How long does a Italy work visa take to process?

A decision on a Italy work visa typically takes around 30 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Italy work visa?

The Italy consular network lists: Valid passport; National visa application form, signed; Recent passport photo; Original nulla osta al lavoro issued by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione; Signed contract of stay (contratto di soggiorno) or employment contract; Proof of accommodation in Italy; Proof of UK residence status; Qualifications or professional registration where required; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Italy work visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Italy, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Italy work visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Italy work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Italy consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€116

Typical decision

30 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Italy work visa

Italian Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (or VFS Global). You can only apply after the employer obtains the nulla osta al lavoro under the Decreto Flussi or a non-quota category.

Required documents

Valid passport
National visa application form, signed
Recent passport photo
Original nulla osta al lavoro issued by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione
Signed contract of stay (contratto di soggiorno) or employment contract
Proof of accommodation in Italy
Proof of UK residence status
Qualifications or professional registration where required
Proof of fee payment

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

National work visa (Type D)€116
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS service fee€30
Courier passport return€15

The fee is charged in GBP at the consular exchange rate. On arrival you pay a further €100–€130 for the residence permit kit (permesso di soggiorno).

Booking an appointment

Appointments are booked via the Prenot@Mi portal. Work visa slots open in waves after Decreto Flussi nulla osta are issued, and are heavily oversubscribed.

Practical tips

Nothing can start without the nulla osta — chase your Italian employer, since the Sportello Unico issues it to them. Book the Prenot@Mi slot the moment the nulla osta arrives.

What is unusual about the Italy process

Most non-seasonal work routes are capped by the Decreto Flussi quota. The 2026–2028 decree (DPCM of 2 October 2025) set the 2026 click days for 12 January and 9, 16 and 18 February 2026, with roughly 164,850 places for 2026. Your employer must file the nulla osta application on the click day before you can apply for the visa.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Italy Visa Application Centre – London
Applications for Italy from UK residents go through VFS Global; the Consulate General in London takes the decision.
Manchester — Italy Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Check the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.
Edinburgh — Italy Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Check the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Italy consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Italy work visa cost?: For a Italy work visa, the consular fee is €116. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National work visa (Type D) — €116; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30; Courier passport return — €15. The fee is charged in GBP at the consular exchange rate. On arrival you pay a further €100–€130 for the residence permit kit (permesso di soggiorno). Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Italy work visa take to process?: A decision on a Italy work visa typically takes around 30 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Italy work visa?: Italian Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (or VFS Global). You can only apply after the employer obtains the nulla osta al lavoro under the Decreto Flussi or a non-quota category. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Italy work visa?: The Italy consular network lists: Valid passport; National visa application form, signed; Recent passport photo; Original nulla osta al lavoro issued by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione; Signed contract of stay (contratto di soggiorno) or employment contract; Proof of accommodation in Italy; Proof of UK residence status; Qualifications or professional registration where required; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Italy work visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Appointments are booked via the Prenot@Mi portal. Work visa slots open in waves after Decreto Flussi nulla osta are issued, and are heavily oversubscribed.
Can I apply for a Italy work visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Italy, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇮🇹 Italy work visa: requirements, fee and processing time