Individuals who are not citizens of the European union must complete an in-depth visa application, which is submitted to the Italian Embassy. This paper application must be filled out with details of identity, including a full legal name and financial details. Applicants must list their means of financial support and provide evidence in the form of credit statements or bank records that they will be self-sufficient during their stay.
The visa application must also include details of the arrival and departure dates. These dates are used by the Italian government to confirm that a visitor is not planning an overly extended stay. A recent passport photo, along with a copy of a valid passport, is also required. The submitted passport must be valid for at least three months past the expiration date of the visa.
After submitting the visa application, international workers must receive labor certification. This certification is issued by the Provincial Labor Office, and indicates that the worker is skilled and not taking the job of an existing Italian citizen. An employer sponsor in Italy is required before this certification will be issued.
A simple letter from a foreign employer is not sufficient for labor certification in Italy. Instead, the employer must complete a lengthy clearance application that is separate from the visa application. Only after the visa application and the labor certification are approved can a worker legally enter Italy for employment.
Once the visa application and labor certification application have both been submitted, the Italian police will make a final determination and issue an entry clearance, or "nulla osta." This entry clearance can take up to 120 days to process. The entry clearance can be denied at the discretion of the Italian officials for any reason.
Once the entry clearance is granted, the applicant is cleared to work in Italy. To enter the country, copies of all documents are required, including the passport, visa, labor certification and police entry clearance. If these documents are not presented upon entry, the worker faces possible expulsion from the country.
