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Many non-EU students who move to Italy soon set out to find student jobs to work alongside college. This happens because the cost of living in some Italian cities can be quite high, and not all students have access to full scholarships. Finding employment to juxtapose with study allows for greater economic stability and a more solid peace of mind, always provided the job does not interfere with academic performance.
But what does the law say about this? Is it possible to work in Italy with a residence permit for study?
The answer is yes, but with limitations. You can work in Italy with a residence permit for study, but only part-time with the following conditions:
We point out that it is not possible to redistribute the 1040 annual work hours by bundling them into full-time work periods (e.g., summer months). The limit of 20 working hours per week is to be considered fixed and constant.
If you plan to exceed the hours of work per week you will need to apply for a work permit and not a study permit.
You can also convert a residence permit for study into a work permit even without an employment contract. In this case you switch to a residence permit for awaiting employment, a solution designed specifically for non-EU citizens who have finished their studies in Italy and wish to remain in the country to look for work.
Yes, students with a residence permit for study can also be self-employed or freelance, subject to the same hourly limitations as indicated above. To pay taxes on your earnings in Italy you may need to open a VAT number, that is, register as a self-employed person in Italy. The residence permit for study is work-qualifying, so it also allows this option.
Having ascertained that as a non-EU student you can work in Italy for up to 20 hours a week, let's now see which jobs best fit the university routine.
The three basic requirements we are looking for are:
The most popular student jobs in Italy are those related to catering and sales: cafeterias, restaurants and clothing stores. These are generally easy jobs to find, as there is a large year-round supply. In addition, especially in the restaurant field, employment contracts with flexible hours, perhaps only in the evening hours or with shifts concentrated only on weekends, are very common. This makes it easier to balance work and studies.
An added benefit is direct contact with the public, a useful opportunity for those who have recently arrived in Italy and wish to improve their Italian language skills.
Many Italian universities offer collaborative fellowships, or internal part-time positions dedicated to students.
Here are some of them:
These jobs are particularly beneficial because they are located within college campuses and, more importantly, are designed specifically for students, meeting their study schedules.
In addition to classic college student jobs, there are a plethora of creative or teaching jobs that can be done completely online. Language tutors, graphic designers, social media managers, web developers, and many other options.
Online work is often more flexible and allows you to work from home, without commuting time. In addition, it can offer useful professional experience for the future, even in one's field of study.
Are you a non-European student and would like more information on types of residence permits for work or study? The Welcome Association Italy team is at your disposal. Contact us for qualified assistance and rely on our experts to best guide you on your path to Italy.
