Residence Permit for Subordinate Work in Italy: Complete Guide

Introduction

The residence permit for subordinate work in Italy is one of the main legal ways for non-EU citizens to live and work in the country. The procedure, regulated by Italian immigration law (Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione, Legislative Decree 286/1998 and later amendments), has two essential phases:

1. Apply for the visa for subordinate work at the Italian consulate in your country of origin or residence.
2. Apply for the residence permit once in Italy, within 8 days of arrival.

This guide explains in detail who can apply, the requirements, the step-by-step procedure, duration, rights, and practical advice to avoid common mistakes.

What subordinate work means in Italy

In Italy, “subordinate work” refers to an employment relationship under the authority of an Italian employer. In practice, this means:

• fixed working hours,
• salary regulated by national collective agreements,
• social security and insurance contributions paid by the employer,
• rights and duties protected by Italian labor law.

The main forms of subordinate work are:

• tempo indeterminato (open-ended contract),
• tempo determinato (fixed-term contract),
• lavoro stagionale (seasonal work, e.g. agriculture or tourism),
• lavoro domestico (domestic work, such as caregivers or housekeepers).

The Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree): the starting point

Every year, the Italian government publishes the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree). This decree sets the maximum number of non-EU citizens who can enter Italy for work purposes.

It establishes:

• quotas for subordinate work,
• quotas for seasonal work,
• quotas for self-employment (more limited).

👉 Without the Decreto Flussi, the ordinary procedure for subordinate work cannot be started. Exceptions exist only in specific cases, such as conversion of existing permits or highly qualified workers.

Main requirements

To obtain a residence permit for subordinate work, the following conditions must be met:

1. Nulla osta (work authorization)

The Italian employer must request the nulla osta from the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Immigration Office at the Prefecture). This document authorizes the hiring of a non-EU worker.

2. Employment contract

A valid employment contract is required, either fixed-term or open-ended, and compliant with Italian collective agreements.

3. Visa for subordinate work

With the nulla osta, the worker applies for the visa for subordinate work at the Italian consulate abroad. This visa is mandatory to later request the residence permit.

4. Housing in Italy

Proof of accommodation in Italy is required (rental contract, hospitality declaration, or property deed).

5. Health insurance

Workers are enrolled in the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (National Health Service – SSN), but at the start, temporary private health insurance may be requested.

6. Security requirements

The applicant must not have serious criminal records and must not be considered a threat to public order.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Employer’s application for nulla osta

The Italian employer submits the application online through the Ministry of the Interior’s portal when the Decreto Flussi quotas are open.

2. Issuance of the nulla osta

After checks, the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Immigration Office) issues the nulla osta.

3. Visa application

With the nulla osta, the worker applies at the Italian consulate for the visa for subordinate work. Required documents include the nulla osta, the employment contract, ID, and other certificates.

4. Entry into Italy

With the visa, the worker can enter Italy within the validity period.

5. Application for the residence permit

Within 8 days of arrival, the worker must apply for the permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato (residence permit for subordinate work) at the local Questura (Police Headquarters). The application is generally submitted using the kit postale (postal kit) available at authorized post offices.

6. Contratto di soggiorno (contract of stay)

At the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione, the worker and the employer sign the contratto di soggiorno (contract of stay), which governs employment and residence conditions in Italy.

7. Issuance of the residence permit

After identity checks and fingerprinting, the Questura issues the residence permit in electronic format.

Duration and renewal of the residence permit

The residence permit for subordinate work lasts:

• up to 2 years for open-ended contracts,
• up to 1 year for fixed-term contracts,
• the length of the seasonal contract in agriculture or tourism.

Renewal must be requested at least 60 days before expiry, showing proof that the employment continues or presenting a new contract.

Rights with the residence permit for subordinate work

This residence permit grants the right to:

• live and work legally in Italy,
• register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (National Health Service),
• access training courses, education, and internships,
• apply for family reunification,
• travel within the Schengen Area up to 90 days every 6 months,
• after 5 years, apply for the permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo (EU long-term residence permit),
• after 10 years, apply for Italian citizenship by residency.

Common difficulties and practical advice

Many applicants encounter difficulties such as:

• Decreto Flussi quotas: often filled in just a few days,
• bureaucracy: filling forms, booking appointments, translations, legalizations,
• waiting times at Italian consulates,
• delays at Questura in issuing residence permits.

👉 Practical tips:

• Prepare all documents well in advance.
• Monitor the opening dates of the Decreto Flussi (usually early each year).
• Consider professional assistance to avoid mistakes.
• Always keep copies of contracts, payslips, and receipts from the postal kit.

Difference from other permits

• Self-employment: for independent workers, but harder to obtain.
• Seasonal work: shorter duration, not always convertible to other permits.
• Family reasons: based on reunification with relatives already living in Italy.

The residence permit for subordinate work remains the main channel for non-EU citizens who want to move to Italy to work as employees.

Conclusion

The residence permit for subordinate work is a structured but complex process that requires careful planning and respect for procedures. The essential point is that you must first obtain the visa for subordinate work abroad, and only after entering Italy can you request the residence permit itself.