🇮🇹 Italy Work Permit
Dear visitor, welcome. At Marsel Visa, we provide consultancy services only for short-term Italy Schengen visa applications. Applications for Italy work permits, residence permits, or long-term D type visas such as family reunification and study must be submitted directly to the Italian Consulates or Embassy. The information on this page has been prepared to give you a clear understanding of the Italy work permit process.
In order to work legally in Italy, it is mandatory to obtain a work permit (Lavoro Subordinato / Lavoro Autonomo). However, the work permit alone does not allow you to stay in Italy. After entering the country with your visa, you must also apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within the first 8 days. Only when both permits are combined can you legally reside and work in Italy.
📌 Italy Work Permit Application Process
The work permit procedure involves responsibilities for both the employer in Italy and the employee applying from abroad.
💼 Employer’s Responsibilities
The employer in Italy must first submit an application to the Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico Immigrazione) at the local Prefecture (Prefettura). If the application is approved, the employer must also forward a copy of the signed employment contract to the same office. Once all documents are reviewed and approved, the office issues an official authorization called “Nulla Osta.” This authorization is essential for the applicant to apply for a work visa at the Italian Consulate in Turkey.
👤 Employee’s Responsibilities
With the Nulla Osta, the employee must apply for a national D visa at the Italian Consulate in Turkey, submitting the passport, biometric photos, employment contract, and other supporting documents. After receiving the visa and entering Italy, the applicant must, within 8 days, apply for a residence permit at the Police Headquarters (Questura) in the area of residence.
Once the residence permit is granted, it is usually valid for 1 year. To maintain legal status, it must be renewed before expiry.
📌 Self-Employment and Company Formation (Lavoro Autonomo)
For those wishing to establish their own business or work independently in Italy, a different type of permit applies. This is known as Lavoro Autonomo. Applicants must first obtain all company registration documents and necessary authorizations. After completing the paperwork, they must apply at the Italian Consulate in Turkey. Once approved, a work visa under the Lavoro Autonomo category is issued. As with other categories, the residence permit application must be made within 8 days of arrival in Italy.
📝 Required Documents for the Italy Work Permit
The exact documentation may vary depending on the profession, but the general requirements include:
- Completed and signed Italy national visa application form (D type)
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages, photocopies of all used pages)
- Biometric photos (2 pieces, 35x45 mm, white background, recent and unused)
- Original Nulla Osta authorization from the Immigration Desk
- Signed employment contract with the Italian employer
- Flight reservation and accommodation details
- Proof of Italian language proficiency (certificates, diplomas, course documents, etc.)
- Additional documents depending on the applicant’s profession (engineers, health professionals, self-employed business owners may require specific paperwork)
📌 Renewal of Work and Residence Permits
Work permits in Italy are directly linked to residence permits. As long as the work continues, the residence permit must be renewed before its expiry. If the renewal is not submitted in time, the application will be treated as a new one, requiring longer procedures.
Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Italy for at least 8 consecutive years with valid residence permits may also become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship, provided other conditions are met.
📌 Marsel Visa Support
At Marsel Visa, we assist only with Italy Schengen visa applications (tourist, business, family visit, cultural, internship, etc.). For long-term visas such as work, residence, or family reunification, applications must be made directly at the Italian Consulates or Embassy.
However, for Schengen visa applications, we provide full professional support in preparing documents, completing forms, arranging appointments, and ensuring a smooth process for our clients.