Post Study, Work Permit Visa and PR in Italy

Being a beautiful country, Italy also has top student cities where students from other nations can have an outstanding living experience. However, to stay for long and earn work experience, you need a work permit in Italy. It will be released after pursuing a master’s course or PhD degree. Once you get a job opportunity in Italy, you must transfer your student permit to an employee one.

The stay-back option after a master’s degree is known as “Permesso di Soggiorno”, translated as Residence Permit. The stay back is allowed for up to 12 months. If any student is not able to secure a job during that period, they have to head back to their home country.

 With unemployment in Italy expected to reach around 8.5% by 2024 end, the government has set limits for admitting a restricted number of work visas. They have established some rules and regulations to get a post study work permit visa in Italy. Below, you can check these eligibility requirements for a work visa in Italy for Indian students or non-EU students.

After study, EU students will not be required to obtain a residence permit or a specific work permit. However, they must request that their residence permit be extended to Italy as long as they work there.

Non-European students have the option of a work permit and a student residence permit after study. Here are some points you should keep in mind:

• Only PhD and second degree Masters Students can apply for the temporary residence permit once the program is completed.

• It is important to have a job during their stay-back period (up to 12 months).

• Work visa in Italy for Indian students will be released when candidates will get full-time job or internship opportunities. 

• For a work permit after completing their Study, non-EU students will require a “permesso di Lavoro”.

Important Note - The average pay can be around 2000 Euros for 12 months. This would depend on the type of academic qualification and the experience the student possesses. It is always recommended to gain a basic understanding of the Italian language for a better opportunity.

Read more - Types of Scholarships in Italy 

If you are a student from India or elsewhere who wants to get a work permit visa in Italy after studying there, here's how to do it:

Step 1 - Fill out the Italian Long Stay Visa Application when it opens.

Step 2 - Decide if you need a Schengen Visa for a short stay or a National Visa for a longer stay.

Step 3 - Provide your personal info like name, gender, marital status, and contact details.

Step 4 – Now, enter your national identity number, such as your Adhaar Card or Voter ID for Indian students. Make sure your passport is valid and has your ID number on it.

Step 5 – Once you fill in the required post study work visa details, tell them where you've been living.

Step 6 – After that, share details about your job or education history.

Step 7 – Now, you need to explain why you want to work in Italy and how long you plan to stay. If you've had a Schengen Visa before, tell them about it.

Step 8 - Pay the €90 fee and sign the application. The authority will review your work permit application and provide you with post study work visa in Italy.

Check the details of the student visa work permit below.

Students from Europe do not require a specific work permit. However, students can work up to 20 hours a week during their academics.

Non-European students require an international student work permit to work while studying; students cannot work for more than 20 hours a week during their academics. 

• In Italy, non-Euro/ indian students will get part-time jobs, and the average payout is around 500 euros.

• Keep in mind that if the study program is less than 3 months in duration, then you are not eligible for a work permit.

Most of the students have questions like, can we convert the student visa into a work visa and continue our stay for a longer period in Italy? The answer is yes; converting your study visa into a work visa is possible. If anyone wants to get a post study work permit visa in Italy, they must have a secure qualifying education in Italy.

Also read - Italy Free Education

If you are a student in Italy with a residence permit and want to work after your studies, you can switch your student visa to a work permit visa. Here is how international students or non-EU nationals can do it.

• The employer who wants to hire the student (who's a non-EU national) needs to apply for a work permit visa called Nulla Osta al Lavoro in the province where they operate.

• Once the employer gets the work permit visa from the Italian Immigration Office, the student can start their application for a post-study work visa.

• If the student successfully gets the post-study work visa in Italy, they can only apply for a residence permit.

It is important to note that just because a student already has a residence permit while studying and working part-time in Italy does not guarantee that they will automatically get a permanent residence permit to work full-time there.

Below, you can check the eligibility for Indian students to convert student Visa to Work Permit visa in Italy.

• Adequate financial resources for the task at hand, particularly for independent contractors. 

• If you own a license or are a local group member, you must report it. 

• A dwelling or residency permit is required. 

• Over €8,500 per year in income to cover living expenses in Italy.

• Bachelor's degree with 180 credits at the university.

• Special bachelor's degree.

• A two-year minimum specialisation degree, such as a Diploma di Specializzazione. 

• A doctorate degree requires three years or more of study. 

• University at the first level Master's degree with 60 credits after first-year completion. 

• University at the second level Master's degree with 60 credits after second-year completion. 

• A year-long certificate of excellence is awarded upon reaching 60 credit points.

To apply for a post-study work permit in Italy from India, you will need the following documents:

• A copy of your work contract signed by both parties, printed on the company's official letterhead.

• The original document and a copy of your Nulla Osta is the official permission from the Italian government allowing foreigners to live and work in Italy for three months.

• A completed Italian Long-Stay Visa Application form.

