Italy: Faster Work Start Date for Many Non-EU Nationals
July 7, 2023
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At a Glance
- Due to a legal amendment, non-EU nationals can now start working immediately upon receiving a work visa and after entering Italy, before signing the contract to stay.
- The change affects non-EU nationals working in Italy under an EU Blue Card, an Intra-Company Transfer, an EU Intra-Company Transfer and seasonal workers.
- This development occurs in the context of considerable delays in granting contract to stay appointments.
The situation
Due to a legal amendment, non-EU nationals can now start working immediately upon receiving a work permit (nulla osta) and after entering Italy based on their work visa issued at an Italian consulate, before signing the contract to stay.
A closer look
- Affected foreign nationals. This change affects non-EU nationals working in Italy under an EU Blue Card, an Intra-Company Transfer, an EU Intra-Company Transfer and seasonal workers (these are considered ‘subordinate workers’ under Article 27 of the Immigration Text).
- Contract of stay description. The requirement to sign a ‘contract to stay’ – an additional step to apply for the residence permit – requires foreign nationals to visit a prefecture immigration office. Due to delays caused by resource issues at government offices, contract-to-stay appointments are currently scheduled for days, weeks, and even months after eligible workers have arrived in Italy.
Impact
This new development removes the delay between arrival and the commencement of work. The contract of stay (when applicable) is no longer the work compliance date benchmark.
Background
This development occurs in the context of a tight global labor market (due to demographic and other issues), with many countries seeking to relax entry requirements for foreign workers in an effort to allow easier entry for work.
Looking ahead
This change is permanent and will apply until further notice.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
