Is there a better country to live and work as a foreigner in Europe than Italy? We struggle to think of one. This is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with ancient cities, beaches and beautiful islands. There are lots of jobs available, from short term, seasonal winter and summer, and also full time professional jobs in cities like Rome and Milan.
Top Rated Programs
Study Italian in Bologna
• 1-12 weeks
• Price from £645
Teach English in Tuscany
• 1-8 months
• Price from £3,295
Au Pair in Italy
• 3-12 months
• Price from £1,195
TEFL Course in Rome
• 4 weeks
• Price from $1,761
Internship in Italy
• 2-3 months
• Price from £2,445
Quick Facts
• Population: 58,133,000 (est 2006)
• Principal Language(s): Italian
• Capital: Rome
• Other major cities: Milan, Naples, Turin
• Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents
• Internet domain: .it
• International dialling code: +39
About Italy
Italy is one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (now European Union) and has been at the forefront of European integration. It has one of the world’s largest economies and is a member of the G8 group of countries.
In recent times however, Italy has struggled with sluggish economic growth coupled with a budget deficit and high inflation, but there are still arguably more tourists than local inhabitants in some cities such as Venice, and Italy continues to be known both at home and abroad as the ‘bel paese’ (beautiful country). Italy is home to more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other country.
Italy is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance in the 15th century which led Europe out of the Middle Ages, and as such, has been home to some of the greatest artists of the time. The artwork of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rafael are universally acclaimed.
Italian literature also has several big names, such as Dante and Petrarch. In the mid-twentieth century Italian cinema was one of the most dynamic in the world and spawned such directors as Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini, and Vittorio de Sica.
How to Work in Italy
For citizens of the European Union (EU) countries who are thinking of living and working abroad, Italy is one good option where they can easily find employment. Italy automatically entitles work permit or special visa for citizens of EU-member countries.
In addition, there are no restrictions in Italy regarding the granting of work permit for EU citizens. However, a residence permit will be required after three months of stay in Italy. You can apply for a residence permit at the Foreign Department (Ufficio Stranieri) of the Police Headquarters (Questura). Documents for identification like passport and passport pictures are required. Other documents may be requested depending on the reason for prolong stay and job specialization.
The requirements for application are the following: passport or similar identification including passport photographs. Whether you need to produce any further documents depends on why you want to continue your stay in Italy and job specialization.
For those whose reasons for residence permit application are employment have to show evidence of their employment (e.g employment clearance). Employers who refuse to abide by the bonding and insurance requirements and the standard employment contract may hire Filipino workers only through licensed recruitment agencies willing to assume responsibility for the employees.
Industries
In-demand jobs include professionals like information technology and communication as well as English teachers.
Language
A good command of the English language will be very beneficial when applying for jobs advertised to foreigners in Italy. However, you must also take time to know Italian words and phrases as there are many Italian who don’t speak English. this will also help with integration and living in Italy.
Some companies will also require you to speak the local language. If your Italian is at the beginner-elementary level, we strongly recommend taking Italian instruction up to 12 weeks. For those at an elementary-intermediate skill level, consider extending your Italian instruction up to 9 weeks in order to reach the appropriate level needed for living and working in Italy.
Search language schools in Italy for lessons.
People and Culture
People in Italy are friendly and relaxed. Be sure to bask in the glory of this rich culture while you are there.
Residence Permit
Foreign workers in Italy may be given a residence permit that is valid for five years. After 5 years, they can again apply for an extension.
Salaries
As with many other European countries, Italy converted to the Euro in 2002. Before you study abroad Italy, be sure you have a good understanding of how the Euro works. Here are the basics:
One hundred centimes equals one Euro. Centimes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50. There are seven different banknote denominations for the Euro including: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500.
Compensation received by a foreign worker must not be less than that of an Italian employee performing a similar job. In fact, it is unlawful for paid compensation to be considerably below the average compensation common to the relevant sector of industry.
Salaries depend on the employer, and although generally less than Switzerland, Germany, France and the UK, they are high for European standards.
