Long-stay visas (Type D)
Italian Subordinate Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato)
A long-stay route for non-EU nationals with an Italian employer, issued within the annual Decreto Flussi quota once a nulla osta work authorisation has been obtained.
Important information
- Visa type
- National long-stay (Type D)
- Issued by
- Italian diplomatic-consular mission abroad, after employer's nulla osta
- Quota
- Usually within the annual Decreto Flussi quota
- Some skilled/specific categories are quota-exempt
- Prerequisite
- Nulla osta al lavoro obtained by the employer in Italy
- Processing
- Visa issued within 30 days for paid employment within the Flows Decree quotas
Who it's for
Non-EU nationals who have a concrete job offer from an employer established in Italy and whose entry falls within the Flows Decree quota (or an exempt category).
Requirements
- A job offer / contract of stay (contratto di soggiorno) from an Italian employer
- A nulla osta al lavoro issued by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione
- Entry falls within the applicable Decreto Flussi quota, or a quota-exempt category
- Valid passport covering the visa period
- Adequate accommodation in Italy as certified in the contract of stay
What you can do
- Live and work in Italy for the sponsoring employer
- Obtain a residence permit for subordinate work after arrival
- Renew the permit while the employment relationship continues
- Apply for family reunification once eligibility conditions are met
How to apply
The employer starts the process in Italy by requesting the nulla osta from the immigration desk, often when the Flows Decree application window opens.
Once the nulla osta is granted, the worker books an appointment (via prenotami.esteri.it) and applies for the Type D visa at the competent Italian consulate.
After entering Italy the worker signs the contract of stay at the immigration desk and applies for the residence permit within 8 days.
Documents
- Completed national visa application form
- Valid passport and passport photos
- Original nulla osta al lavoro
- Copy of the signed contract of stay / job offer
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
Frequently asked questions
Yes. This route requires an Italian employer who first obtains a nulla osta al lavoro; you cannot apply speculatively without a sponsoring employer.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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