Italy, with its rich culture, millennia-old history, and strategic position in the heart of Europe, has always been one of the popular destinations for work immigration. This country is a member of the G7 group and, with the third-largest economy in the European Union and a leading position in various industries, provides numerous job opportunities for foreign workers annually.
Due to labor shortages in many sectors, Italy has adjusted its immigration policies to attract unskilled workers, skilled labor, and international specialists. Work immigration to Italy is not only a path for career advancement but also a route to a quality life, security, and social welfare in one of the most developed countries in the world.
In this article, we provide complete and up-to-date information on the general conditions for working in Italy, types of work visas, incomes, in-demand jobs, benefits of work residence, and the legal steps to obtain work residence.
Why work in Italy
Italy needs approximately one million new workers annually. From unskilled workers in the agriculture and construction sectors to specialists in engineering, IT, healthcare, and advanced industries. This country, with its coherent industrial structure and suitable living conditions, is an ideal destination for individuals seeking a professional life in Europe.
Italy’s position in Europe and the growth of the labour market
Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, many American, Canadian, and British international companies have moved their European offices to Italy. This trend, especially in the northern provinces like Lombardy, has led to rapid growth in the job market. For instance, between 2021 and 2024 alone, the economic growth rate in some industrial provinces of northern Italy reached over 6%. This growth is directly related to the need for skilled and semi-skilled labor.
Benefits of Work and Living in Italy
In Italian labor laws, the welfare of employees and workers and having a standard of living are guaranteed, and most laws favor employees over employers. The benefits of working in Italy include the following:
- Sustainable and diverse economics: opportunities in different industries such as engineering, technology, tourism, design and art.
- High quality of life: advanced health system, free education and high standards of social well-being.
- Rich History and Culture: Living in a country with amazing architecture, art and history.
- Access to European labor markets: Italian visa allows you to travel and work in Schengen countries.
- Balance between work and life: balanced working hours and leisure opportunities.
- Legal leave: at least 4 weeks of annual leave and parental leave.
- Supplementary insurance: Additional coverage such as life and accident insurance.
- Travel Cost: Some companies pay the cost of their employees.
- Company car for employees: Some companies provide employees with cars for long commutes to reduce their travel and commuting costs.
- Learning one of the most beautiful languages in the world: Italian
- Professional opportunities: the possibility of advancement in modern industries and access to professional skills and training
Free consultation: Our specialists will guide you through the visa application stages and answer your questions free of charge.
Types of work residence in Italy
There are more than 10 types of long-term work visas in Italy, such as seasonal work visas, self-employment, sports, the nomad visa, maritime, research, volunteer work, and others. However, in this article, we will only explain 4 types of long-term work visas that are more common, and 3 of them can be applied for by Iranian applicants.
Work residence in Italy with a job offer
For people who have received an official job offer from the Italian job.
EU Blue Card
Specially skilled and educated individuals with a high-wage work history and contract. The holder of the card can work and live in other EU countries after a year.
Training and educational stay
For participating in skilled work courses or careers that start with a 3 to 9 month course of work.
Self-employment Visa - Lavoro Autonomo
For those who want to start their own business or work as freelancers in Italy.
General employment and legal rights of workers in Italy
Italy is one of the leading countries in protecting labor rights. All people (even foreign immigrants) are covered by national labour laws.
- Formal Contract: All employers are required to provide a written contract stating the working conditions. Usually, the first and second work contracts are for one year, and after 2 years, it becomes a permanent contract.
- Working Hours: It is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Usually, employees work 5 days a week, meaning from Monday to Friday, and the 8-hour working day is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Usually, there is 1 hour for lunch, which is not counted as working time.
- Minimum wage: about 1200 EUR/month (based on the type of occupation and the relevant union)
- Overtime: The legal overtime limit is 8 hours per week, with pay 15 to 30 percent higher.
- Paid Leave: At least one month per year + public holidays.
- Sick leave: with rights (after medical approval)
- Pregnancy and parental leave: up to 5 months with salary for the mother – 10 days for the father
- Health and Retirement Insurance: Forced and paid by the employer
- Retirement age: The age of 67 with at least 20 years of insurance.
- Taxes: Deducted from salary (between 23% and 38% based on income).
- Note: All immigrants with legal residency have access to the same health and insurance services with Italian citizens.
