Italy Work Visa for Pakistanis 2025: How to Obtain Your Italian Work Permit from Pakistan?

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).

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.