How to Move From the United States to Italy and Get a Work Permit

Living abroad is an adventure that expands your mind to the world around us. Sometimes finding a way to live and work in another country is challenging. Often, obtaining a work permit is complicated. If you are ready to live and work in Italy, here are a few pointers to get you started.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Passport with necessary visas

1. Prior to entering Italy, civilians are required by Italian law to obtain a visa, unless you are a member of the European Union. Active military service personnel may be exempt. If you arrive without proper documentation, you will be sent back to your country at your own expense.
   An entrance visa will be sent to you by the Italian Embassy or Consulate permitting your entry and upon arrival in Italy, you obtain a work permit for the time span agreed upon. If conditions exist, you may convert a seasonal work permit to a permit for dependent labor. Upon arrival in Italy, present the necessary documentation to the Municipality in which you intent to work. You will then be issued an Italian work permit.

2. Find employment in Italy. This may be the most difficult part of the process. One option is to move to Italy before you find employment. Private language lessons to learn Italian helps and may help you make a few extra Euros. Check the classified ads in Italian newspapers for work, just like in your native country. Another option is to look for a job in an Italian city that is an affiliate of your current company.

3. Be prepared to work for less than what you are used to earning. Remember that it is part of the experience. Ensure an employer is reputable to avoid complications. If you have special skills that may be marketable, use them. You may earn more this way than working for an established employer.

4. Obtain an Italian work permit through your employer, but under limited circumstances. Italian work permits are administered regionally and implementation differs greatly depending on your location. Work permits may not be applied for by a potential employee or by an agency. The average processing time is about two months.

5. Compile a list of essentials you need while living and working in Italy. Find an international moving company if needed. Being able to sustain a lifestyle abroad is more important than bringing property with you, so be sure you are able to support yourself before you leave the country.

6. Know Italy's laws and your rights as a foreigner in their country. Consider all aspects of your life and responsibilities from driving a car to the Italian legal system.

7. Expect the first year of your residence to be more costly than subsequent years, as it takes time to understand bureaucracy and where to find deals, services and ways to save. Remember, it's part of the adventure. If an Italian firm has hired you, vie for the highest salary possible to help offset the expense of relocating and be sure your new employer understands this.

Tips & Warnings

• Italy does no have any restrictions in place on its labor market for citizens of countries in the European community. If you have legal citizenship in one of these nations, you may be exempt. If you are an American citizen, you must obtain a work permit or a visa to be employed in Italy.

• Contact the nearest Italian Embassy to obtain visa requirements. You may also contact the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Laws may change, so it is advised that you obtain current information from the Italian Embassy or consulate located in your home country. Do this prior to becoming committed to travel plans.

• If you can prove Italian residency or dual citizenship, you may be able bypass the work permit. Check into qualifications for dual residency and citizenship.

Resources

• Find information about international relocations.
• Learn about obtaining an International Work Permit.
• Find international employment opportunities.