Italy Work Visa 2024: How to Obtain Your Italian Work Permit?

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Updated February 2024

With a thriving historical and artistic heritage, and an extensive range of employee benefits, including holidays, maternity, vacation, and overtime benefits, some consider Italy as one of the best places to work in the world.

Wego has compiled all of the necessary information for obtaining your Italy work visa below.

Italy work visa 2024 news

In a recent update, Italy has decided to extend the deadline for the submission of applications for work permits from foreign nationals. Non-seasonal workers from countries with bilateral or migration agreements with Italy can begin submitting their applications for a work permit starting 18 March 2024. Nationals from other countries can submit their applications from 21 March 2024. Seasonal workers, on the other hand, have until 25 March 2024, to submit their applications, marking the final phase for application submissions.

These work permits under the quota will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that applicants meet all the requirements set forth by the Italian government.

Italy work visa 2024

Citizens or employees who are not citizens from EU member states or the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to apply for an Italy work visa, also known as the Nulla Osta.

The Italian work visa mainly falls under the category of a long-stay visa, also referred to as a National or D-Visa. However, the Italian work visa only allows employees to enter the country. Applicants intending to stay in Italy need to apply for a residence permit upon arrival.

Please note that Italy allows members of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to work without a special visa or permit.

For more details regarding moving to Italy under work and residence permits, please visit our dedicated article below.

Italy work visa 2024 quota reservations

As explained by Italian authorities, foreign nationals will be admitted for subordinate employment, seasonal and non-seasonal employment, or self-employment under an overall quota of 151,000 units for 2024. Among these units:

• 89,050 for seasonal subordinate work in the agricultural and tourist-hotel sectors among which:
  • 12,000 units is reserved for seasonal subordinate workers who are nationals of countries with which, during the period 2023 to 2025, cooperation agreements on migration enter into force
  • 3,000 units is reserved for workers from countries that, in cooperation with Italy, promote media campaigns for their nationals concerning the risks to personal safety from involvement in irregular migration trafficking
  • 50 units reserved for stateless persons and refugees recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or by competent authorities in countries of first asylum or transit
• 61,250 for non-seasonal subordinate work in the sectors of road haulage for third parties, construction, tourism-hotel, mechanics, telecommunications, food and shipbuilding, and 700 for self-employment:
  • Out of these, for non-seasonal subordinate work 25,000 quotas are reserved for nationals of Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia and Ukraine
  • 20,000 units reserved for non-seasonal subordinate workers who are nationals of other countries with which migration cooperation agreements enter into force from 2023 to 2025
• 500 for autonomous workers such as entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, professionals, famous artists and directors and auditors of Italian companies
• 100 for people residing in Venezuela who have Italian origin up to the third-degree direct line of ancestry through at least one parent (90 for subordinate work and 10 for self-employment)

Italy work visa 2024 validity

The Italy work visa has a validity of up to two years, depending on the employment contract. However, the work permit can be renewed for up to five years.

Italy work visa 2024 requirements

The following documents are required to apply for the Italy work visa:

• copy of a signed employment contract which will confirm that:
  • the employer will notify you of any changes in the employment contract.
  • a suitable accommodation in Italy that meets local housing standards as per government norms
  • the employer will pay repatriation costs in case of expulsion from Italy.
• original and copy of the Nulla Osta or the Italy work visa
• passport valid for at least three months after the visa duration with a minimum of two blank pages
• 2 original passport pictures
• a completed Italian long-stay visa application form
• proof of visa fee payment
• proof of sufficient financial means, accommodation in Italy
• copy of flight ticket and itinerary.
• proof of health and travel insurance, which covers Italy.
• other supporting documents, such as diplomas and other qualifying certificates

How to apply for an Italy work visa in 2024?

Individuals can apply for an Italian work visa after being offered a job in Italy. Here are the steps to follow:

• the employer applies for a work permit at the immigration office in their respective Italian province
• after the work permit has been granted, the employer will send it to the employee and notify the Italian embassy or consulate, where the employee will further apply for a work visa
• the employee will now have to download and complete the Italy visa application form, collect all necessary documents, and submit the application in person at the Italian embassy or consulate
• in case the Italian authorities approve the application, the employee will have six months to pick up the visa and enter Italy

Please note that an additional permit to stay in Italy must be applied for within eight days of entering the country. The Italy residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) can be obtained at a local post office.

Italy work visa 2024 price

The cost of obtaining a work visa for Italy is EUR 116 (USD 140). However, the fee may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the type of visa they are applying for. It’s important to note that the fee must be paid in the currency of the country where the application is made unless otherwise specified.

In addition to the visa fee, applicants may also need to pay for additional expenses such as travel, accommodation, and document translation. It’s important to factor in these costs when planning to apply for an Italian work visa.