Residence permit for work

Residence permit for work: what it is and who can apply

To hire a non-EU worker living abroad in Italy, on a permanent or fixed-term contract, the Italian or legally resident foreign employer must submit a request for clearance (nulla osta) to the Single Desk for Immigration. The residence permit for employed (non-seasonal) work allows you to work with the same pay, insurance and pension rights as Italian workers.

The work entry visa is issued by the competent Italian diplomatic mission, on the basis of the work authorisation previously issued by the Italian authorities.

How it works

Entry into Italy for employed or seasonal work takes place at the employer’s request, through the residence contract (contratto di soggiorno), within the entry quotas set by the decreto flussi. Entry for seasonal work is set every year for specific non-EU countries and specific sectors. For some professions, such as athletes, nurses and artists, entries outside the annual quotas are allowed.

Entry for self-employed work is only allowed within the quotas of the «decreto flussi». The worker must show the diplomatic mission that they have:

• adequate resources for the activity they intend to start in Italy;
• authorisation from the competent Questura to carry it out;
• the requirements for registration in professional registers, if required.

Applications for clearance for employed (non-seasonal) and self-employed work can be submitted with the help of CCL offices, while those for seasonal work follow a different procedure. The rules and quotas of the decreto flussi change every year: our staff will tell you the current dates and requirements.

Losing your job

A foreign worker with a permit for non-seasonal employed work who loses their job, even by resigning, keeps the right to stay in Italy, can register on the job-seekers’ lists for the remaining period of the permit and in any case for at least one year, and can take up another job.

For more information and assistance, contact your nearest CCL office.