Guide to posting workers in Italy

1) Posting declaration in Italy

The posting declaration in Italy is mandatory and must be submitted before the start of the posting assignment (no later than the day before).

This obligation applies even for very short assignments (less than 8 days).

In the event of any changes during the assignment, the posting declaration must be updated within 5 working days.

2) Compliance with local employment law

Even though the posted employee remains under their original employment contract, posted workers in Italy benefit from the minimum Italian employment conditions, including:

• Salary
• Working hours
• Rest periods
• Health and safety
• Leave

It is possible to apply the conditions of the country of origin, provided these are more favourable for the posted worker.

Exception: for initial installation or assistance assignments, certain provisions (notably leave duration and remuneration) may be waived, provided the assignment does not exceed 8 days.

3) Insurance and Social Protection obligations

• A1 certificate (issued in the country of origin)
• Responsibility for on-site safety lies with your client in Italy
• However, you must inform and train your employees on risks related to their assignment

4) Local representation for a posting in Italy

A local representative in Italy must be appointed to act as a liaison with local authorities in case of inspection. This person must be based in Italy and speak Italian.

Through our European Posting Alliance, we can provide this service and ensure coordination with the relevant authorities if needed.

5) Documents and information to retain for a posting in Italy

• Keep the original employment contract
• Keep the posting addendum
• Keep the posting declaration
• Keep the A1 certificate
• Keep timesheets
• Keep payslips (proof of salary payment)
• Keep proof of expense reimbursements (incurred locally)

6) Summary of obligations by nationality and duration of posting in Italy

Requirements for EU nationals employed within the EEA

EU nationals	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	❌	❌
Posting declaration	✅	✅	Must be submitted 24 hours before the start of the assignment
A1 certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	✅	✅	During the assignment and up to 2 years after
Local registration	❌	✅	Registration with the local municipality

Requirements for non-EU nationals employed and residing in the EEA

A non-EU national holding a European residence permit may travel within Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Beyond this threshold, Italian law does not provide for a Van der Elst visa (unlike Germany). A service provision work permit must be obtained.

We recommend using the European Union online tool to ensure that the 90/180-day allowance has not been exceeded. Please note that personal travel must also be taken into account.

Non-EU (EU & Switzerland)	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	❌	✅
Work permit	❌	✅
Temporary work residence permit	❌	✅	For repeated postings, it is advisable to complete the formalities even if each assignment is under 3 months
Posting declaration	✅	❌	Must be submitted 24 hours before the start of the assignment
A1 certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	✅	❌	During the assignment and up to 2 years after
Local registration	❌	✅	Registration with the local municipality
Residence permit	❌	✅

For non-EU nationals residing in Europe, it is strongly recommended to prioritise assignments of less than 90 days within a 180-day period.

For assignments exceeding 3 months, procedures are more complex and require:

• The client in Italy to notify local trade unions of the intention/need to employ foreign workers
• Submission of a work permit application (Nulla Osta) before arrival in Italy
• Arrival in Italy
• Submission of a residence permit application allowing work

For this final step, the employee must provide proof of accommodation (hotel stays are not accepted) and attend the appointment in person for biometric data collection.

Processing times for the residence permit are approximately 40 days.

Requirements for UK nationals

There is no specific agreement for UK nationals for this type of assignment.

Regardless of the duration of the assignment, both a work permit and a residence permit are required:
“Permit under service agreement of workers hired by non-EU companies”

Estimated processing times:

• Nulla Osta application: 4 to 8 weeks
• D visa application: 2 to 4 weeks
• Residence permit application:
  • Biometric appointment: 2 to 6 weeks
  • Issuance of residence permit: 2 to 4 months

Overall, procedures should be anticipated at least 4 months in advance (including approximately 1 month for document preparation).

UK nationals residing in the UK

UK nationals	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	✅	✅
Work permit	✅	✅
Posting declaration	❌	✅	Must be submitted 24 hours before the start of the assignment
A1 certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	❌	❌	During the assignment and up to 2 years after
Residence permit	✅	✅
Local registration	❌	✅	Registration with the local municipality