Student work rights in Italy
Rules for working while studying in Italy, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.
Read the complete Italy study abroad guide.
Part-time Jobs
A residence permit for study allows subordinate employment subject to a maximum of 1,040 hours per year. For employment spread across the year, the normal limit is 20 hours per week. Official labour guidance notes that hours can be concentrated into a shorter period—such as when teaching is suspended—even if a particular week exceeds 20 hours, provided the 1,040-hour annual ceiling is respected and study remains the primary purpose of stay.
If you want employment exceeding the permitted annual limit, you need the appropriate conversion to a work residence permit. Use a formal contract and ensure the employer completes the required employment notifications.
Source: https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/3085/-possibile-lavorare-con-un-permesso-per-motivi-di-studio-E-svolgere-un-tirocinio
Post-study Work
A non-EU graduate who completes an eligible Italian higher-education qualification can, when the legal requirements are met, apply at the end of the study permit for a residence permit to seek employment or start a business coherent with the completed studies. The statutory duration is not less than nine months and not more than twelve months. The procedure includes registering immediate availability for work with the employment services and meeting the applicable financial and health-cover requirements.
Italy also removed the annual quota restriction for converting valid study permits to subordinate or self-employment permits. Where the conversion requirements are met, it can therefore be requested during the year without waiting for a Decreto Flussi conversion quota. Check the current procedure before your study permit expires.
Source: https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/3301/Conversione-del-permesso-di-soggiorno-da-studio-a-lavoro-Cosa-e-cambiato-con-il-decreto-Cutro
Common questions
What should international students know about work in Italy?
A study residence permit permits subordinate work within a 1,040-hour annual ceiling; 20 hours/week is the normal reference.
What should international students know about post study in Italy?
Eligible Italian graduates can seek a 9-to-12-month job-search/entrepreneurship permit or convert a valid study permit directly to work when requirements are met.