Visa Options for Foreign Nationals: Italy has various work visas, including the Digital Nomad Visa and Work Visa for skilled professionals that help non EU nationals work and live in Italy.
- Access to European Market: Italy’s central location provides easy access to the larger European labor market.
Italian Work Visas
Here’s an overview of the work visas available in Italy for both EU and non-EU nationals. These visas are designed for different professionals, including entrepreneurs, digital nomads, skilled workers, and seasonal jobs. Each work permit has its own eligibility requirements, and the duration of the residence permit depends on the type of visa. Applications are submitted through the Italian Consulate in your home country before arriving in Italy.
In many cases, you will need to translate your qualifications to work in Italy, especially if you are applying for a work visa or if your profession requires official recognition of your credentials. You will need a sworn translator (traduttore giurato), a professional authorized to provide legally accepted translations of documents.
Visa Type | Eligibility | Requirements | Residence Permit Duration |
Italy Work Visa (General) | Non-EU nationals with a job offer in Italy | - Valid job offer from an Italian employer | Up to 2 years, renewable |
Italy Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers from non-EU countries | - Proof of remote work (contract, business ownership) - Show sufficient financial resources with a minimum income of (approx. €8,500/year) | 1 year, renewable |
Startup Visa | Entrepreneurs with a business plan in Italy | - Business idea or startup with innovation potential - Minimum funding of €50,000 | 1 to 2 years, renewable |
EU Blue Card | Highly skilled workers from non-EU countries | - University degree or 5 years of experience | 2 years, renewable |
Seasonal Work Visa | Non-EU nationals for seasonal/ temporary work (e.g., agriculture, tourism) | - Employment contract for seasonal work | Up to 9 months, renewable for up to 3 years |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa | Employees transferred within the same company to Italy | - Transfer from a non-EU company to an Italian branch | Up to 2 years, renewable |
Italy Golden Visa (Investor Visa) | Non-EU nationals who want to invest in Italy | - Investment of at least €250,000 in an Italian startup or €500,000 in an Italian company | 2 years, renewable for 3 more years |
Recognition of Qualifications (NARIC and ENIC)
If you plan to work in a regulated profession in Italy, such as medicine, law, teaching, or engineering, your foreign qualifications must be officially recognized by the Italian authorities before you can legally work in that field.
Italy is part of the NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) and ENIC (European Network of Information Centres) systems. These platforms help you check if your academic or professional qualifications are valid in Italy and explain how to start the recognition process.
For academic qualifications, the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research usually handles the recognition. For professional roles, you may need to contact the relevant professional association or licensing authority. For example, doctors would contact the Medical Council and engineers would contact the Engineers Association. They will review your documents and may require translations or additional exams.
Wages in Italy
Italy does not have a government-set minimum wage. Instead, most workers are paid based on agreements between unions and employers, which decide the lowest wages for different types of jobs.
The average salary in Italy is around €2,000 to €2,500 per month, depending on the industry and region. Salaries are generally higher in northern Italy, especially in cities like Milan, compared to the south.
Deductions from salaries include social security contributions, pension funds, and taxes. Workers pay around 9-10% of their income in social security and pension contributions, and income tax ranges from 23% to 43%, depending on earnings.
In addition to the regular salary, bonus payments are common. These may include a 13th-month salary, which is an extra payment made at Christmas. Bonuses may also be given for performance or company profits.
To learn more about the Italy Golden Visa
Wages by industry
Industry | Average Gross Salary (Annual) |
Information Technology (IT) | €35,000 - €50,000 (entry-level to mid-level roles) |
Engineering | €30,000 - €45,000 (for general engineers) |
Healthcare | €25,000 - €60,000 (doctors) / €25,000 - €35,000 (nurses) |
Construction & Skilled Trades | €25,000 - €40,000 (depending on the trade and experience) |
Tourism and Hospitality | €18,000 - €35,000 (for managerial and specialized roles) |
Renewable Energy & Sustainability | €30,000 - €50,000 (engineers, consultants) |
Education | €20,000 - €30,000 (teachers) |
Agriculture | €20,000 - €30,000 (depending on role and location) |
Skill Shortages and in Demand Jobs in Italy
In Italy, some jobs are hard to fill because the country is changing. The population is getting older, and new technology means people need new skills. Healthcare, IT, tourism, and engineering are some of the most needed areas. If you want to work in Italy, these growing sectors can give you better chances to find a job. Here are the top industries with skill shortages and jobs you can apply for.
