Jobs in Italy: Everything You Need to Know

Looking for jobs in Italy? As one of Europe’s largest economies, Italy offers a dynamic job market with growing sectors in tourism, fashion, engineering, technology, and education. The country is not only known for its rich culture and lively cities like Milan and Rome, but also for its growing openness to foreign workers and English-speaking professionals. With increasing demand in areas such as healthcare, IT, and teaching, and a range of work visa options designed to simplify the relocation process, Italy is a promising destination for international talent.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about landing jobs in Italy, including in-demand roles, where to find English-speaking jobs, how to apply, and what visa options are available to help you start your career abroad.

Continue reading to find:

• Job market in Italy
• Required Visas
• English speaking jobs
• Labor laws and rights

Job Market in Italy

Italy has a mixed economy with strong tourism, fashion, engineering, agriculture, and technology sectors. Despite a relatively high unemployment rate in some areas, major cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence offer a variety of job opportunities, especially for foreign workers and English speakers.

Key statistics

• Unemployment rate: Approximately 7.2%, lower in northern regions
• Most in-demand sectors: Healthcare, IT, engineering, education, tourism, and sales
• Popular industries for foreigners: English language jobs, teaching jobs, multinational companies, hospitality
• High demand roles: Tech, finance, marketing, and skilled shortage occupations
• Cities with the most job vacancies: Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence, and Turin
• Foreign workforce: Over 5 million foreign workers employed in various sectors

Requirements to Work in Italy

For EU/EEA citizens:

• No visa required to work or live in Italy.
• Must register with the local municipality if staying longer than 90 days.

For non-EU citizens (including Americans):

• Need a valid work visa issued under Italy’s annual Decreto Flussi (quota system).
• Must have a job offer from an Italian employer who applies for a work permit (nulla osta).
• Once approved, apply for the residence permit within 8 days of arrival.

General documents needed for EU & non-EU citizens

• Valid passport
• Job contract or offer
• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Health insurance coverage
• Fiscal code (codice fiscale) for taxes and contracts

English-speaking jobs in Italy

Teaching English in Italy for Americans

Italy has a strong market for English teachers, with high demand in private language schools, international schools, and business training programs. Americans are often sought after due to their native fluency and standard accent, making them competitive candidates.

Other English-speaking nationals (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia) are also eligible. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL or CELTA certification. Knowledge of Italian is helpful but not mandatory. Basic experience can improve job prospects.

Teaching English remains one of the most accessible and in-demand jobs for English speakers. Positions are available at private language schools, international schools, and universities. There’s also demand for special education and business English trainers.

Typical employers include:

• Private language schools (e.g., British Council, Wall Street English)
• Public schools through programs like MIUR
• Summer camps and seasonal teaching roles
• Corporate training programs

How to Get a Job in Italy

Finding jobs in Italy involves using a mix of official portals, private job websites, networking, and recruitment agencies.

Public job sites

• ClicLavoro: Official portal by the Ministry of Labour.
• EURES Italy: EU mobility network ideal for foreign workers.
• ANPAL: Central agency offering national job postings.

Job websites

• Indeed Italy, LinkedIn, and InfoJobs are widely used for professional and general employment.
• Sites like JobsinMilan highlight opportunities for English speakers in urban areas.

Embassies and foreign organizations

Embassies and international institutions occasionally list job opportunities, especially in diplomatic services or English-speaking roles.

Newspapers

Leading dailies like Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica regularly feature job listings, particularly in major cities. The Local Italy is a useful English-language source for expats.

Recruitment agencies

Self-Employment and Freelancing in Italy

Italy supports self-employment through several legal structures, especially for professionals in tech, design, consulting, writing, and other freelance sectors. To work independently, you must register as a “libero professionista” or start a VAT-registered business.

Some of the top self-employed jobs in Italy include

• Web development and tech consulting
• Translation and copywriting (especially for English language jobs)
• Design and architecture
• Marketing and SEO specialists
• Teaching English online or privately
• Tour guides and travel consultants
• Artisans and craft businesses, especially in northern Italy

Freelancers must issue invoices and handle their own tax filings. With the rise of remote work, Italy is also popular among digital nomads using the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

⁣Traineeships, Internships, and Volunteering

Internships and volunteer opportunities are available across sectors like education, tourism, marketing, and engineering. These roles, often accessed through university partnerships or NGOs, allow young professionals and foreign workers to gain experience, build contacts, and improve their language skills. Internships may be paid or unpaid and typically last 3–6 months, while volunteering is especially common in social and environmental projects.

Types of work visas in Italy

Job Salaries in Italy

Job salaries in Italy vary widely based on industry, region, experience, and job type. Wages tend to be higher in northern Italy (e.g., Milan, Turin, Bologna) compared to the south.