Salaries and income in Italy
The salary level in Italy, like in other countries of the world, depends on various factors, such as the type of job, work experience, age, educational degree, field of study and GPA, and proficiency level in Italian and English.
Educational Qualification
The lowest salary is for workers with less than a high school diploma – high school graduates earn 10 to 17% more – Bachelor’s degree holders earn 20 to 24% more than high school graduates, and Master’s and PhD holders earn 20 to 40% more.
Work Experience
Experience and work history are also important factors in salary level. Beginners receive the lowest salary, and for every 5 years added to your work experience, you receive between 20 to 30 percent more salary.
Different cities in Italy
The highest salaries are in the north and center of Italy, especially in the city of Milan, and in the more southern cities, the salary level is between 10 to 20 percent lower. Of course, in large cities, costs are also significantly higher than in the south of Italy.
Other factors
Factors such as the specificity of the job, the applicant’s special expertise, and mastery of several European languages, especially Italian and English, are effective in the salary and income level for some jobs.
The table below shows the average annual and monthly salaries for several major job categories.
| Job Category | Average Gross Annual Salary | Average Net Monthly Salary |
| Unskilled and manual labor | From 18 to 25 thousand euros | From 1100 to 1400 euros |
| Technical and professional jobs | From 20 to 35 thousand euros | From 1400 to 2200 euros |
| Engineering jobs | From 25 to 50 thousand euros | From 1500 to 3500 euros |
| Specialized jobs | From 50 to 120 thousand euros | From 4000 to 9000 euros |
| Internships (3 to 12 months) | From 700 to 1500 euros |
Jobs needed in Italy
Italy needs workers for almost most jobs, from simple laborers and farmers to engineers, doctors, and pilots. Here we mention the jobs that are more frequently and more easily hired for.
Unskilled and manual labor jobs
- Restaurant, kitchen, and service worker
- Workforce in the agriculture, animal husbandry, and greenhouse sectors
- Construction, road construction, shipbuilding, packaging, and factory worker
Technical and industrial jobs with a technical diploma or higher qualifications
- Welder (electrical, argon, industrial, steel frame, gas and electric)
- Metal industries: Turner, foundry worker, sheet metal worker, milling machine operator, and industrial framer
- Industrial and building electrician, gold and jeweler
- Elevator installation, facilities/plumbing, stone work
- Tailoring, carpentry, cabinet making, furniture making
Engineering and technology jobs (for university degree holders)
- Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electronics, Electrical, Telecommunications, and Industrial Engineering
- IT, Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Telematic Systems, and Robotics
- Architectural, Civil, and Logistics Engineering
- Biotechnology, Nanotechnology
Healthcare and medical staff (with valid medical and paramedical degrees)
- General practitioner and specialist, dentist, and pharmacist
- Nurse, nursing aide, and elderly care worker
- Laboratory technician, radiology technician, physiotherapist, and health officer
Required conditions for work immigration to Italy
Age
The minimum legal working age is 18, and no specific maximum age is set, but people under 35 are hired more easily. Hiring older individuals for general jobs is more difficult, but companies may have no age limit for specialized jobs and may also hire experienced older people.
Academic certificate
Having at least a high school diploma.
Work and professional documents
Certificates from professional and specialized courses increase the chance of finding a better job.
Work experience
At least 2 years, even for manual labor jobs.
Italian language
Although some specialized industries may accept an employee proficient in English, knowing the Italian language is still an important advantage, because Italian remains the common language among employees in all companies. Therefore, to increase your chances of being hired, obtain at least an Italian language certificate at the B1 or B2 level.
English language
Proficiency in English is necessary for some engineering fields, and in general, applicants with higher English language knowledge and certificates have a much better chance for work immigration.
Physical and mental health
Not having chronic diseases, mental or psychological problems, drug or alcohol addiction, and having no effective criminal record.
Special conditions for the Blue Card
In addition to the general conditions mentioned, a Blue Card applicant must meet additional conditions including: at least a Bachelor’s degree – 5 years of relevant work experience related to their university degree – having a salary at least 20% higher than the base rate for that job – having a minimum one-year contract.
Steps, time, and documents for obtaining Italian work residence
Steps to obtain Italian work residence permit
In Iran and before the applicant travels to Italy
- Receiving information, CV, and copies of the applicant’s documents to check the applicant’s eligibility.
