PERMESSO DI SOGGIORNO

per motivi di lavoro

Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di lavoro is a type of residence permit granted to foreign nationals who intend to work in Italy. It is divided into two main categories:

  • Lavoro subordinato — employment under an Italian employer;
  • Lavoro autonomo — self-employment (freelance work, private entrepreneurship, professions operating under a Partita IVA, etc.).

⚖️ 1. Legal Framework

Regulated by Italian immigration law, in particular:

  • D.lgs. 286/1998 (Testo Unico Immigrazione)
  • D.P.R. 394/1999
  • The annual quota decree (Decreto Flussi)
  • Codice Civile and Codice del Lavoro (Statuto dei lavoratori)

📌 European legislation (influencing Italian law):

  • Directive 2003/109/EC — on long-term residents (permesso lungo soggiorno);
  • Directive 2011/98/EU — on a single residence and work permit;
  • Directive 2009/50/EC — on the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers.

2. Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di lavoro subordinato

The residence permit for employment (lavoro subordinato) is issued to foreign citizens officially employed under a work contract with an Italian employer. It is one of the most common types of permesso, allowing legal residence and employment in the country.

Eligibility:
Applicants may include foreigners who:

  • Entered Italy with a type D visa and hold a valid nulla osta;
  • Already reside in Italy under another type of permesso eligible for conversion (e.g., student permit to work permit).

Procedure:

  1. The employer (or in some cases the applicant) submits a request for nulla osta;
  2. Once nulla osta is granted — application for a type D visa in the country of origin;
  3. Entry into Italy with a type D visa;
  4. Signing of the contratto di soggiorno;
  5. Submission of documents through Poste Italiane (kit);
  6. Collection of the residence permit (permesso) at the Questura.

Application Forms:

  • Modulo A — for employees;
  • Modulo B — for seasonal work (agriculture, tourism, up to 9 months);
  • Modulo C — for special cases (e.g., intra-corporate transfer);
  • Modulo D — for self-employment (entrepreneurs, freelancers, Partita IVA);
  • Modulo LS — for family reunification.

Applications are submitted online via portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it within the quota limits set by the Decreto Flussi.

Here you can download the Instruction for completing the forms (Modulo A, B, C, D, LS) to obtain the nulla osta al lavoro (work authorization).

Types of work covered by this procedure:

  • Standard employment under contract (companies, bars, factories, etc.);
  • Seasonal work (up to 9 months in agriculture, tourism);
  • Specific categories — domestic work, family assistance (caregivers, cleaners);
  • Work under flussi programs with fixed quotas.

📎 Notes:

Some categories of workers may be exempt from quotas (self-employed, Blue Card holders, highly qualified workers), but nulla osta is still required.

Quotas and rules for opening the application portal under Decreto Flussi are published annually at gazzettaufficiale.it.

Required Documents

  • Completed Kit Poste (Modulo 1)
  • Copy of passport;
  • Copy of type D visa;
  • Copy of nulla osta;
  • Copy of contratto di soggiorno;
  • Copy of codice fiscale;
  • Proof of accommodation (dichiarazione di ospitalità or rental contract)
  • Marca da bollo (revenue stamp);
  • Payment receipts (Poste Kit service fee, residence permit fee depending on validity, card issuance fee);
  • Four passport-size photos.

Submission Procedure

Within 8 working days after entering Italy with a type D work visa, the applicant must:

  • Sign the contratto di soggiorno at the SUI (Sportello Unico Immigrazione);
  • Submit the application package through Poste Italiane (kit) to the Questura.

Afterwards, the applicant must attend an appointment at the Questura to provide photos and fingerprints.

The decision on the permesso should legally be issued within 20 days of submission, provided all requirements are met. In practice, processing can take 6–12 months, especially in large cities.

During the waiting period, the ricevuta (submission receipt) grants legal status.

Validity Period

  • Up to 1 year for fixed-term contracts (contratto determinato);
  • Up to 2 years for permanent contracts (contratto indeterminato).

Renewal applications can be submitted 60 days before expiry.
Each renewal may not exceed the original duration, with a maximum of 3 consecutive years.

3. Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di lavoro autonomo

Permesso di soggiorno per lavoro autonomo is granted to foreigners who wish to work in Italy independently: running a business, practicing a craft, freelancing, creative work, providing services, etc.

📌 Main Requirements:

To apply for this type of permesso, the applicant must:

  • Register a Partita IVA;
  • Obtain an ATECO code for their activity (type of professional or business activity);
  • Have a minimum income sufficient for living expenses;
  • Register with INPS (pension fund);
  • Provide proof of housing (rental contract or dichiarazione di ospitalità);
  • Provide a criminal record clearance certificate.

4. Costs

  • Marca da bollo — €16.00
  • Fee (up to 1 year) — €40.00
  • Fee (up to 2 years) — €50.00
  • Electronic residence card — €30.46
  • Postal submission — €30.00 (fixed)

Total ≈ €120–130

5. Conversion from Other Permesso Types

The residence permit for work purposes can also be obtained through conversion from other types (family, study, seasonal work).

Conditions for conversion:

  • Valid permesso eligible for conversion;
  • Job offer and signed contract with an Italian employer, or an open Partita IVA with active business activity;
  • Availability of quotas under Decreto Flussi (if required);
  • Proof of housing, codice fiscale, photos, etc.

Processing Time

Depending on the province, applications are processed within 2–9 months.
Receipt of the ricevuta (application receipt) allows legal work immediately after submission.

Useful Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.Who can apply?

A foreigner with a work visa and nulla osta, or with a permesso eligible for conversion.

2.What is nulla osta?

A preliminary work authorization issued by the SUI.

3.What documents are required at Poste?

Modulo 1, passport, visa, nulla osta, proof of housing (ospitalità or rental), contract, marca da bollo, 4 photos.

4.Is housing mandatory?

Yes, documented proof is required.

5.How much does it cost?

€30–70 fee, €16 marca da bollo, €30.46 card, plus possible intermediary costs.

6.Where is it submitted?

Via Poste Italiane (Sportello Amico).

7.How long does it take?

By law — up to 60 days; in practice — 3–6 months.

8.Can I work before receiving the residence card?

Yes, if you have the ricevuta and signed contract.

9.Reasons for refusal?

Invalid contract, lack of housing, incomplete documentation, visa violations.

10.Can it be renewed?

Yes, applications must be submitted at least 60 days before expiry.

We have prepared for you a detailed PDF Guide: step-by-step instructions and procedures for obtaining the Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di lavoro.

Download and use it as a ready-to-go manual!

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