Working in Italy

Italy is a prominent country in Southern Europe and is part of the European Union. The country borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia to the north, while much of the southern part of Italy is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Outside of mainland Italy, the country also has two large islands in the Mediterranean – Sicily and Sardinia.

With its capital Rome, Italy is one the most historically documented countries in the world dating back to the Roman Empire. It remains a nation of cultural significance and the fifth most populated country in Europe.

To promote closer cooperation between Australia and Italy, the two countries formed a partnership to allow Australians the opportunity to apply for a working holiday experience in Italy.

Under the arrangement, Australians aged between 18 and 30 are allowed to travel to Belgium for a working holiday for up to 12 months.

Applications for a Working Holiday Visa in Italy can be lodged only in Australia at the Italian Embassy in Canberra or at other Italian diplomatic or consular offices.

The Working Holiday Visa in Italy is valid for up to three months from the date the visa is granted and allows for a 12-month stay from the date of entry.

Italy’s Working Holiday visa summary

Visa: Working holiday
Age: 18 to 30
Length of stay: 12 months
Application fee: €90
Processing time: n/a
Annual quota: 1500

Restrictions / Eligibility:

• Be an Australian citizen
• Be aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
• Have no dependent children
• Have not previously entered Italy on a Working Holiday Visa
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be in Australia at the time of application and grant
• Agree that the main reason for going to Italy is to holiday and any work should be incidental to supplement funds
• You will leave Italy at the end of the visa expiring date
• Have sufficient funds for the first part of the holiday (€3500).

Emergency

Emergency telephone numbers
Telephone directory assistance number    12
Carabinieri                                                    112
Police                                                             113
Fire department                                            115
Road assistance                                            116
Medical emergency                                      118

Australian Embassy
Via Antonio Bosio 5
00161 Rome, ITALY
Telephone: (39) 06 85 2721
Facsimile:   (39) 06 85 272 300
Email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.italy.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General
3rd Floor
Via Borgogna 2
20122 Milan, ITALY
Telephone: (39) 02 776 74200
Facsimile:   (39) 02 776 04242 

Tax System

Italy operates using a progressive tax system on income. The country’s tax year is the same as the calendar year.

The personal income tax system is as follows:

•     23% for amounts up to €15,000
•     27% for the next band from €15,000.01 to €28,000
•     38% for the next band from €28,000.01 to €55,000
•     41% for amounts between €55,000.01 and €75,000
•     43% for amounts €75,000.01 and over.

Bank account

Opening a bank account as an expat in Italy requires several pieces of documentation be presented at a branch, including: passport, tax number, recent utility bill (proof of address), and resident card or proof of employment in Italy. Each bank account will usually include a debit card, overdraft facility, option to open a savings account and more.

The major banks in Italy include: BNL-BNP Paribas, Baca di Roma and Cassa di Risparmio di Ferrara. Many foreign banks can also be located in Italy.

Working in Italy

Following the global financial crisis, Italy’s economy has struggled for several years and unemployment rates have risen. This will make finding work difficult for expats at this time, but opportunities do still exist in certain industries.

Teaching English is an excellent option for expats in Italy on a working holiday. According to TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language), there is demand for English tuition in Italy. The language is commonly spoken throughout the country, particularly for tourism and businesses purposes. Job hunters in Italy would also be well served if they have Italian language skills.

Another area to consider, and also a great way to see more of the country, is to work in agriculture. This is a great way to explore the country, enjoy the outdoors and supplement your stay with a small amount of funds. Farms and wineries are operational throughout Italy and looking for cheap labour.

Communication

Italy is well serviced by telecommunications and has several providers for expats to choose from. The major telecommunications players in Italy are:

•     Telecome Italia Mobile
•     Vodafone
•     Wind
•     3

To sign-up for a phone contract in Italy, applicants will need to provide forms of identification, such as a passport and proof of employment.