Italy Work Permit (Subordinate Work Visa): Complete Guide

Want to work in Italy? The Italian work permit system is complex but navigable if you understand the process. This guide explains the decreto flussi quota system, nulla osta approval, and the complete application timeline for 2025.

Understanding Italy's Work Permit System

Italy's work permit for non-EU nationals is called the Subordinate Work Visa (lavoro subordinato). It's for employees—not self-employed or freelancers.

Key principle: The Italian employer drives the process. You can't apply directly—your employer must obtain authorization first.

The Two-Step Process

Step 1: Nulla Osta (Work Authorization)

Your Italian employer applies to immigration authorities for a nulla osta (clearance to hire a foreign worker).

Where: Italian Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) in the province where you'll work.

Timeline: 60-120 days after decree opens.

Step 2: Work Visa

After nulla osta approval, YOU apply at the Italian consulate in your country.

Timeline: 30-90 days.

Total: 4-8 months from job offer to arrival.

The Decreto Flussi Quota System (Critical!)

Most work permits are subject to annual quotas set by the decreto flussi (immigration flow decree).

How It Works

1. Italian government publishes decree (typically March-April each year)
2. Decree specifies number of work permits available by:
   • Nationality
   • Sector (e.g., healthcare, IT, construction, agriculture)
   • Type of work (seasonal vs. non-seasonal)
3. Employers submit applications during window (often just 30-60 days)
4. Applications processed in order received
5. Once quota fills, no more permits until next year's decree

Example: 2024 decreto flussi had:

• 136,000 seasonal workers
• 165,000 non-seasonal conversions (already in Italy)
• Smaller quotas for new non-seasonal entries

Are You Subject to Quotas?

EXEMPT from quotas:

• Highly skilled workers (executive/managerial roles)
• Researchers and university professors
• Intra-company transfers
• EU Blue Card holders (highly skilled, salary >€50,000+)
• Some specific sectors (check annual decree)

SUBJECT to quotas:

• Most entry-level and mid-level positions
• Standard employment contracts
• First-time entries to Italy

Pro tip: If your role qualifies for an exemption, the process is faster and not time-sensitive.

Employer Requirements

Your employer must prove:

1. Genuine Job Offer

• Written employment contract specifying:
  • Role and responsibilities
  • Salary (must meet minimum thresholds)
  • Duration (permanent or fixed-term)
  • Start date
• Job must align with your qualifications/experience

2. Labor Market Test (Usually)

Employer must demonstrate they couldn't fill the position with:

• Italian citizens
• EU/EEA nationals
• Non-EU nationals already legally residing in Italy

How: Job posted on Italian employment centers for 20 days with no qualified applicants.

Exception: Some highly skilled roles exempt from this test.

3. Financial Capacity

Employer must show:

• Ability to pay salary offered
• Company in good financial standing
• Up-to-date on taxes and social contributions

4. Suitable Accommodation for Worker

Employer must either:

• Provide housing, OR
• Guarantee suitable housing exists

This helps prevent exploitation and ensures you have a place to live.

Your Requirements (Worker)

1. Qualifications

Your education and experience must match the job:

• Degree or diploma (if required by role)
• Professional certifications
• Relevant work experience

All credentials must be apostilled and translated to Italian.

2. Clean Criminal Record

Background check from:

• Country of citizenship
• Any country where you've lived 6+ months recently

Must be recent, apostilled, and translated.

3. Valid Passport

At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay.

Complete Application Timeline

March-April: Decreto Flussi Published

Government announces annual quotas.

What to do: Monitor Italian government websites or work with immigration lawyer to track decree release.

April-May: Decree Window Opens

Employers can submit nulla osta applications (typically 30-60 day window).

Critical: Applications submitted after window closes must wait until next year's decree (unless exempted).

June-August: Nulla Osta Processing

Immigration office reviews employer's application.

Timeline: 60-120 days for decision.

Possible outcomes:

• Approved: Employer receives nulla osta
• Denied: Missing documents, unqualified worker, quota filled
• Request for more documents: Adds time

July-October: Worker Applies for Visa

After nulla osta approval:

1. Employer notifies you
2. You book consulate appointment
3. Gather required documents
4. Attend visa interview
5. Wait for visa approval (30-90 days)

Arrival in Italy: Residence Permit Application

Within 8 business days of arrival:

• Go to Poste Italiane
• Submit residence permit application kit
• Pay fees (€40.29 + €30.46 + €16)
• Attend Questura appointment
• Receive residence permit card (3-6 weeks later)

Document Checklist

For Employer (nulla osta application):

• Employment contract
• Company registration documents
• Proof of financial capacity
• Proof of accommodation for worker
• Labor market test results (if applicable)

For Worker (visa application):

• Valid passport + copy
• Visa application form
• Passport photos
• Nulla osta approval (original)
• Employment contract
• Educational credentials (apostilled + translated)
• Professional certificates (apostilled + translated)
• Criminal background check (apostilled + translated)
• Health insurance (if required)
• Visa fee (€116)

Salary Requirements

Your salary must meet minimum thresholds:

General threshold: Approximately €25,000-€30,000 gross annual salary (varies by region and sector).

EU Blue Card (highly skilled): Minimum €50,000+ gross annual (exact amount updated annually).

Salary must also be:

• Comparable to Italian workers in same role
• Sufficient to support yourself (and family if bringing dependents)

Family Members

Once you have work permit and residence in Italy, you can sponsor:

• Spouse/partner
• Minor children
• Dependent parents (in some cases)

Requirements:

• Sufficient income (typically +20-30% for each family member)
• Adequate housing
• Family applies for family reunification visas

Path to Permanent Residency

After 5 years of legal residence on work permit:

• Apply for permanent residence (permesso di soggiorno UE)
• Requires Italian language proficiency (A2 level)
• Pass integration test
• Continuous legal residence for 5 years

Common Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Quota System Timing

Problem: Miss the window, wait a full year.

Solution:

• Track decreto flussi announcements closely
• Work with immigration lawyer who monitors releases
• If possible, qualify for quota exemption (highly skilled role)

Challenge 2: Long Processing Times

Problem: 4-8 months from job offer to arrival.

Solution:

• Start process early
• Ensure all documents ready before decree opens
• Consider remote start date if employer allows

Challenge 3: Employer Unfamiliar with Process

Problem: Small/medium companies may not know the process.

Solution:

• Recommend employer hire immigration lawyer (worth the cost)
• Provide employer with resources/guides
• Be patient—first-time employers need guidance

Costs

| Item | Cost | Who Pays | |------|------|----------| | Nulla osta application | €100-€200 | Employer | | Immigration lawyer (employer) | €1,000-€3,000 | Employer | | Visa application | €116 | Worker | | Document translations | €200-€500 | Worker | | Apostilles | €100-€200 | Worker | | Residence permit | €86.75 + €16 | Worker | | Immigration lawyer (worker) | €500-€1,500 (optional) | Worker |

Next Steps

1. Find Italian employer: Job search platforms, LinkedIn, company websites
2. Verify quota status: Check if your role is subject to or exempt from quotas
3. Review complete details: See full Work Permit guide
4. Assess your profile: Take our free assessment
5. Consult immigration lawyer: For complex situations, legal help ensures success

Pro tip: If you're already in Italy on another visa type (student, tourist, etc.), ask about conversion options. Some permits can be converted to work permits without leaving Italy.

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Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. Italian immigration law changes frequently, including decreto flussi quotas and dates. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult qualified immigration lawyers.

Sources:

• Italian Ministry of Interior - Immigration Portal
• Decreto Flussi Announcements
• Italian Immigration Law 286/1998

Last updated: December 20, 2025