Article 27, paragraph 1, of the Consolidated Act on Immigration (Legislative Decree no. 286/98) lists the categories of workers who can enter Italy and obtain a residence permit at any time and without being affected by entry quotas defined by the “Decreto Flussi”. One of the hypothesis included is that of “entry for working holiday” (vacanze lavoro), which applies to young foreigners who “according to the rules and international agreements in force for Italy, carry out activities, research or occasional work in the context of youth exchange programs or youth mobility (…)”.

Who can apply for an entry visa for working holiday?

The entry visa for "working holiday" can only be issued to citizens of the countries who have signed a specific bilateral agreement with Italy: more specifically, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong and Canada. These agreements usually apply to young people aged between 18 and 30/35 years, in order to promote mutual knowledge of the two countries through a stay that exceeds the 90 days of a normal tourist visa. Click here for more about it.

How can one individual obtain an entry visa for working holiday?

For the matter, the entry visa can be obtained without priorly requesting an authorization to work. The foreigner citizen shall request the visa at the embassy or consulate in his country. The requirements and conditions for obtaining it are stated by specific international agreements.

How does an individual obtain a residence permit for working holiday?

The request must be made within 8 working days of entry into Italy, at the police headquarters of the municipality where the foreigner intends to stay. The documents to be presented are: - 4 passport photos with a light background; - A 16 euro worth tax stamp; - Receipt for payment at the post office of 30.46 + 40 (one year of validity); - Printed copy of the passport (only the pages with personal information, stamps and visas); - Declaration of hospitality; - Communication of hospitality; - Photocopy of an insurance policy, valid on the national territory, against the risk of illness and accidents. The residence permit for working holiday lasts no more than one year.

Is it possible to work with a residence permit for working holiday?

1. Although such permit can’t be converted in a different residence permit, holders of a working holiday permit are granted a simplified access to work. More specifically, in order to be hired they only need the mandatory communication from the employer, as per Italian rules and regulations.

How long can one individual work with a residence permit issued for working holiday?

Generally speaking, no more than 6 months and (and no more than 3 months with the same employer). Bilateral agreements may however contain a derogation from this provision. For example, the agreement with Canada consents working for the entire authorized period of stay (12 months), even for the same employer.

Is it possible to convert a residence permit for working holiday?

No, such permit can’t be renewed or converted, but allows its holder to carry out any kind of work activity.

Is there a yearly quota of entry visas for working holiday?

Yes, only a limited number of visas for working holiday can be issued per year: The number is indicated in each bilateral agreement.

Does the recent agreement with Canada provide for further entry options in addition to that for working holiday?

1. Since November 1^st 2022, the agreement with Canada has expanded its scope. As already mentioned, it extended the length of authorized working to the whole 12 months of stay, but it also introduced new categories of participants. Currently there are three: a) Working holiday (Vacanze-Lavoro), for those who intend to travel to the host country and obtain temporary work during their stay; b) Young workers (Giovani Lavoratori), dedicated to those who have already obtained an employment contract in the host country, whether to support their professional development or pertaining to their previous sector of study; c) International internship (Tirocinio Internazionale), for post-secondary students who have obtained an internship in the host country as a requirement for their academic curriculum.

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