Italy: Changes allow quicker start for workers

Rome: Thanks to a recent change in law, many foreign nationals from non-European Union countries will be able to begin working at jobs immediately under their work visa, once they receive their work permit (nulla osta).

Previously, affected foreign nationals could not be eligible to begin working until they signed their ‘contract to stay’, which required an in-person appointment at a government office. This could entail a delay of weeks or even months until they could begin to work.

This change applies to the following non-EU foreign nationals who are intending to work in Italy:

If the workers hold a nulla osta and a valid D visa, they may begin working upon their entry into Italy. Nulla ostas must be released within 60 days of the submission of work permit applications. This change was passed in early May and is currently in effect.