Residence permit for subordinate employment
How to obtain and renew an Italian work permit for subordinate employment: nulla osta, residence contract, permit duration, documents and income requirements.
Quick answer
A permit for subordinate employment is based on an employment relationship with an employer in Italy: entering the country requires a work clearance (nulla osta) from the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione, followed by the residence contract and the permit application. Duration follows the contract: up to one year for fixed-term, up to two years for permanent employment.
This permit allows subordinate (employed) work and is the title most relevant to people who move to Italy for a job or change jobs while living here.
If you already hold another permit, converting it to subordinate work follows a specific route. This page covers the permit itself, from application to renewal.
Who this guide is for
Non-EU employees in Italy or arriving in Italy, and employers handling mandatory hiring communications.
What you need
- Employment contract or job offer
- Work clearance (nulla osta), if the relationship starts from abroad
- Hiring communication (UNILAV) filed by the employer
- Income documents and payslips for renewal
Step-by-step process
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1. From nullo osta to visa
For applicants abroad, the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione issues the work clearance at the employer’s request; the clearance is then used at the consulate for the visa.
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2. Residence contract
On arrival, or at the Prefettura, the residence contract (contratto di soggiorno) is signed, linking your right to stay to the employment relationship.
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3. Permit application
Within 8 working days of entry, file the application with the postal kit, attaching employment documents.
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4. Duration and renewal
Duration follows the contract (up to one year for fixed-term, up to two years for permanent) and renewal is filed at least 60 days before expiry.
Documents
- — Valid passport and copy of pages with details, visa and stamps
- — Work clearance (nulla osta) where required
- — Residence contract or employment contract
- — Hiring communication (UNILAV) filed by the employer
- — Payslips and income documentation (for renewal)
- — Income certificate (modello CU) or tax return
- — Residence or family status certificate, where required
- — €16 revenue stamp, payment receipts and postal kit
Indicative costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue stamp | €16.00 | |
| Postal fee | €30.00 | |
| Electronic permit | €30.46 | |
| Contribution | €40 / €50 | €40 up to one year, €50 over one year up to two. |
Amounts are those published by official sources on the review date and may change: always check the current amount before paying.
Timelines
| Stage | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work clearance | Months | Depends on available quotas and the Sportello Unico review. |
| Permit after entry | Application within 8 working days | |
| Renewal | Apply at least 60 days before expiry |
Timelines shown are typical ranges reported by official sources or observed in practice: they are not guaranteed.
What happens next
- Keep your contract and payslips: you will need them for renewal and conversion.
- Register your residence with the local Comune.
- If you change employer, check what your permit allows and which mandatory communications apply.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Renewing without recent income documents.
Better approach: Prepare updated payslips, income certificate and contract before sending the kit.
Mistake: Confusing an employment permit with a job-seeking permit.
Better approach: They are different titles: the first requires an employment relationship, the second applies to job search in specific cases.
Related guides
The work clearance (nulla osta)
The nulla osta al lavoro is the clearance issued by the Prefettura’s Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione at the employer’s request,…
The residence contract
The contratto di soggiorno is the agreement between employer and foreign worker guaranteeing accommodation, pay and return costs, …
Employment contract and UNILAV communication
Work-related residence procedures require the employment contract and the hiring communication filed by the employer (UNILAV or Un…
Renewing your residence permit: the procedure
Renewal is requested from the Questore of the province where you live: file the application at least 60 days before expiry (in pra…
Permit type finder
Suggests the permit category that may be relevant to your situation.
Official sources
This page is based on the official sources listed below. Open them to check the most recent information directly with the competent authority.
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Questure — Immigration Office: procedures and documents (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato — Questure · in italiano
Documento ufficiale di sintesi sulle procedure dell’Ufficio Immigrazione: documenti per tipologia di permesso, contributi e conversioni.
Link last verified:
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Questure — Documents to include in the postal kit (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato — Questure · in italiano
Documento ufficiale con l’elenco dei documenti da inserire nel kit postale per le principali tipologie di permesso di soggiorno.
Link last verified:
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Polizia di Stato — Renewal of the residence permit (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato · in italiano
Scheda ufficiale della Polizia di Stato su termini, verifica dei requisiti ed effetti della ricevuta durante il rinnovo.
Link last verified:
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Ministry of Labour — Entry quota decree 2026-2028 (opens in a new tab)
Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali · in italiano
Pagina ufficiale sul D.P.C.M. pubblicato in Gazzetta Ufficiale il 15 ottobre 2025: quote di ingresso per lavoro 2026, 2027 e 2028 e calendario delle domande.
Link last verified:
Important notice
The information published on ItalyDocsHub is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may change. For current information and advice regarding your specific situation, always consult the relevant official authority or a qualified professional.
- Last reviewed
- Content owner
- ItalyDocsHub Editorial Team