Work in Italy
While becoming a hugely popular tourist destination, securing a graduate job in Italy will require the skills and experience employers are looking for, as well as a good understanding of the language.
Famously shaped like a boot on the world map, Italy is a country that regularly features on the top destination lists of leading travel websites. This is unsurprising, as it’s a nation that has everything – the perfect blend of the ancient world meeting modern society.
Steeped in historical significance and at the forefront of fashion and culture, by living and working here you’ll get to enjoy its sunny climate, breathtaking landscapes, inspiring architecture and fine food.
Jobs in Italy
It may be the world’s ninth biggest economy, according to Investopedia (July 2024), but Italy relies heavily on its manufacturing and services industries. The unemployment rate is at 6.5% (July 2024), which is its lowest level since 2008.
The contrast between the north and the south is stark – northern Italy is more industrialised and developed and known for its abundance of private companies, while the south relies heavily on agriculture and farming.
You’ll find that as the majority of the country’s 59 million inhabitants reside in the north, ambitious graduates are more likely to find work in large northern towns and cities such as Milan, Turin and Genoa.
Plus, with millions of travellers flocking to Italy every year to see its famous sights, casual work and temporary contracts in the tourism industry are much easier to find than permanent employment in other sectors.
While proving a highly popular destination with tourists, to secure a graduate job in Italy you’ll require the skills and experience employers are looking for as well as a firm grasp of the language
Famously shaped like a boot on the world map, Italy is a country that regularly features on the top destination lists of leading travel websites. This is unsurprising, as it’s a nation that has everything – the perfect blend of the ancient world meeting modern society.
Steeped in historical significance and at the forefront of fashion and culture, by living and working here you’ll get to enjoy its sunny climate, breathtaking landscapes, inspiring architecture and fine food.
When you’re not working, you can visit art cities such as Florence, with its Michelangelo and Giambologna sculptures, or admire the Gothic palazzi and canals of Venice. You could also tick sightseeing in Rome off your bucket list and relax in one of its delightful cafés. On other days, you could hit the fashion boutiques of Milan or head to Naples, the birthplace of modern pizza.
Despite the draws of a Mediterranean lifestyle, you’ll find that work for native English speakers is hard to come by due to the high competition for jobs. However, foreign workers who can speak Italian and have the right combination of skills, qualifications and experience may still be able to find employment – especially in major cities such as Florence, Milan, Genoa and the capital Rome.
Popular graduate jobs
- Automotive
- Chemical products
- Engineering
- Insurance
- Telecommunications
Most Italians aren’t fluent in English, so it’s unlikely you’ll get job without learning the language.
The services sector dominates the economy, with a heavy emphasis on wholesale, retail, and transportation. Industry, which is driven by the production of luxury goods such as clothes, automobiles, and furniture, makes for a significant portion of Italy’s output. In terms of agriculture, Italy is a leading producer of wine, olive oil, and fruit.
Italy has fewer international corporations than other European countries, yet strong Italian brands include automobiles such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, as well as fashion designers Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Armani.
How to get a job in Italy
Networking through friends and family is still considered a viable means of hearing about any available work in Italy.
Therefore, finding a job when you’re already in Italy will be easier, as you can begin making contacts directly – wherever you decide to start looking.
If you’re currently employed with a company that has a presence in Italy, you could enquire about possible secondment opportunities.
If this isn’t feasible, try making speculative applications, which are welcomed in Italy as many jobs aren’t advertised. If you go down this route, be sure to do your research and send your application to the most appropriate person at the organisation.
Summer jobs
Because tourism is such a large industry in Italy, casual or temporary work should be easy to locate.
There are plenty of seasonal jobs available, including bar, hotel, and restaurant labor. You may work in summer camps or holiday resorts, and if you know how to ski, you could work at an Italian Alps ski resort.
The agriculture sector also provides casual summer work, such as fruit picking and outdoor sports.
If you have previous childcare experience, you might consider working as an au pair.
Italian visas
If you are an EU citizen or are from Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you will not need a permission to work in Italy. However, if you intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you must apply for residency at your local town hall. They will be able to advise you on what documentation should be provided with your application.
What it’s like to work in Italy
If you’re employed in Italy with a social security number then you’re entitled to all the benefits, including free public healthcare, annual leave and pensions. If you’re self-employed, not all of these benefits may apply.
Family time is an important aspect of Italian culture and as such workers try to strike a healthy work/life balance.
Italians work 36 to 40 hours per week, with the maximum legal working week set at 40 hours, plus eight hours of overtime. As work tends to be highly structured, you’ll typically work Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, take a one-and-a-half to two-hour lunch break, and then work up to 6pm or 7pm.
All employees are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave, although 22 to 26 days’ holiday is common. The country recognises 12 national public holidays, while there are other regional holidays that may be observed.
There are three income tax bands starting from 23% on income up to €28,000 (£23,610), followed by 35% on income to €50,000 (£42,160), and 43% on anything above this amount.