Working in Italy

As an EU citizen you can work in Italy without a work permit, on the same terms as Italian nationals.

• You need a valid ID card or passport.
• Always ask for a written employment contract and check which national collective agreement (CCNL) applies to your sector.
• Official information about work is on the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies website.

If you stay in Italy for more than three months, you register as a resident at the registry office (anagrafe) of the municipality (comune) where you live. The town hall tells you which documents it needs.

1. Get your tax code (codice fiscale) from the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate); your employer, bank and doctor will ask for it.
2. Register at the anagrafe with your ID and proof that you work or have sufficient means.
3. Keep proof of residence: you need it for many other formalities.

For regulated professions, your qualification is recognised by the ministry or authority competent for that profession. For information on academic diplomas, the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre is CIMEA.

• First find out whether your profession is regulated in Italy.
• Prepare your diplomas and transcripts; translations and legalisation are often required.
• Times and fees differ: check with the authority responsible for your profession.

As an employee, income tax and social contributions are usually withheld from your salary by your employer. Pension and other social security contributions go to INPS, the national social security institute.

• A tax code is required to be hired.
• Tax rates and filing obligations are on the Agenzia delle Entrate website.
• If you also have income in Romania, check where you are tax resident.

When you work in Italy, you join the National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) at your local health unit (ASL) and choose a family doctor (medico di base).

• To register you usually need your tax code, ID and proof of residence or employment.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers temporary stays.
• The exact rules are available from your ASL and the Ministry of Health website.

A written, registered tenancy agreement protects you. Read it carefully before you sign and keep proof of every payment.

• Ask for a written contract; tenancy agreements are registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate.
• The deposit (deposito cauzionale) and how it is returned should be in the contract.
• Do not pay advances for homes you have not seen.

Costs differ a lot between northern and southern Italy and between big and small cities. Compare the net salary with rent and transport in the city you want to move to.

• Look at the net salary and the number of monthly payments per year set in the contract.
• Budget for the rental deposit and the first months.
• Up-to-date information is available on EURES.

Romania has an embassy in Rome and consulates in several Italian cities that help with documents and emergencies.

• Current contact details are on the embassy website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of missions.
• The Department for Romanians Abroad has information and programmes for the diaspora.

EURES lists jobs in Italy and gives you access to advisers who answer questions about moving and working conditions. Italy also has public employment centres (centri per l'impiego).