- Signing the contract and registering the applicant, receiving the required documents from the applicant, and starting the process in Italy.
- Free Italian language training (online – level A2 to B1).
- Introducing and sending the applicant’s CV to Italian companies.
- Sending a suitable job offer to the applicant and fully explaining the conditions of the proposed job to the applicant.
- Preparing the applicant for the interview with the employer by PAREX experts online from Italy.
- Receiving a preliminary contract from the employer and signing it by the applicant.
- Receiving an invitation letter from the employer and also receiving a confirmation letter from the Italian Ministry of the Interior.
- Visa: Getting an embassy appointment, preparing and completing the documents required by the Italian embassy for a one-year work visa.
- Receiving a type D visa and the applicant’s travel to Italy.
- Transferring the applicant from the airport to the city of work and temporary accommodation until they rent a permanent home.
- In the first week of arrival in Italy: signing the work contract with the employer in person – renting a permanent residence – applying for the residence permit at the police station – opening a bank account.
- Starting a new job in Italy and experiencing an international and European work environment (some jobs may have an initial training period in the workplace).
- Continuing to learn the Italian language online, as planned by the PAREX group.
Timeline for obtaining Italian work permit
The time required to receive a job offer, obtain an invitation letter, and secure an embassy appointment is on average 3 and at most 6 months, and this period will be a good opportunity for the applicant to learn Italian to the level of basic needs.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Required documents for obtaining a residence permit from the Italian government
- Passport with a minimum validity of 2 years for the applicant
- 3×4 official personal photo
- Original educational certificate and transcripts for the applicant’s last two academic levels, with official translation into Italian or English (by a PAREX certified translator)
- Certificate of no criminal record and its translation
- Health certificate from a PAREX accredited physician
- Original and translation of the power of attorney that the applicant gives to the PAREX company lawyer for handling residence matters
- Translation of the applicant’s birth certificate into Italian
- Preparation of a CV and personal statement for the main applicant, spouse, and children
- Translation of all work-related documents into Italian
- All documents mentioned in the previous section
- Italian government permit for residence issuance
- Invitation letter and documents from the Italian company
- Proof of financial means and bank statement for the applicant with a minimum balance equivalent to 8,000 euros for a 6-month period
- Hotel or accommodation reservation for upon arrival in Italy
- Payment of 116 euros to VFS Global for the embassy visa issuance and the 30 euro VFS service fee
- Passport, translated birth certificate (translated marriage certificate for married individuals)
- Italian government permit (Nulla Osta)
- Residence permit and visa issued by the Italian embassy
- Invitation letter and documents from the Italian company
- Rental agreement for the residence in Italy
- One-year insurance policy in Italy
- Proof of bank funds equivalent to at least 8000 euros in an international bank
Residence in Italy for the applicant's spouse and children (companion visa)
A person who has Italian work residence, upon meeting the necessary conditions and documents, can request Italian residence for their spouse, children under 17, and parents over 65. This residence is of the family reunification type and is not issued simultaneously with the main applicant, but the process for requesting residence for their family begins after the issuance of the main applicant’s first residence permit. Here we state the important points of the family reunification visa.
Important note: Only the spouse and children of a Blue Card applicant can obtain a residence visa simultaneously with the main applicant, and the process for the entire family proceeds together, but other types of work residence do not have this advantage.
- Time process: About 6 to 12 months from the application date to receiving the residence visa and traveling to Italy for the applicant.
- Conditions for the main applicant: The applicant must have received the residence permit, the “Residenza” certificate, and the Italian national card – must have accommodation with a formal contract, of adequate size and standard for all family members – must have sufficient income to support their family.
- Residence for the applicant’s parents: At least 65 years old – have no other children in Iran – are financially supported by their child.
Work status for family members (spouse and children)
Spouse’s residence: Upon arrival, they can obtain free work permission – the spouse does not need a specific job offer and can work in any job in Italy.
Children’s residence: Permission to reside and free education in Italian schools – access to free healthcare – possibility of obtaining citizenship in the future.
Important information and explanations regarding Italian residence and passport
Italy needs workers for almost most jobs, from simple laborers and farmers to engineers, doctors, and pilots. Here we mention the jobs that are more frequently and more easily hired for.