Entry-level salaries for recent graduates typically start between €20,000–€26,000/year. English-speaking jobs and roles in multinational companies often offer higher pay, especially in tech and finance sectors.

Bonuses, 13th-month salaries (tredicesima), and benefits like meal vouchers or health insurance may be included in full-time contracts.

Average salaries by sector:

• Technology & IT: €35,000–€55,000/year
• Engineering: €32,000–€50,000/year
• Education (including teaching English): €18,000–€30,000/year
• Finance: €40,000–€70,000/year
• Tourism & Hospitality: €16,000–€28,000/year
• Marketing & Sales: €30,000–€45,000/year

Starting a New Job in Italy

Once you’ve secured one of the many jobs in Italy, there are a few administrative and legal steps to complete before officially starting.

Onboarding requirements:

• Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): If you’re a non-EU citizen, you must obtain it within 8 days of arriving in Italy.
• Codice Fiscale: Italy’s tax identification number, required for contracts, banking, and healthcare.
• Registration with INPS: Your employer registers you with Italy’s social security system (INPS) to ensure you’re covered for benefits and pensions.

What to expect:

• Probation Period: Typically lasts 3–6 months, depending on the contract type.
• Contract Types: Full-time, part-time, fixed-term, or permanent. Always review your contract closely.
• Working Hours: The standard hours are 40 hours/week. Overtime is compensated, though limits apply.

Work Culture in Italy 

Italian work culture values professionalism, hierarchy, and strong interpersonal relationships. While business environments are structured, with clear chains of command and formal communication, there’s also a notable focus on work-life balance.

Punctuality is respected, though flexibility is common in creative sectors. Standard working hours typically run from 9 AM to 6 PM, with a long midday break, especially in the south. Many workplaces slow down or close in August for summer holidays.

Appearance matters too—most professional settings favor well-dressed, fashion-conscious employees.

Labor Laws and Labor Rights in Italy

Labor laws in Italy are designed to protect workers’ rights, promote fair treatment, and ensure job security. Both local and foreign workers are entitled to the same workplace protections.

• Employment Contracts: Must be in writing and specify job role, salary, hours, and duration.
• Working Hours: The standard hours are 40 hours/week. Overtime is allowed but limited and must be compensated.
• Minimum Wage: No national minimum wage, but set by collective labor agreements (CCNL) by sector.
• Paid Leave: 4 weeks of annual paid vacation is standard, plus 11 public holidays.
• Sick Leave & Maternity Leave: Protected by law; benefits provided through social security.
• Termination: Must be justified with proper notice and documentation. Employees can appeal against unfair dismissal.

Taxes in Italy

Anyone working in Italy must pay income tax and contribute to social security, both of which fund services like healthcare, education, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Italy applies a progressive income tax system (IRPEF), with rates increasing based on annual income:

• 23% for income up to €28,000
• 35% for income between €28,001 and €50,000
• 43% for income above €50,000

In addition to national income tax, workers pay:

• Regional taxes (ranging from 1.23% to 3.33%) depending on where they reside.
• Municipal taxes (up to 0.9%) based on their city of residence.

Employees also contribute to social security (INPS):

• Around 9–10% deducted from gross salary.
• Employers contribute approximately 30% of the employee’s salary to INPS.

Codice Fiscale (Tax Number):

This personal identification number is mandatory for employment, opening a bank account, signing leases, and accessing public services. It’s issued by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) and is required for both locals and foreign workers.

Social Security Number:

All employees must be registered with Italy’s National Social Security Institute (INPS). Registration is usually handled by the employer at the time of hiring.

Paying social security contributions

Social security contributions are automatically deducted from your salary. Employers also contribute a percentage based on the employee’s gross income. These payments cover:

• Pensions
• Unemployment benefits
• Maternity and sick leave
• Family and disability benefits

Self-employed workers must register with INPS independently and pay their contributions quarterly. Payment levels vary by income and sector.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Job in Italy

What are the best jobs in Italy for foreigners?

Teaching English, hospitality, tourism, IT, and roles in multinational companies are among the most accessible for foreigners.

How does an American get a job in Italy?

Secure a job offer first, then apply for a work visa and residence permit. Americans must go through Italy’s immigration process unless they hold EU citizenship.

What jobs are most needed in Italy?

Shortage occupations include healthcare, IT, engineering, skilled trades, and tourism roles.

Can I get a job in Italy if I only speak English?

Yes, especially in English-speaking jobs like teaching, customer service, and roles in international organizations, though Italian skills improve job prospects.

What is the job market like in Italy for expats?

Competitive but promising in urban centers. Expats thrive in tech, education, hospitality, and business services.

What are the requirements to work in Italy?

A valid work visa, residence permit, job contract, and tax/social security registration.

Are there unskilled jobs in Italy for foreigners?

Yes, mainly in seasonal work, hospitality, construction, and agriculture.