Service agreement visa and residence permit for Italy ex art. 27 lett. i)

Among the visas and residence permits available outside the "flow decree" system is that governed by Art. 27 lett. i) of Legislative Decree 286/98 issuable in the case of international service contracts for works or services.

Who can apply for it?

Workers, employed by foreign companies, who are needed to perform services under an international service contract signed with an Italian company are entitled to apply for it.

This type of residence permit is issued for the duration strictly necessary for the performance of the works or services under the international service contract and in any case for no more than 2 years, unless a renewal is necessary for maximum an additional period of 2 years (provided that the service contract is still in place).   

Upon expiration of the residence permit, workers must return to their home foreign country.

The procedure in a nutshell

What to do to obtain a service agreement work permit:

1.    apply online for a work authorization (nulla osta), on behalf of the Italian host company at the relevant Single Desk for Immigration (“Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione” (SUI))

2.    once the nulla osta has been obtained, apply for a long-term work visa at the Italian Consulate or Embassy competent on the basis of the worker's place of residence

3.    enter Italy and within 8 days request an appointment at the SUI to sign the contract of stay and integration agreement

4.    apply for a residence permit and undergo the fingerprinting procedure at the Police Headquarters (“Questura”)

5.    pick up the residence permit at the Questura when ready

PLEASE NOTE: foreign companies that post workers to Italy in the context of a service agreement are subject to the obligations set forth by Legislative Decree 136/2016, namely sending the prior notice of posting ("Posted Worker Declaration").

Benefits of obtaining a service agreement residence permit

Family members of holders of a visa and service agreement residence permit ex art. 27 lett. i) lasting at least 1 year are entitled to family reunification.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.