Work permits within the annual immigration quotas mechanism set by the Government

Work permits within the annual immigration quotas mechanism are issued by the competent Italian diplomatic authorities within the entry quotas established in the decrees – the so-called “decreti-flussi” – which are periodically issued by the Government based on the specified criteria of the three-year program document on immigration policies.

The types vary depending on reason of the entry.

Self-employment residence permits for shareholders and directors of companies with headquarters or branches in Italy.

To obtain a self-employment permit as a shareholder and / or director of an Italian company, applicants shall:

  • file a declaration at the Territorial Directorate of Labor,  stating that you do not intend to establish any employment relationship with the Company;
  • apply for a security clearance issued by the competent Italian police headquarters;
  • apply for a self-employment visa with the competent Italian consulate submitting the application and attaching to it the documents listed above and a business plan that shows that it will produce a particular interest for the Italian economy.

Within 8 days of entering Italy, applicants shall request the release of the corresponding electronic residence permit, presenting themselves, in person, at the competent post office with an identity card and the completed post-kit.

Self-employment residence permit for individual entrepreneurs in Italy

This type of visa is suitable for foreigners who intend to open a sole proprietorship in Italy. The requirements for obtaining a self-employment visa from the competent Italian diplomatic mission are:

  • registration of the sole proprietorship at the chamber of commerce;
  • security clearance for the specific activity and certificate of financial parameters of the indicated activity, i.e. the amount of the minimum resources necessary for its launch;
  • security clearance to enter released from the competent police headquarters demonstrating, inter alia, the availability of a suitable accommodation in Italy;
  • proof of an annual income from legitimate sources higher than the minimum required by the law for the exemption from healthcare taxes (€ 8.400). This requirement is also satisfied in the presence of a corresponding guarantee by Italian organizations or citizens, or foreigners legally residing in Italy.

Within 8 days of entering Italy, applicants shall request the release of the corresponding electronic residence permit, presenting themselves in person at the competent post office with an identity card and the completed post-kit.

Self-employment residence permit for professionals in Italy

To obtain a self-employment VISA for professionals, applicants shall contact the competent diplomatic mission and submit the following documents:

  • statement issued by the administrative body dealing with the grant of the eventual authorization, license, permit, or upon receipt of the notice of commencement of activity, or by the bodies responsible for supervising the professional associations;
  • proof of the availability of suitable housing;
  • proof of income, acquired in the previous financial year in the country of residence, higher than the minimum level foreseen by the law for exemption from healthcare taxes (€ 8400);
  • security clearance from the competent police headquarter.

Within 8 days of entering Italy, applicants shall request the release of the corresponding electronic residence permit, presenting themselves in person at the competent post office with an identity card and the completed post-kit.

Employment residence permit

The issuance of the employment visa requires you to have previously obtained an entry visa for work, following a security clearance to be hired or to perform work activities, issued by the relevant diplomatic mission by submitting request from the employer for a work permit issued by the immigration Sportello Unico Telematico with territorial jurisdiction in the district where you intend to be employed. The permission is issued within certain numerical limits in the annual quotas mechanism approved by the Government and in the manner determined by the subsequent round of implementation, submitting the documentation relating to the existence of a formally recognized employment and communicated to INPS.

Within 8 days of entering Italy, applicants shall request the release of the corresponding electronic residence permit, presenting themselves in person at the competent post office with an identity card and the completed post-kit.

This VISA may have a maximum duration of one year if the employment contract is for a fixed-term, or two years with a permanent employment contract.

The employment visa can also be obtained by converting a study or training visa.

Seasonal work visa and residence permit

The entry of foreign workers for seasonal work is allowed only in the hospitality and agricultural sectors, depending on the province where the work activity takes place. As for the employment visa, the issuance of a seasonal work visa is subject to obtaining the security clearance issued to the employer by the Sportello Unico of the competent Prefecture.

The procedure to obtain the security clearance to work will be identical to that provided for an employment visa in the event of a registered request.

In case of numerical demand and without direct knowledge of the foreigner, it will be necessary for the employer to communicate immediately to the competent employment center, which checks within 5 days the availability of Italian or EU workers to fill the seasonal employment offered.

Within 8 days of entering Italy, applicants shall request the release of the corresponding electronic residence permit, presenting themselves in person at the competent post office with an identity card and the completed post-kit.

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