What is the Italian work permit for employees: an overview

The main reason foreigners request a residence permit in Italy is for employment.

This permit is regulated by articles 5, 5 bis, 21, 22 of Legislative Decree n. 286/98, and subsequent amendments, articles 9, 13, 14 of Presidential Decree n. 394/99 and subsequent amendments.

Since 2014, work permits carry the label “Single Work Permit” (Permesso Unico Lavoro).

This label doesn’t apply to all permit types. Excluded are:

• Long-term permits (EU long-term resident permit and long-duration EU blue card)
• Seasonal work permits
• Self-employment permits
• Special worker categories (executives, workers hired by foreign companies, seafarers, researchers, au pairs, as per art. 27, paragraph 1, letters a, g, h, i, r of T.U.I.)
• Foreigners staying for protection reasons (temporary, special or international) or awaiting recognition of such status
• Study, training, or special merit permit holders

Having a “single work” permit means the foreigner is subject to EU Directive 2011/98/EU regulations, with important consequences especially regarding equal treatment with Italian citizens.

How to obtain an employee work permit in Italy

The residence permit can be issued:

• After entering Italy for employment within the quotas set by the flow decree
• When converting a previous permit to one for employment reasons

The Stay Contract (Contratto di Soggiorno)

The employment permit is tied to a “stay contract” Contratto di soggiorno) between employer and foreign worker. This requirement doesn’t apply to:

• EU long-term resident permit holders
• Self-employment permit holders
• Those with other residence titles that allow work

Contract Content and Procedure

The stay contract (contratto di soggiorno) is signed by the employer (Italian or foreign) and the non-EU worker at the Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico Immigrazione), managed by the relevant Prefecture. Jurisdiction depends on:

• Employer’s place of residence
• Company headquarters
• Where the worker will perform the activity

For validity, the contract must contain:

• Suitable accommodation meeting minimum public housing requirements
• Employer’s commitment to pay return travel expenses to the worker’s country of origin.

Contract note

Contract signing is mainly required when workers enter Italy under the flow decree. In these cases, the employer submits a request to the Single Desk and, once obtaining work clearance, the contract is signed when the worker enters.

For foreigners already legally in Italy with work-enabling permits, permit issuance or renewal can occur without a new stay contract.

Employee work permit in Italy: how long does it last

• Fixed-term contract: permit duration equals contract duration, usually 1 year
• Permanent contract: duration is usually 2 years

In practice, permits are always issued based on the actual contract duration presented.

If I lose my job what happens to my Italian work permit?

According to art. 22, paragraph 11 of the Immigration Code, job loss doesn’t result in permit revocation for the worker or legally residing family members.

Workers who lose employment (including resignations) have the right to register in employment lists for:

• The permit’s remaining validity period
• At least one year (except seasonal permits)
• The entire duration of any income support received (if longer than one year)

During this period, foreigners are entitled to an “awaiting employment” permit.

The role of the Employment center (Sportello Unico Immigrazione)

If a worker is laid off in collective dismissal procedures, the company must inform the relevant Employment Center (sportello Unico Immigrazione). The Center registers the foreigner in mobility lists, also enabling mobility allowance payment. Registration remains valid for:

• The permit’s remaining duration
• At least one year (except seasonal workers)

For individual dismissals or resignations, employers still notify the Employment Center.

Foreigners wanting to benefit from awaiting employment permits must declare availability to work on the national employment policies portal (managed by ANPAL). The Center communicates this availability to the Single Immigration Desk.

Italian work permit renewal process

Renewal applications must be submitted to the relevant Police Headquarters immigration office within 60 days of expiration using the postal kit.

Applicants must meet the same conditions required for initial permit issuance.

If you’ve lost your job, your contract wasn’t renewed, or you resigned, you can request an awaiting employment permit by registering in employment availability lists at the Employment Center where you reside.

Awaiting employment permit renewal depends on verification (including electronic) that the foreigner is actually registered in unemployment lists.

If no new job is found by the end of the period or there’s no right to another permit type, the foreigner must leave Italy.

Required Documents for Work Permit renewal

In order to renew the Italian work permit you will need to provide the following documents:

Personal documents

• Copy of passport (all used pages)
• Copy of the employer’s residence permit (if non-EU) or their ID document
• Copy of health card (tessera sanitaria)
• Family status certificate or residence/hospitality certificate

Employment contract and work documents

• Employment contract (signed and registered) or stay contract
• UniLav model or domestic work declaration, depending on the type of employment

Tax and contribution documents

• Latest income tax return or CUD/730 certificate
• Lats 3 payslips
• Last 3 payslips INPS contribution receipts (for domestic work) – front and back of the latest quarter

Fees and contributions

• €16 revenue stamp
• €30.46 fee for issuing the electronic permit (postal account no. 67422402)
• €30 postal kit fee

Contribution fee:

• €40 → for permits valid over 1 year and up to 2 years
• €50 → for permits valid from 3 months to 1 year.

Special Cases

If a legally residing foreigner is recognized as civilly disabled, registration in disabled lists (ex art. 8 L. 68/1999) counts as registration in ordinary employment lists.

The Council of State (cosniglio di Stato) ruled that permit renewal cannot be denied simply because the worker hasn’t immediately found employment. Even if work is found later, irregularity can be remedied if the renewal application is submitted within 60 days of permit expiration.

If the worker receives public assistance during the waiting period, the permit must be renewed for the entire benefit duration and up to one year after cessation.

Frequently Asked Questions

I lost my job, can I renew my Italian work permit? 

Yes, you can request an awaiting employment permit by registering in employment availability lists at the Employment Center.

Which permits can be converted to employment permits in Italy? 

Seasonal work, special protection, family reasons, study reasons, minor assistance, and other categories.

Can I apply for family reunification with an employment permit? 

Yes, provided the permit duration is at least 1 year.

Who issues employment permits? 

The immigration office of the relevant Police Headquarters, based on the foreigner’s residence or hospitality.

Can the permit become unlimited?

Unlimited permits no longer exist. EU long-term permits can be requested after 5 years of residence and have a maximum 10-year duration.

September 15, 2025

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