3 Ways To Work & Live In Italy As A Foreigner

Pizza, pasta, perfection. To live in Italy is a dream for many. 

In the north of Italy, jobs are to be found in industry and private companies – particularly in telecommunications, engineering and insurance. In the south employment is focused on agriculture and farming – wine, olive oil and fruit. And don’t forget about the fashion industry! 

Jobs in Italy are more available in the north as this is where the majority of the Italian population lives. Jobs in the tourism industry are also an option considering the vast number of tourists who descend on the country every year.

A number of skills shortages have been identified in Italy in recent years, which means there is a need for skilled workers in these fields. These include:

• business consultants
• engineers
• doctors
• programmers
• and English teachers.

Why TEFL is best for Italy job opportunities

As one of the identified skills shortages, teaching English is a great opportunity for English-speakers to find work in Italy.

As a foreigner, it’s not easy to find job opportunities in Italy unless you can speak Italian. As a TEFL teacher, this language requirement is not an issue. At the same time, the low levels of English proficiency in Italy mean that there is a huge demand for English teachers. 

What makes teaching English more attractive in Italy is the fact that Australians, Canadians, South Koreans and citizens of New Zealand can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa allows the visa-holder to work for up to six months, but only up to three months with the same employer. This means teaching English on a summer camp or two is a good option for Working Holiday Visas.

Teachers who work in Italy earn on average €900 –  €1,400 ($1,000 – $1,500) a month. 

Read more: Teach English In Italy

Requirements to work abroad in Italy

Many nationalities require a visa to work in Italy, except for EU citizens and citizens of Norway, Iceland or Lichtenstein. In these cases, you need to get a declaration of presence once in Italy and apply for a residence permit for stays longer than 3 months. 

If you’re not from one of those lucky areas, you need a visa, residence permit and work permit to work abroad in Italy. Residence permits can be applied for once you’ve arrived in Italy, but everything else must be organised before you enter Italy.

For example, working in Italy as an American means you need to have a work permit issued by your employer. This work permit can be used to apply for a Work Visa from your local Italian Consulate. In other words, American citizens need a confirmed job before entering the country. Once in the country, employees must apply for a residence permit.

Proficiency in Italian is not technically a requirement to work abroad in Italy but you won’t be able to secure a job unless you have a high level of Italian (unless you’re a TEFL teacher).

Bear in mind, the Italian government only issues work permits to a set number of applications. The quota for 2024 is 151,000, divided as follows:

• 89,050 – seasonal workers
• 61,950 – non-seasonal workers
• 800 – self-employed workers

If you’re serious about working abroad in Italy, keep an eye on the open dates for these quotas. 

What cities in Italy should you move to?

Rome

As the capital of Italy, Rome is the centre of job opportunities in Italy. Rome has the highest concentration of foreigners in Italy, so competition for jobs in Rome is stiff. Teaching opportunities are especially popular here. Besides teachers, working in Rome is great for expats working in marketing, communication and digital services.

Milan

Considered the fashion capital of the world by some, Milan is perfect for…you guessed it, fashion students, interns and creatives. Milan is a vibrant, upbeat city with a good nightlife. There are also opportunities for IT professionals and in retail.

Naples

Good shopping, good food, good weather – what more could you want? Teaching in Naples is another option for TEFL teachers. Naples also has many opportunities for child-minders and au pairs. A certain level of Italian is needed for these jobs.

Do you need to speak Italian to work in Italy?

For the most part, yes. English proficiency in Italy is generally low. This means that in order to work in Italy as an American or Australian or as a citizen of another English-speaking country, you need to be Italian-speaking as well.

Capisci?

As an English teacher, of course, you don’t need to speak Italian because English immersion is known to be the best method of teaching a foreign language. As an English teacher in Italy, knowing Italian will be useful to you for daily life in Italy.

Salaries, benefits and cost of living in Italy

Italians have a good grasp of a healthy work-life balance. Working hours in Italy are capped at 40 a week with a maximum of 8 overtime hours. Each workday typically includes a two-hour lunch break.

Workers are given four weeks of paid leave annually. Italy also celebrates 12 public holidays. 

A social security number is your key to benefits in Italy. Free public health care, annual leave and a pension are available to those with a social security number. 

Of course, if you’re self-employed these benefits may not apply to you.

What types of jobs are popular in Italy?

Looking at the different sectors we can identify job opportunities in Italy.

If you’re working for an international company in telecommunications, car manufacturing or engineering, you could try be transferred within your company.

Internships are another good way to work in Italy. Italians place a lot of stock in networking so an internship can introduce you to the right people. Internships are especially popular for those in fashion, architecture and art.

If you’re a people person, tourism means that temporary, casual or summer jobs in Italy are readily available. This includes:

• bar work
• waitronning
• seasonal work
• hotel work
• au pair work

The agricultural sector offers jobs in season for fruit picking and farm work. 

English teacher

The demand for English teachers is high in Italy but considering the lifestyle it’s not surprising that competition is quite fierce. Teaching opportunities for English-speakers in Italy are available in state schools, language centres, universities and in-company. And of course, teaching private students is big business.

A TEFL qualification from a reputable course provider is necessary to teach English in Italy. A degree is not required unless you need a working visa. 

Programming

Italy is a hotspot for hiring software developers. Web designers, programmers and project managers are also in demand. 

Digital nomad

Highly skilled professionals are eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa in Italy. This visa allows you to live and work in Italy for a year. To qualify, you need to prove a remote monthly income of at least €2,700 ($2,900) and savings of at least €30,000 ($32,000).  Remote workers also need to have medical insurance and proof of accommodation.

Read more: The Digital Nomad Visa: A Ticket To Your Best Life

Ready to work abroad in Italy?

Living and working abroad in Italy doesn’t have to be just a dream. Job opportunities for foreigners are definitely there – and they’re waiting for you!