A Guide to Working In Italy

Dual Italian citizenship opens an incredible number of doors for those who can claim it. And one of the biggest benefits is working in Italy and throughout the European Union. You can pursue many careers throughout Italy and other countries if you know how to get started.

The first step in pursuing a job in Italy may be to claim your Italian citizenship. The experts at Get Italian Citizenship do just that. Whether you seek nationality through marriage, descent, or the courts, our team is on your side. Get started today.

Working In Italy Requires a Plan

Many people come to Italy ready to live la dolce vita. Movies and books can romanticize life in Italy to the point that people think they can live off love and gelato alone.

But unless you are independently wealthy, you will need to have steady work to live in Italy. Just as you would anywhere else. The key to making this transition is to have a plan in place.

Contrary to what some people might think, the rest of the world isn’t necessarily falling all over themselves to hire Americans. That fact doesn’t mean that Italian companies avoid Americans or dual citizens. It simply means that being from the United States doesn’t give you special status.

And Italy isn’t somehow immune to economic ups and downs. They have times when companies are growing and hiring, and times when jobs are harder to find.

If working in Italy or elsewhere in Europe is your goal, the first step is to make as clear of a plan as possible. Consider all of the following options as you get ready for your career in Italy:

• If possible, claim Italian dual citizenship. When you hold an Italian passport, it is legal for you to work anywhere in the EU. So that piece of the puzzle is simple once you have your Italian citizenship. Non-citizens can work in Italy, too, but it is much easier if you are an Italian national. Without EU citizenship, you will have to secure a work visa.
• Learn Italian. Many jobs in Italy and the European Union do not require fluency in Italian. But, in a tight job market such as Italy often has, preference will go to those who speak the language. And even if proficiency is not required to land employment, you will want at least basic conversation skills for living there.
• Prepare for bureaucracy. If you plan to start your own business in Italy, be ready for a lot of red tape. Hire an Italian accountant and business lawyer who will help you navigate the system so that you start with everything properly in place.
• Look into hiring a relocation expert. Yes, you can certainly tackle this adventure on your own. But, there are people who have done it before you and lived through all of the mistakes. If it’s in your budget, using a relocation expert in Italy can save you enormous amounts of time and money as you make the transition to working in Italy.

Work Options in Italy

Living and working in Italy offers a beautiful lifestyle for many citizens and ex-pats. Job options vary by region and industry, so make sure to do your research before selling your house in America and heading to Italia.

Agribusiness

The beautiful cities of southern Italy are home to agricultural and farming businesses. These areas are stunning and charming, but finding a traditional corporate job here can be more challenging. However, if you are looking to work in agribusiness or farming or offer a service that supports those industries, it may be the perfect spot for you.

Corporate World

Northern Italy holds most of the country’s inhabitants. As the most populated region, it naturally has much of the industrial and private sector jobs. Recent college graduates and others looking for traditional employment will have the best luck in this area. 

High-Demand Jobs

Some sectors are easier to break into when working in Italy than others. Healthcare, teaching, and STEM-related industries often see shortages of qualified workers. This lack of labor means that foreigners and new dual citizens can have success finding work in these areas. Marketing, design, and other creative jobs also offer a lot of opportunities.

Tourism

Perhaps you’ve heard, but Italy is a fairly popular tourist destination. With about 62 million visitors each year, Italy ranks as the fifth most popular country to visit. 

With all those people coming through annually, there are many opportunities to serve them in the tourism industry. From shops to restaurants to guest accommodations, this niche appears to offer never-ending business.

Entrepreneurship

The famous saying, “When in Rome, do as Romans do,” is appropriate much of the time. However, you might be the type of person who prefers to set their own agenda and follow their own path. 

If so, you should consider starting your own company in Italy and working for yourself. There are plenty of opportunities to set up shop and make a living in this amazing country. 

You can choose to run a brick-and-mortar business or a service-based company. Either way, you will have the freedom and flexibility to make your way, mostly on your terms. Just be sure you have expert help from an attorney and accountant to get started legally.

Applying for Jobs in Italy

In America, you submit a resume when applying for work. In Italy, the equivalent is a CV, or curriculum vitae. Latin for “course of life,” the curriculum vitae gives potential employers an overview of your skills, education, and experience. It is typically a little longer than a resume.

Just as you would do in the United States, you will need to learn what the potential employer wants you to include in your CV and cover letter. Avoid adding extraneous information that doesn’t match the employer’s request.

If you hold dual Italian citizenship, you will not need a work visa to have a job in Italy or another EU country. And you will be eligible for all the benefits, such as healthcare, that come with Italian nationality. If you choose to work in a different EU country than Italy, you will need to register with that government.

How Does the Workday Look?

You can expect to work a typical Monday-Friday schedule in private-sector jobs, with a one-hour lunch break. Legally, Italian workers receive 20 days of paid vacation each year, but some employers offer even more.

Italy is one of the world’s fashion capitals, so you may need to dress differently than you would in an American office. Be sure to ask your employer what the dress code is and then follow your fellow employees’ cues.

Are You Ready to Pursue a Career in Italy?

Living and working in Italy is a pleasure. There is no doubt about it. But unless you have Italian citizenship, it can be a complicated process to navigate.

At Get Italian Citizenship, our team helps you secure dual citizenship with Italy so that you can enjoy all the perks that come with it. From education to work opportunities to healthcare, the benefits are significant. Let’s connect today and start your journey toward this new life.