How hard is it for an american to get a work permit for italy?

Question

How hard is it for an american to get a work permit for italy?

Answer 1

Based on my own experiences, pretty challenging. You have to get a company to sponsor you for a work permit, so you have to have some kind of marketable skill that no one else has. It's especially hard for Americans because citizens from the European Union can all work legally in Italy, so we're really the lowest man on the totem pole.

Some suggestions:

1. See if you can get an American company to hire you to work in the Italian branch of their firm. Many large corporations have branches in Italy.

2. As someone else suggested, try getting a job through the US Armed Forces.

3. Apply to a university or language school in Italy and get a student visa. I think having a student visa allows you to work part time (at least it does here in the States).

4. Work under the table. Yes, it's illegal, but some industries like hotels, restaurants, etc., especially in the larger cities, are looking for people who speak English and are willing to pay them in cash to get around paying taxes/benefits.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on the kind of work you are looking for

Answer 3

you should ask to a consolate.. search on yahoo. american ambassy in italy and write them an e mail asking how to get a job there. i know is pretty easy to find jobs on american bases in italy

Answer 4

You can only get one if an Italian company is willing to hire you and sponsor you. It would be as difficult for an american to get a working permit for Italy as it is for Europeans to get a green card for the US.

Answer 5

not that hard just like when your pickin up a booger on your nose!!thats not hard at all!

Answer 6

It really depends what you are trying to achieve.  If you want to move there without having a job then it is quite difficult.  I did that and it was horrible.  The immigration authorities  really treat you differently if you are not European.....its getting somewhat better but it would be much easier if you had something lined up already and your company could send you a letter of invitation ect. to work there.

In fact, I later became a citizen of Italy ( as well as maintaining my US citizenship) for the sole purpose of avoiding all the red tape and bureaucracy.

If you want to move there anyways, just arm yourself with alot of patience and some very comfortable shoes and don't expect things to move as fast as back home.......  Best wishes!

Answer 7

Irishman in Italy here.

As many have said before me, it is very hard. That said, you can find work, but illegally. No protection, no security, no employment rights.