Employment in Italy
Employment opportunities in Italy are open to all EU citizens. However, in order to be considered for a job in Italy you must either be equal to Italian nationals in language and training, or have an exclusive ability to offer. If you work in Italy you are entitled to exactly the same terms and conditions as Italian employees. Likewise, members of your family are entitled to the same benefits as members of an Italian employee's family.
Non-EU members will find getting a job in Italy more difficult. Vacancies are only given to non-EU members if there are no Italians suitable for the job. It is also necessary to apply for an Entry Visa for Reasons of Work (visto d'ingresso per motivi di lavoro) before arriving in Italy . This means that you must have a job arranged beforehand. In order to obtain a work visa send the contract with your employer's signature to the Uflcio Provinciale del Lavoro (Provincial Labour Office) and to the Uflcio Stranieri (Foreigners' Division) of the Questura (Provincial Police Headquarters). If you intend to work as a self-employed person in Italy contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will also need a resident's permit and a special visa.
If you are a non-EU citizen coming to Italy for reasons other than work, but wish to take up employment after arriving, you must either be a foreign man married to an Italian woman or be a female Italian who changed nationality through marriage.
Competition for work remains high and you should not come to Italy with false expectations. You should also remember that if by the time your temporary permit to stay has expired you have still not found a job, the police can charge you with vagrancy and escort you to the nearest border.
