When you work in a global industry like engineering, you truly can work anywhere. And if you can work anywhere, why wouldn’t you want to work in Italy?
Home to legendary car manufacturers like Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, as well as luxury marine, aerospace, and engineering companies, Italy is a great place for an engineer looking to move their career while also enjoying a great quality of life.
Why you should work in Italy
Italian Culture
Italy is widely considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and has some of the best art, food, and architecture found anywhere, as well as a rich and interesting history that has shaped global thought, philosophy, and politics. There’s a reason Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it’s not surprising that tens of thousands of people choose to move there for work every year.
Quality of Work Life
The average salary in Italy is around 1400-1800 euros a month, but high-skill or high demand jobs can earn much more. Some estimates place the cost of living in Italy at around 1500 euros a month, of course this varies from city to city and individual spending habits, but it’s possible you could save some money while living in Italy.
All full-time workers who are registered with social security can enjoy public healthcare, pensions, and benefits. If you’re self-employed, you fall under a different social security scheme, so you may not be eligible for all the benefits just mentioned.
All workers in Italy are entitled to a minimum of 22 days holiday. The longer you stay with a company, it’s likely you’ll earn more holiday time. Many companies also offer remote working and flexi-time.
You’re entitled to citizenship after ten years of living and working in Italy.
Italy’s strong manufacturing industry
The manufacturing sector plays an important role in Italy’s economy, with large exports in cars, furniture, and food processing. Italy has a long history of creating luxury machines, being home to world-famous inventor, Leonardo Da Vinci.
How to work in Italy
Secure a visa
When applying to work in Italy, you must secure a work visa and a residence permit. Italy only accepts a certain amount of foreign workers each year, so you will need to check if they are still accepting applications as soon as you decide to try to move there.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you must already have a job offer in Italy in order to get a visa as it is your employer who must apply for your work permit. Once in Italy you can then apply for your residence permit. An Italian work visa is valid for up to two years, and can then be renewed for five years.
If you are an EU citizen, you can enter the country and start work without a visa. However, if you plan on staying longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit.
Look for jobs in Milan
Milan is one of the major industrial centres of the country, so it’s a good place to start looking for engineering jobs.
Generally speaking, it may be easier to find engineering or mechanical work in the north of Italy, in factories or project bases, rather than in the south, which is more agricultural. Of course, exceptions apply, and there will be engineers living and working all over the country.
Sign up with a global recruitment agency
Once you have everything you need, signing up with a recruitment agency is one of the quickest ways you can get a job in Italy.
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with an amazing culture. People who move there often say it is the best decision they ever made, and choose to stay there for many years, or even the rest of their lives!
Learn how to decide between two job offers, or learn the best engineering companies to work for.
