Italy’s working holiday visa, now known as the “Youth Mobility Visa,” allows you to work and live in Italy for up to a year, while also enjoying an Italian holiday.
- The application fee for a working holiday visa is €116 (excluding the residence permit).
- The official processing time is 14 to 20 days.
- A total of 1,000 visas are usually issued to young people from all participating countries.
- Italy has signed a working holiday visa agreement with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Who Can Apply for a Working Holiday Visa to Italy?
You can apply for this if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You are from one of the countries with a youth mobility agreement with Italy: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea.
- You are between 18 and 30 (35 for Canadian and Australian citizens).
- You have not previously held a working holiday visa (first-time applicants only).
To help you get a better understanding of whether you qualify for this visa and what you need to do to obtain it, consult with legal experts who can help you throughout the entire process.
How Do I Apply for an Italy Working Holiday Visa?
You apply for a Working Holiday Visa from an Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. See a breakdown of the application process:
Step 1. Fill out the Application Form
Fill out the application form for a long-stay D visa to Italy. You can usually find the form online on the website of the corresponding Italian embassy or consulate in your country.
Make sure to fill out all the required information, and don’t forget to sign it at the end.
Step 2. Schedule an Appointment
You have to schedule an appointment with an Italian consulate or embassy in your country so you can submit your application in person.
If you’re from Canada, you have to submit your application to one of the following:
- Embassy of Italy in Ottawa for the Counties of Carleton, Dundas, Glengarry, Grenville, Russell and Stormont, Prescott, and the Outaouais Region;
- Italian Consulate General in Toronto for the Provinces of Ontario (not already covered by the Embassy in Ottawa), Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories;
- Italian Consulate General in Montreal for the Provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland;
- Italian Consulate General in Vancouver for the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory.
If you’re from Australia, submit your application to one of the following representatives:
- Embassy of Italy in Canberra for residents in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
- Consulate General of Italy in Sydney for residents in New South Wales and Queensland.
- Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne for residents in Victoria and Tasmania.
- Consulate of Italy in Adelaide for residents in South Australia.
- Consulate of Italy in Perth for residents in Western Australia.
- Consulate of Italy in Brisbane for residents in Queensland, Northern Territory.
- If you’re from New Zealand, apply at the Embassy of Italy in Wellington.
- If you’re from South Korea, apply at the Embassy of Italy in Seoul.
You can find a detailed list of Italian representatives here.
Step 3. Prepare the Required Documents
For a successful application, you have to submit several documents, which include:
- National visa application form.
- Your valid passport.
- Passport photographs.
- Proof of enough financial means to stay in the country (may differ from country to country).
- Travel itinerary.
- Proof of travel insurance.
- Proof of non-refundable paid visa fee.
Please note that the embassy/consulate holds the right to ask for any additional documents.
Step 4. Submit Your Application
On the day of your visa appointment, submit your application and sit for a brief interview. The visa agent will ask you about your travel plans to Italy and the type of work you plan on doing.
After your visa is approved, you can go ahead and enter the country to start your work and travel holiday.
After Arriving in Italy
Within 8 days of entering Italy, you must apply for your residence permit. To do this, you must first obtain the application package from a local post office in your area, and then attend a meeting with a local police station “Questura” to apply for your permit.
Please note that you need to bring your passport and visa with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Family Members With Me?
No, a working holiday visa strictly prohibits family members accompanying you. You can’t sponsor them after entering the country either.
What Kind of Work Can I Do With a Working Holiday Visa?
You can take up any temporary or seasonal work, which can include the following industries:
- Hospitality.
- Agricultural sector.
- Tour guides and tourist services.
You cannot take up long-term employment or employment in specific categories, such as healthcare (for this, you need a valid work permit).
Can I Switch Employers?
Yes, you can switch employers, but keep in mind that you cannot work for more than 3 months for a single employer.
How Long Can I Work?
The working holiday visa itself is valid for one year, but you cannot work for longer than 6 months within the year.
Do I Need to Speak Italian to Apply for the Visa?
No, but since you will be working in the country, it will be to your benefit to learn at least some basic language skills before traveling.
How Much Money Do I Need to Show for the Visa Application?
You have to provide proof of enough financial means to support yourself for the duration of the visa, but this can change depending on your home country. Typically, the required amounts go between €2,000 to €2,500.
Can I Travel to Other Schengen Countries?
Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries, but keep in mind that you can stay in one country for 90 days within 180 days.
Can I Study With an Italy Working Holiday Visa?
Yes, but your studies must be shorter than three months, and your focus must be working and traveling. For long-term studies, you need an Italy student visa.