Permanent Resident
Work immigration to Italy is one of the most reliable paths to obtaining permanent residence and ultimately Italian citizenship. After 5 years of temporary residence in Italy, you can obtain permanent residence in this country. Conditions for obtaining permanent residence include: having an A2 Italian language certificate, residing in Italy, having a minimum declared income in Italy for 3 consecutive years to cover living costs.
Italian passport
The validity of the Italian passport ranks second in the world, even higher than the UK, Canada, and the USA. Usually, after 10 years of living and residing in Italy, you can apply for it. Conditions for obtaining Italian passport and citizenship include: having a B1 Italian language certificate, residing in Italy, no criminal record in Italy and Iran, and having a minimum declared income in Italy for 3 consecutive years to cover living costs.
Applicant fees
- PAREX service fee for obtaining the applicant's residence.
- Travel to Italy (including flight, hotel, transfer to the destination city)
- Costs related to renting a home including: deposit, monthly rent, agency commission.
- Government payments such as insurance, revenue stamp = about 300 euros per person.
- Cost of document translation and certification by the Italian embassy = approximately 250 euros
- Italian Embassy stamp fee for visa = 116 euros per person
Types of employment contracts in Italy
In the Italian job market, there are various types of work contracts depending on the employer’s needs and the applicant’s employment status. Familiarity with these contracts is very important for any immigrant.
Permanent contract
- No specified end date
- High job security
- Possibility of obtaining loans, permanent residence, and citizenship
- Full leave and insurance benefits
- Usually after a probationary period or renewal of fixed-term contracts.
Suitable for: Specialized workforce, engineers, doctors, skilled technicians.
Temporary contract
- Specific duration (usually 6 to 12 months)
- If satisfactory, it can be renewed or converted to a permanent contract
- Includes insurance, taxes, and benefits
Suitable for: Unskilled workers, nurses, technicians, service jobs.
Part-time contract
- Working hours less than the standard (e.g., 20 hours per week)
- More flexible for individuals with family commitments or students
Suitable for: Students, housewives, side jobs.
Seasonal contract
- For work in agriculture, tourism, or restaurants during specific seasons
- Fixed-term (3 to 9 months)
- Sometimes requires leaving the country after the contract ends
Suitable for: Seasonal workers, temporary migrants, applicants for a second job.
Comparison of work residence with other immigration methods to Italy.
In the following table, we compare work residence with other common methods of migration to Italy:
| Immigration Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Work Residence | Stable income, path to permanent residence and citizenship, insurance coverage, economic stability | Need for a job offer or expertise – Time-consuming legal process |
| Study Residence | Access to free or low-cost education, permission for part-time work, opportunity to familiarize oneself with the job market | Need for initial costs – Limitation on working hours |
| Family Residence | Joining family members who have legal residence | Dependence on others’ residence – Lack of independent income until obtaining work permission |
| Investment/Company Registration | Fastest method to obtain residence – No need for a job offer | Need for high capital – Economic risk – Requirement for successful economic activity |
| EU Blue Card | High benefits, freedom of movement and work in Schengen countries | Need for a university degree and high salary – Competitive admission process |
PAREX Company
PAREX company is a leader in the field of international employment services and work residence, based in Italy. In coordination with the Italian government and according to Italian laws and regulations, we are with you to find the best job opportunities matching your abilities and experience. With our expert team, the path of work immigration to Italy will be easy, transparent, and professional. The PAREX group is always with you. We accompany you in Iran from the day of the contract until the day you get your visa and come to Italy, and we will not leave you alone from the moment you enter Italy until the day you obtain permanent residence and even your Italian passport. To find a relevant job, we send your CV to related companies and simultaneously promptly inform you of suitable job opportunities and offers, we teach you the Italian language, and we introduce you to this beautiful and unique country.
Park services for work applicants in Italy
Before traveling to Italy
- Providing consultation to the applicant based on the applicant’s documents, records, and conditions.
- Preparing a CV and completing the applicant’s documents for.
- Italian language training in Iran and Italy.
- Training and practicing how to conduct an interview with the applicant.
- Finding a suitable job for the applicant and obtaining a work contract, invitation letter, and Nulla Osta.
- Obtaining an embassy appointment and completing the documents, forms, and visa application file.
- Obtaining a residence visa from the Italian embassy and providing necessary information to the applicant for traveling to Italy.
- Completing all the documents that the applicant needs for traveling to Italy.
