# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Visas

How to Get an Italian Work Visa from Pakistan: 6-Step Guide (2024)

Pakistani citizens seeking employment in Italy must secure a **National Long-Stay Work Visa (Type D - *Visto per Lavoro Subordinato*)** before entry. The process is employer-driven and quota-based (*Decreto Flussi*). Here is the current pathway:

Step 1: Eligibility & Job Offer (The Prerequisite)

Valid Pakistani passport (min. 15 months validity, 2 blank pages).
**Confirmed job offer** from an Italian employer for a role on the *Decreto Flussi* quota list (seasonal, non-seasonal, highly skilled, EU Blue Card).
Employer must prove no suitable EU/EEA candidate found (labor market test).
Qualifications matching the role (degrees, certifications, experience letters — apostilled/translated).
Clean criminal record (Pakistan PCC + Italy PCC if resided >6 months).
Medical fitness certificate (approved panel physician).

Step 2: Employer Applies for Nulla Osta (Work Authorization)

Employer submits application to **Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI)** at the local **Prefettura** during the *Decreto Flussi* click-day window (announced annually, usually Jan/Feb). SUI verifies labor market test, contract, housing suitability. If approved → *Nulla Osta* issued (valid 6 months).

Step 3: Visa Application at Italian Embassy Islamabad

Applicant submits via **VFS Global Pakistan** (Islamabad/Karachi/Lahore):

Completed national visa application form.
Passport + photos (ICAO spec).
Original + copy of *Nulla Osta*.
Employment contract (signed, Italian labor law compliant).
Qualifications (degree + transcripts + experience letters — **HEC attested, MOFA attested, Italian Embassy legalized**, translated to Italian).
PCC (Police Character Certificate) — Pakistan + any country resided >6 mo.
Medical certificate (panel physician).
Proof of accommodation in Italy (employer declaration/lease).
Proof of means (employer covers; or bank statement).
Visa fee: **€116** (approx. PKR 35,000) + VFS service charges.

Step 4: Interview & Biometrics

VFS appointment → biometrics (fingerprints/photo). Interview at Embassy (rare for work visa if *Nulla Osta* solid; but prepare for: job details, employer info, qualifications, Italian language basics, intent to return).

Step 5: Visa Issuance & Travel

Processing: **15–60 days** (varies by Prefecture workload). Visa sticker in passport (Type D, multiple entry, validity = contract duration or 1 year max initially). **Enter Italy within validity.**

Step 6: Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) — Within 8 Days of Arrival

Submit: Passport + visa, *Nulla Osta*, contract, codice fiscale (tax ID), photos, €160 fee (kit + permit), health insurance (SSN registration or private).
Receipt = legal stay while permit processes (2–6 months).
Register with **Anagrafe** (municipal registry) for residency.

Critical 2024 Notes

Decreto Flussi 2024-2026: Quotas increased; includes construction, tourism, care, transport, IT/engineering.
EU Blue Card: For high-skilled (degree + 3yr exp / salary >€38k). Faster, easier family reunification, EU mobility.
Seasonal Work: Max 9 months, non-renewable, specific quotas.
Language: Basic Italian (A1/A2) increasingly expected/required for integration.
Agents: Use only **authorized** recruiters. Avoid fraud (fake *Nulla Osta*, upfront "guarantee" fees).