How Pakistanis Can Get an Italian Work Visa
Updated August 2025
Key takeaways:
Pakistanis need a long-stay National (D) visa to work in Italy.
Visa validity: up to 2 years; work permission is renewable up to 5 years.
Apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival.
Standard decision window: up to 90 days from application.
This guide explains how Pakistanis can work in Italy: who needs a visa, the documents you and your employer must prepare, how to apply, timelines, fees, and what to do after arrival. It focuses on the long-stay National (D) visa tied to an Italian work permit and residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Table of Contents
Who can apply
- Pakistani citizens with a confirmed job offer from an Italian employer.
- Employers must obtain a work authorization (nulla osta) before submitting your visa application.
Documents checklist
From the employee
- Completed National (D) visa application form.
- Two recent passport photos (white background; one glued, one attached).
- Valid passport (≥3 months beyond visa expiry) and previous passports.
- CNIC copy.
- NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC).
- Latest academic degree/certificate.
- If a visa was refused in the last 2 years, a written explanation is required.
From the employer in Italy
- Work authorization (nulla osta) issued by SUI.
- NOC request confirmation to Italian Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
- Company profile from the Chamber of Commerce.
- Contact person details (ID/passport copy, phone, email).
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Employer action: Request the nulla osta from the local immigration office (SUI).
- Employer to you: Once approved, the employer shares the nulla osta, and the Embassy/Consulate is notified.
- Your action: Complete the National (D) visa form, gather documents, and submit in person at the Embassy/Consulate.
- Decision: Typically within 90 days. If approved, you have 6 months to collect the visa and enter Italy.
- After arrival: Within 8 days, apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at a post office.
Tip: Keep copies of every page you submit.
Processing time & validity
- Decision: up to 90 days from application.
- Use your visa within 6 months of approval to enter Italy.
- Visa validity: up to 2 years (per contract); renewable up to 5 years.
Fees
The price of an Italian work visa for Pakistanis is EUR 116 (PKR 38,147).
Where to apply in Pakistan
Consulate General of Italy, Karachi
- Address: 85, Clifton, Karachi.
- Phone: +92 21 35870031.
- Email: [email protected].
- Website: conskarachi.esteri.it.
Embassy of Italy, Islamabad
- Address: Plot 196/208, Street 16, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad.
- Phone: +92 51 2833183 / 2833184.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting photos older than 6 months or with non-white backgrounds.
- Mismatched names/dates across CNIC, passport, and forms.
- Not keeping copies of previous passports.
- Missing the 8-day window to start the residence permit process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is seasonal work the same as this visa?
No, this page covers non-seasonal work.
What if my visa is refused?
Include the refusal details when reapplying; ensure all documents match requirements.
Where do I get the permesso di soggiorno kit?
At post offices.
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