- Guidance for airport transfer, intercity transfer, hotel reservation for the first few days until renting a home.
- Introducing the applicant to the employer and providing necessary information and guidance for starting a new job in Italy.
- Completing the forms and documents related to the residence application, opening a file, and registering residence in Italy, and following up as necessary until receiving the Italian residence permit.
- Planning to complete the applicant’s language training up to the Italian B2 level.
- Necessary guidance, consultation, and follow-up for renting a residential home in Italy.
- All necessary actions for obtaining the insurance card, national code (Codice Fiscale), and Italian “Residenza” certificate.
- Necessary guidance, consultation, and follow-up for opening a bank account for the applicant.
- Guidance and assistance to the applicant for the second-year renewal of the work residence permit.
- Necessary actions for obtaining family reunification residence for the spouse and children of married clients.
Advantages of choosing work residence through PAREX company
On the path of work immigration, transparency, expertise, and legal support are critically important. At PAREX, we:
- Provide a valid and legal job offer.
- Offer Italian language training with official instructors.
- Sign a transparent and complete contract.
- Obtain the work permit (Nulla Osta) without worry.
- Provide support from zero to entry and starting work in Italy.
- Offer legal assistance in obtaining the residence permit and its renewals.
- Maintain direct communication with Italian employers and consultants.
- Guarantee legal contracts with Italian employers.
- Carry out all processes from start to finish under the supervision of official lawyers.
- Continue job consultation, language training, document preparation, and legal assistance until obtaining permanent residence.
Important points about Italian work residence by the PAREX group
How we find a job for you: We do two things in parallel. First, we introduce you to reputable Italian companies related to your work history and abilities. These companies know PAREX, and when PAREX introduces you, PAREX is essentially guaranteeing the correctness of your documents, your capability, and your continued work at that company. Second, we send you suitable new job opportunities to prepare you for the best job offer.
General explanations about language: The strong need to attract foreign workers in Italy has meant that many companies are not strict about the level of Italian or English. Of course, for many jobs such as consultant, teacher, accountant, salesperson, the level of the local language must be excellent, but in many jobs, especially manual work and technical and specialized jobs, companies do not emphasize an excellent language level. However, those who are proficient in Italian or those who are proficient in English have more job opportunities.
Italian language and PAREX’s training program for applicants: Italian has often been chosen as the most beautiful language in the world and even the easiest language to learn. If you are going to work in Italy and live with the kind people of this country, it is better to learn this sweet language, and it is better to start learning in Iran and complete your training here in Italy. In Iran, from the time of the contract until the day of travel to Italy, 4 to 6 months is a good opportunity to reach the Italian A2 level, and perhaps even the B1 level. PAREX’s free Italian training program includes 10 hours of online training per week, totaling 200 hours in Iran and another 200 hours in Italy. Classes are held in groups of 5 to 15 people.
Internship period: Some companies, to start work, arrange a 3 to 9-month internship period in the workplace for their new employees, which is considered part of the contract, and the salary paid to the employee during this period is 20 to 30% lower than the base salary. After completing this period, the employee continues working at the company with full pay, and this matter is included in the company’s contract with the applicant. (Similar to the German Ausbildung program, although in Germany this period is very long, with lower pay, and the company might not hire you after the internship period ends).
Applicant’s guarantee: The applicant must guarantee the correctness and authenticity of their educational documents and information, their work history, and that they will not leave the Italian company until the work contract is completed and will continue cooperation.
EU Blue Card: This type of residence is only suitable for highly skilled employees such as doctors, specialists, managers of skilled workers, university professors who have a minimum annual salary of 30,000 euros. Depending on the contract duration, the validity of the Blue Card can be from 1 to 4 years. Blue Card holders and their families can work and live in other European countries with this same card after one year of work in Italy, provided they have a work contract in the new country.
What does "black work" (lavoro nero) in Italy mean?
The term “Black Work” (Lavoro Nero) in Italy refers to illegal work, without a formal contract, without insurance and taxes. This type of work is often the only way to earn money for immigrants who do not have legal residence or a work permit – but it has very serious risks such as: deportation from the country – lack of insurance and legal rights – exploitation by the employer – negative immigration record – fines for both the employer and the worker.
Free consultation: Our specialists will guide you through the visa application stages and answer your questions free of charge.
