How to Work as a Student in Italy?

Balancing studies with part-time work is a great way to support yourself and gain valuable experience while studying in Italy. However, international students—especially those from outside the EU—must meet certain legal requirements before they can work.

Legal Requirements for Students Working in Italy

1. Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
Non-EU students need a valid student residence permit to work legally in Italy. This must be obtained within eight days of arrival.

2. Tax Code (Codice Fiscale)
Issued by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate), this unique identification code is required for all employment contracts, banking, and tax purposes.

3. Work Contract
A formal contract is mandatory. It should clearly outline working hours, salary, and job responsibilities.

4. Social Security Contributions (INPS)
Employers are responsible for handling contributions to Italy’s social security system on behalf of student employees.

Challenges in Finding Part-Time Work

• Language Barrier – While English-speaking jobs exist in cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, many roles require at least conversational Italian.

• High Competition – Part-time positions are in demand, especially in larger cities with many local and international students.

• Limited Working Hours – Non-EU students are restricted to 20 hours per week (up to 1,040 hours annually), which limits income.

• Unpaid Internships – Some industries, particularly creative or academic fields, offer internships that provide experience but little or no pay.

Tips for Finding Student Jobs in Italy

• Learn Basic Italian – Even a beginner level of Italian can make job hunting easier and help you integrate better into the workplace.

• Use University Resources – Career centers, notice boards, and online university portals often list part-time job opportunities.

• Search Online Platforms:

  • Indeed Italy

  • Subito

  • EURES Job Portal

  • Local Facebook groups and LinkedIn are also great resources.

• Network Locally – Professors, classmates, and local communities can provide useful job leads.

• Consider Language Tutoring – English tutoring is one of the most accessible jobs for international students, especially in major cities.

• Avoid Scams – Be cautious of job ads that sound too good to be true or require upfront fees. Always sign a legitimate contract.

Working in Italy as a student can be rewarding both financially and professionally, but it requires careful planning. By securing the right documents, understanding the challenges, and using trusted job-hunting resources, you can find part-time work that fits your schedule. Whether it’s tutoring English, working in hospitality, or assisting in an office, part-time jobs will enrich your study abroad experience in Italy while helping you manage living costs.