Italy Work Permit Increased 2023
The Italian government has recently announced an increase in the number of work permits available for foreign workers in the country for the year 2023. This is part of the government's efforts to address the shortage of labor in certain industries and to support economic growth.
The government has stated that the increase in the work permit quota will allow for approximately 7,000 additional third-country nationals to apply for work permits in 2023, compared to the previous year. The main goal of the move is to address labor shortages in various industries and support the economy.
The government has stated that the work permits will be available to applicants in certain industries, but the increase in the quota does not extend to foreign workers with highly skilled work permits. The allocation of work permits is targeted towards addressing specific labor shortages and supporting the economy.
According to the information provided by Fragomen, 44,000 of the total work permit spots for 2023 have been reserved for seasonal work, while 31,205 spots are designated for the employment of specific nationalities in industries such as tourism, telecommunications, construction, and others. This allocation of work permits is aimed at addressing labor shortages in specific markets.
In addition to the previously mentioned allocation of work permits, another 7,000 spots have been reserved for foreigners who already hold a residence permit in Italy or another EU country and wish to change their status. This is part of the Italian government's efforts to accommodate the needs of foreign workers in the country and support economic growth.
The final allocation of work permit spots includes 500 spots reserved for self-employed individuals, including startup owners, entrepreneurs, chairmen, prominent artists, CEOs, auditors, and members of boards of directors in Italian companies, provided they have held their current position for a minimum of three years. This allocation is aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and promoting economic growth in Italy.
According to the information provided, applications for work permits under the 2023 quota can be submitted starting March 27, 2022. The processing time for these applications is expected to take 30 days after submission, after which the necessary documentation will be sent automatically to the relevant Italian diplomatic missions for visa issuance.
A report by the association Coldiretti titled "Immigrants and Agriculture in the Tuscany Region" showed that there are around 24,000 migrant workers employed in the agricultural sector in Tuscany.
The report highlights the shortage of labor in the sector, suggesting that the number of migrant workers in the industry may increase in the coming years. The increase in the work permit quota is likely to support the needs of the agricultural sector and other industries facing labor shortages.
Restrictions
There are country restrictions for work permits in Italy. Not all nationals from third countries are eligible to apply for a work permit in Italy. The Italian government determines the eligible countries based on various factors, such as the country's bilateral agreements with Italy and the overall migration policy. The allocation of work permits is also targeted towards specific industries and markets to address labor shortages.
How to Apply for Italy work permit
If your application for a work permit in Italy is approved by the immigration office, your employer is responsible for sending the permit to you, typically through electronic means.
Additionally, the Italian government also notifies the Italian representation in your home country, such as an embassy or consulate, where you will then need to apply for a work visa. After obtaining the visa, you will be able to enter Italy and start working in accordance with the terms of your work permit.
If you are a citizen of a country without an Italian representation, such as an embassy or consulate, you will need to apply for a work visa at a visa application center or another Schengen country's representation that Italy has outsourced visa applications to.
The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a work visa may vary depending on the outsourcing country, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
When applying for a work visa in Italy, you must submit the application in person, after you have gathered all the necessary documents and completed the Italy Visa Application Form.
This typically includes proof of your employment and qualifications, as well as financial and personal information. It is important to check with the relevant authorities for a complete list of required documents and to ensure that you submit all necessary information to avoid any delays in processing your application.
After you submit your application for an Italian work visa, the authorities will process your application and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for a visa. If your application is approved, you will be granted a work visa and you will have a period of 6 months to retrieve the visa and enter Italy.
It is important to note that this timeline can vary based on the processing time at the specific Italian embassy or consulate, as well as any additional factors that may impact the processing time of your application.
What to do after arriving Italy
After you enter Italy with a work visa, you have 8 days to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno card, which is a residence permit. To apply for the permit, you will need to visit your local post office in the city where you will be residing in Italy and present your work permit and work visa, along with additional required supporting documents.
The specific documents required for the residence permit may vary depending on your individual circumstances, so it is important to check with the local authorities for the most up-to-date information on the requirements.
After you apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno card at the local post office, the Foreign Department (Ufficio Stranieri) of the local Italian Police Headquarters (Questura) will be responsible for issuing the residence permit.
The permit allows you to live and work in Italy legally for the duration specified on the permit. It is important to note that the permit must be renewed before it expires, otherwise, you may face consequences related to immigration status in Italy.
An Italian work visa is typically valid for the length of the work contract, but it can't exceed two years. If your work contract is renewed or if you are offered a new job in Italy, you can apply for a renewal of your work visa, which can be extended for up to five years in total. It is important to keep in mind that the visa renewal process may vary based on the specific circumstances and the individual's eligibility for a renewal.
Employment in Italy for Citizens of EU countries
EU citizens can live and work in Italy without needing a work permit, but they are required to register their presence with the local police office or Questura within eight days of arrival. If an EU national intends to reside in Italy for a period exceeding three months, they need to obtain a residence permit.