The permit for workers and students waiting for work

Should I leave Italy if I lose my job?

Holders of a work permit who lose their job, including being made redundant, can apply for a "permit to wait for employment" upon expiry of their current permit. They must register as unemployed at the relevant Employment Centre (Centro per l'Impiego) within 40 days of the last day of work, declaring immediate availability for work (DID, "Dichiarazione di Immediata Disponibilità"). This can be done online or by visiting the Employment Centre.

The individual may remain registered as unemployed for the remainder of the validity of the work permit, for a minimum of 1 year (or as long as he or she receives unemployment benefits, if applicable), allowing him or her to remain in Italy and look for work. Upon expiration of the work permit, he or she must submit an application for the "permit to wait for employment" using the form available at authorized post offices.

Normally, the "permit to wait for employment" cannot be renewed for more than 1 year. Upon expiration, the holder has the following options:

- they can apply for a work permit if they find employment

- they may seek renewal if they can demonstrate available financial means, at the discretion of the authorities

Blue card holders who lose their jobs can also apply for the " permit to wait for employment”.

Can a student stay in Italy after graduation to look for work?

If you hold an accredited Italian university degree/bachelor's degree, a PhD, a university master's degree, a diploma from a Higher Technical Institute, you can register as unemployed and apply for a permit to look for work or start a business (Permesso di soggiorno per ricerca lavoro o imprenditorialità degli studenti).

This permit allows students to legally reside in Italy after graduation while looking for a job or starting a business for a maximum of 1 year. The process involves registering as unemployed at the employment centre and applying for the job search/entrepreneurship permit. Requirements include having an income not less than social assistance (approximately EUR 6000 per year), having health insurance, having graduated in Italy and being registered as unemployed. This permit can be converted into a work permit later.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

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This article is intended to offer general guidance on the topic. Please seek specialized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.