Industry | Average Gross Salary (Annual) |
Information Technology (IT) | - Software Developers |
Engineering | - Mechanical Engineers |
Healthcare | - Nurses |
Construction & Skilled Trades | - Construction Workers |
Tourism and Hospitality | - Hotel Managers |
Renewable Energy & Sustainability | - Renewable Energy Engineers (solar, wind) |
Education | - STEM Teachers |
Agriculture | - Vineyard Workers |
Working Hours in Italy and Employment Rights
The standard full-time workweek in Italy is 40 hours, usually spread over five days. In many jobs, the workday runs from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, often with a long lunch break, especially in smaller towns or traditional workplaces.
Overtime is allowed but generally cannot exceed 8 extra hours per week, and it must be paid at a higher rate or compensated with time off.
Employment rights
Employees in Italy have strong legal protections which include:
- Paid annual leave: At least four weeks per year.
- Sick leave: Workers are entitled to paid sick days, often covered partly by the employer and partly by the national health system.
- Parental leave: Maternity leave is mandatory for five months, and fathers also have paid leave.
- Job security: Permanent contracts come with strong protections against unfair dismissal.
- Health and safety: Employers must follow strict rules to keep workplaces safe.
- Equal treatment: Discrimination based on gender, age, nationality, or religion is prohibited.
Workers also benefit from national labor agreements (CCNLs), which improve conditions and wages by sector.
How Taxes Work in Italy
Italy has a progressive income tax system, which means the higher your income, the higher your tax rate. Taxes in Italy include income tax, social security contributions, and regional and municipal taxes. The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, and taxes are filed in the following year.
Income Range (€) | Tax Rate |
Up to €15,000 | 23% |
€15,001 to €28,000 | 25% |
€28,001 to €55,000 | 35% |
€55,001 to €75,000 | 43% |
Over €75,000 | 43% |
Other taxes
Tax Type | Details |
Social Security Contributions | Workers contribute around 9-10% of their salary for social security and pension funds. |
Regional Tax (IRAP) | This is a regional tax, usually around 3.9% on income for businesses and individuals. |
Municipal Tax (IMU) | Property tax is based on the value of real estate. Rates vary by municipality. |
VAT (Value Added Tax) | The standard rate is 22%. Reduced rates apply to certain goods/services. |
Filing Deadlines and Requirements
The Annual Income Tax Return is due by November 30. To file, you will need your Tax ID (Codice Fiscale), proof of income such as payslips or bank statements, and any relevant deductions like healthcare or education expenses.
Social Security Contributions are paid monthly. To ensure the correct amount is paid, you will need your payslips or employment contract.
For VAT Filing (if you’re running a business), filings are required either quarterly or annually, depending on your turnover. You’ll need to provide sales and purchase records, along with any VAT invoices.
Languages in Italy
Italian is the official language of Italy and is the main language used in daily life, education, government, and the workplace. A good level of Italian is often required for most jobs, especially in local businesses, healthcare, administration, and customer service.
However, English speakers are often in demand in international companies, startups, and certain sectors like tech, finance, tourism, and academia. English is commonly used, for roles involving global clients or remote work. In major cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin, workplaces are more likely to use English or operate bilingually, especially in multinational environments.
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Frequently Asked Question about Working in Italy
Do I need a visa to work in Italy?
Yes, non-EU citizens need a work visa and a residence permit to work in Italy. Your employer usually applies for a work authorization (Nulla Osta) before you apply at the Italian Consulate.
Can EU citizens work in Italy without a visa?
Yes, EU and EEA citizens can work in Italy without a visa or work permit. They only need to register their residence after arrival.
What are the working hours in Italy?
The standard workweek is 40 hours, usually Monday to Friday. Overtime is limited and paid extra or compensated with time off.
Do I need to speak Italian to work in Italy?
In most jobs, especially local ones, a good level of Italian is required. However, English is used in international companies and sectors like tech and tourism.
What is the average salary in Italy?
The average salary ranges from €1,500 to €2,500 per month, depending on the sector and experience. Salaries are typically higher in the north.
Are there any tax deductions or benefits for workers?
Yes, Italy allows deductions for healthcare, education, dependents, and certain expenses. You must file an annual tax return to claim them.
What is the deadline to file taxes in Italy?
The deadline is usually November 30 each year. You need your tax ID, income documents, and proof of deductions to file.
Can I bring my family if I work in Italy?
Yes, family reunification is allowed if you meet income and housing requirements. Family members can also apply for residence permits.
Is it easy to get work in Italy?
It depends on your industry and skill set. Certain sectors like tech, engineering, and fashion have strong demand for skilled workers, but knowledge of the Italian language is often a key requirement.
Can foreigners work in Italy?
Yes, foreigners can work in Italy, but non-EU citizens generally need a work visa. EU citizens do not need a visa to work.
Which job is most in demand in Italy?
Jobs in IT, engineering, tourism, and fashion are in high demand. Skilled professionals like software developers, engineers, and healthcare workers are sought after in many regions, especially in large cities.