• Your passport should have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond the duration of your visa.

• Passport-sized photographs.

• Evidence of accommodation arrangements in Italy.

• Health insurance that covers major expenses, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

• Proof of payment for the visa fee.

• Diplomas or other relevant certificates.

Read more - Study in Italy without IELTS

The only option to get the employee permit is to meet the education requirement and have an offer of employment or an offer for a trainee position in the field related to the degree obtained.

Additionally, you need to meet some requirements, which are as follows – 

• You must have a master’s or PhD degree, a job offer, or a chance to train in a related field to your studies in Italy. 

• Your job details should be clearly written in a letter from your employer.

• Your employer must give you financial documents like their latest tax return and business records.

• You will need a letter from your workplace showing the invoices issued this year.

• Make sure your housing follows the rules.

• Accommodation details.

A non-European / Indian student can get PR in Italy after completing the study. The temporary residency visa must be secured within 8 days of first arriving in Italy. Only one person can apply for a PR permit. EU citizens should only register with the local police department where they live; they do not need to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Moreover, if you are not from the EU and you have been living in Italy with a temporary permit for up to 5 years, you can apply for a PR in Italy. But you can't apply for permanent residency if you are here for a shorter time, for humanitarian reasons or as an Indian student.

Below, you can check who can apply for PR in Italy.

• People who work full-time for an Italian employer and need to stay in Italy.

• Foreigners who start their own businesses here and invest their money.

• Those who invest in Italy through government programs.

• Self-employed individuals who come to Italy with a visa for that purpose can also apply.

Check the required documents to apply for PR in Italy.

• Evidence of having lived for at least 5 years and having a temporary residency visa. 

• Upon entering Italy, a registered certificate was provided by the local police. 

• Evidence of residency in Italy, such as a recent utility bill or rental agreement. 

• Evidence of one's ability to support oneself (bank statements, tax returns, employer-issued paystubs, etc.), if any. 

• Any prior criminal history, as well as the application form provided by the Italian government. 

Candidates who want to study in Italy must check the following details regarding their study in Italy and their study visa.

Students from Europe

Students who belong to the European Union do not require any special permit apart from a passport.

Non-EU/EEA students

International students or non-European students will have to apply for a study permit/visa if they want to pursue their studies in Italy. Lots of students from around the globe move to Italy to pursue higher studies every year. Do you know why? For answers, visit our website and click here: Why Study in Italy.

There are two variants of student visas in Italy, which are as follows -

Italy Type-C visa: For a Short Period

Students who want to enrol in a short-term program or a language course. The duration to acquire this type of visa is, at most, 90 days. Students who get admitted under student exchange programs or language classes apply for a Type C Visa in Italy.

Italy Type-D visa: For a Long Period

For long-duration degree courses, 20 academic hours per week or at least 80 academic hours a month will be required for this type of student visa.

Visa Processing Time

The visa processing time is usually 1-6 weeks. A visa interview might be there before you arrive in Italy. Therefore, you must apply for a student visa for at least 1-2 months.

Understanding the process of obtaining a post study work permit visa in Italy and PR in Italy is important if you want to work or live in the country. Above, we have covered the eligibility criteria for post study visa in Italy, including the necessary documents and specific regulations. Whether you're an Indian student, a skilled worker, or an entrepreneur, Italy offers opportunities for those willing to contribute to its economy and society. By reading this blog and knowing the necessary information, you can pave the way for a successful transition to living and working in Italy.

We hope you liked reading the blog. If you are looking forward to pursuing your higher study at world-ranked universities in Italy or want to know How to Apply to Italian universities in English-taught programs, you can contact our expert study abroad education counsellors at any Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) branch. Our counsellor will provide you with guidance throughout your journey to study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOP and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be more than happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011. 

1. How long does it take to obtain a post-study work permit in Italy?

Ans. The processing time for a post-study work permit varies. Still, it typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on various factors such as your individual circumstances and the workload of the immigration authorities.

2. Can indian students apply for permanent residency in Italy after completing their studies?

Ans. Yes, Indian students who meet certain criteria, such as holding a temporary residence permit and meeting the residency requirements, may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Italy.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining PR (permanent residency) in Italy?

Ans. PR in Italy grants individuals the right to live and work in the country, access to healthcare and social services, and the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area without visa restrictions.

4. Is it possible to apply for Italian citizenship after obtaining permanent residency?

Ans. Yes, individuals who have held permanent residency in Italy for a certain period of time and meet additional requirements, such as demonstrating proficiency in the Italian language and knowledge of Italian culture, may be eligible for Italian citizenship.

5. Can self-employed individuals apply for a post study work permit or permanent residency in Italy?

Ans. Yes, self-employed individuals who meet the necessary criteria, such as having a viable business plan and sufficient financial resources, may be eligible to apply for a post study work permit in Italy and PR in Italy.