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Working in Italy

For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.

Average Salary

In Italy, the average gross monthly salary across all sectors is about €2,200–€2,500, but this can vary widely depending on location, sector, and level of expertise. For example, salaries in the engineering and energy sectors are higher, typically ranging from €2,900 - €5,400 per month, with experienced professionals or managers in high-demand areas earning up to €5,800 a month.

General information

Currency

Euro (€)

Official language

Italian

Time zone

Winter period: Central European Time (UTC+01:00) Summer period: Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)

Common types of Employment or Contracting

There is a range of employment and contracting options in Italy, offering both permanent and flexible working arrangements depending on the type of contract.

Common types of employment

Permanent Employment (Contratto a Tempo Indeterminato) - The most common contract type, offering job security and benefits such as paid leave, pensions, and sick leave, with no fixed end date Fixed-Term Employment (Contratto a Tempo Determinato) - A contract with a specific end date, often used for temporary or project-based work, usually limited to 36 months Part-Time Employment (Contratto Part-Time) - A flexible arrangement where employees work fewer hours than a full-time schedule, either on permanent or fixed-term contracts Temporary Agency Work (Lavoro Somministrato) - Employees are hired by an agency but assigned to work at client companies, with the same rights as permanent employees Seasonal Employment (Lavoro Stagionale) - Common in tourism, agriculture, and retail, these contracts are for work during peak seasons and are typically temporary

Common types of contracting

Freelance (Lavoro Autonomo) - Freelancers work as self-employed individuals, offering services on a contract basis and managing their own taxes and social security contributions
  • Freelancer with VAT Number (Libero Professionista con Partita IVA) - A self-employed individual registered with the tax authorities, invoicing clients directly and responsible for taxes and social contributions
Collaborations (Collaborazione) - Short-term, flexible contracts for specific tasks or projects, typically used for less formal work arrangements Via an SRL or SNC – These are types of limited companies more commonly seen where contractors have high turnover or seeking to limit their liabilities

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Living in Italy

Living in Italy offers a rich cultural experience, with a focus on family, food, and a slower-paced lifestyle. Whilst residents of the country are predominantly Italian born, there is a somewhat diverse population, particularly in larger cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples. The cost of living can vary significantly across the country, with northern cities like Milan and Florence being more expensive than southern areas or smaller towns.

  • The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is around €50 - €70
  • For a 2-bedroom apartment in major cities such as Rome or Milan, the monthly rent can range from €1,200 - €2,500. In smaller towns, rent is more affordable – typically around €600 - €1,000 monthly
  • Childcare costs roughly €400 - €800 per month, depending on the region and facility
  • Petrol is around €1.80 - €2.00 per litre, whilst diesel is typically priced at €1.70 - €1.90 per litre

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy. Obtaining a driver’s licence depends on your country of origin – for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, an existing valid licence is often sufficient, while non-EU nationals may need to convert their foreign licence or take a written and practical driving test after a certain period of residency.

Weather in Italy

Italy has a diverse climate, with hot summers and mild winters. In the summer, temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C, with southern areas like Sicily reaching up to 40°C. Winter is colder in the north, where temperatures can drop to -5°C to -10°C in the mountains, while southern regions stay milder.

Language and integration support

Italy offers several resources to support newcomers’ integration into society, particularly through language courses and cultural programmes. Municipalities often provide free or low-cost Italian language classes, which are required for long-term residency or citizenship applications. Many cities also offer civic integration programmes that teach Italian language, culture, and customs.

Our services in Italy

Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.

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Global employer of record

With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.

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Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.

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