An increasing number of international companies are transferring key talent to Italy, assigning temporary roles to executives, technicians, and specialists. Thanks to its strategic location and the strength of its industrial sectors, Italy is now a central destination for the international mobility of professionals.
However, working temporarily in Italy requires an understanding of specific regulations, which vary depending on the assignment’s duration, the worker’s country of origin, and the type of transfer. In this article, we outline the main options available to foreign companies seeking to post workers or initiate intra-company transfers to Italy, including procedures, documentation, and operational benefits.
Main legal options for foreigners working in Italy
For a foreign professional entering Italy for a limited-term assignment, the options generally fall into four main categories:
- Short-term work visa: for assignments under 90 days. Useful for consulting, technical meetings, or on-site training;
- Temporary work residence permit: for periods over 90 days, requiring a registered employment or posting contract;
- Intra-company transfer (ICT) visa: for foreign executives or highly qualified staff moved from a foreign branch to an Italian branch of the same company or group;
- Digital nomad visa: for skilled workers, under the conditions of the EU Blue Card framework, who work remotely using digital technologies.
These solutions fall within the broader framework of international mobility, which Italy recognizes and regulates in detail, especially for non-EU citizens.
Step-by-step guide for the temporary transfer of foreign workers
Let’s look at the practical steps for relocating a foreign professional to Italy for a temporary assignment:
1. Identify the type of assignment
First, it’s essential to determine whether the case involves:
- a posting from a foreign company;
- an intra-company transfer (ICT);
- a new hire by an Italian entity;
- the launch of a freelance professional activity.
2. Select the appropriate visa or permit
- For short periods: tourist or business visa (up to 90 days);
- For longer assignments: work permit or residence permit for employment, within the quota limits set by the “decreto flussi”;
- For intercompany staff: ICT visa through the dedicated channel.
3. Apply for the nulla osta and gather documentation
In cases of posting or ICT, the employer must:
- submit an application to the Single Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione);
- attach the contract, assignment letters, proof of company continuity, and health insurance coverage.
4. Obtain the visa at the relevant Italian consulate
Once the nulla osta is granted, the worker can apply for the visa at the Italian consulate in their country of residence.
5. Register and obtain the residence permit in Italy
Upon arrival in Italy, the worker must apply for a residence permit for work within 8 days, through the local immigration office (Questura).
When properly coordinated, these steps ensure legal entry and full compliance with Italian immigration regulations.
Advantages and opportunities for companies and foreign professionals
Relocating foreign executives or technical staff to Italy can offer strategic benefits, especially in sectors requiring specific skills and organizational flexibility.
Key advantages include:
- Operational continuity between foreign and Italian branches;
- Simplified procedures for large companies participating in ICT programs;
- Recognition of international experience in a market that values professional expertise;
- Opportunities to establish a stable presence in Italy with long-term prospects.
For companies, Italy also serves as a gateway to Europe. A professional holding a valid ICT visa and residence permit in Italy may, in some cases, work temporarily in other EU countries, in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU.
A complex system, accessible with the right support
International mobility requires a structured approach that takes into account Italian immigration law, labor law, corporate needs, and operational timelines.
HR professionals, legal officers, and foreign managers who handle these processes know how crucial it is to rely on expert guidance, especially for sensitive stages involving documentation and timing.
There are firms with long-standing experience supporting companies, multinationals, and professionals in managing international mobility to Italy. Their approach combines legal expertise, practical know-how, and an international outlook.
Among these, Studio Legale Internazionale Boschetti, through the Italy Visa Investments project, is a discreet and trusted point of reference for those planning temporary entries into the country.
For many, knowing they can rely on advisors experienced in working with Italian authorities and foreign organizations provides valuable peace of mind.
