Working abroad should be at the top of your agenda this summer. Why? Well, because finding a summer job in a sunny destination does not only mean you can enjoy some hot weather, make new friends and explore an entirely new culture, it also means you don’t have to break the bank to do so! 

What’s more, finding a summer job will most certainly wow your future employers. Working abroad will help you develop an invaluable skillset that includes cross-cultural understanding, adaptability and excellent communication skills. Not only that, working abroad also lets you mix in with the locals and get to know the real ins and outs of wherever you choose to stay. 

So, if you are thinking about working abroad this summer, then we think Italy should be a top choice of yours. Home to high-end fashion houses, plenty of museums and thousands of restaurants, whether you are looking for an internship or a fun job behind a bar, Italy has lots of opportunities available. 

If this sounds up your street, then here is our guide to finding a summer job in Italy.

Requirements to Get a Summer Job in Italy, Milan!

Finding Out Whether You Need a VISA

If you are a citizen of the EEA or another country in the EU, then you’re in luck, you do not need a visa or permit to work in Italy. 

For those that are not lucky enough to live in a country in the EEA or the EU, then you will need to apply for a visa to work in Italy. The work visa is called a Nulla Osta and falls under the category of a long-stay visa. You can apply for a visa wherever your nearest Italian consulate is located. 

The general rule is that, to apply for a visa, you will already need a job lined up in Italy before applying, accommodation and flights must be booked, and your work contract must last at least six months. To find out more about visa requirements, visit this site.

Finding Out Whether You Need a Residence Permit

If you are from a non-EU country then you will also need to apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). You must apply within eight days of arriving in Italy and you can go to the post office or Questura (police station) to do so. Immigration officers at the Questura will give you the forms that you need to fill out and they will help you out with any questions you have. If you are looking for a short term residenct permit, it will cost €40 for a permesso that is valid from 3 months to 1 year. Here’s a recommended website that will tell you all you need to know about the application process.

Do You Need to Speak Italian to Work in Italy?

It can be a little more challenging to find a job in Italy if you don’t speak the language, especially because most of your colleagues will likely be Italian. What’s more, having some Italian under your belt will make the visa application process a lot smoother and it will help you make the most out of your time abroad. That said, it’s not impossible to find a job if you don’t speak the language. English speakers are highly sought-after in Italy, especially in tourist hot-spots. In fact, for non-italian speakers, becoming an au pair is a great job to have because lots of families actually prefer it if you only speak English so that their children can become bilingual.

What Are the Best Apps to Look for a Summer Job in Italy?

  • LinkedIn: Used internationally, LinkedIn is a great mix between a social media platform and job searching tool. Allowing you to build up a personal profile, connect and message those in your target industry, LinkedIn is great for finding internships or placements abroad. 
  • GlassDoor: GlassDoor is your typical job searching platform, best used for searching for placements and internships rather than casual summer jobs. The best part about GlassDoor is that it offers reviews written by former employees about work environment and their interview experience.
  • Indeed: Loaded with all sorts of job openings from bar jobs, au-pair roles to fixed term contracts, this is a great site for people with any kind of experience. 
  • TiConsiglio: The most widespread job board in Italy, if you are fluent in Italian then this one is certainly worth a browse.
  • AuPairWorld: For those that are looking to au pair this summer, this is the site for you! Simply set up a profile and register as an au pair and browse the list of host famillies.

Find Out Which Are the Most Common Summer Jobs in Milan

Stuck on what roles to look for in Milan? Take a look at our list of summer job ideas: 

  • Become an au pair
  • Find a summer internship: reach out to companies of interest whether its a museum, a fashion house or other company and ask if they have any roles available
  • Waitress, bartender or barrista
  • Become a holiday rep at a resort
  • Find a role as a teaching assistant

Stay at Collegiate Residences While Looking for a Summer Job in Italy!

Looking for a job can take a lot of time, so why not make finding accommodation easier for yourself? At Collegiate, we provide great student accommodation designed to help our students make the most out of their time abroad. Our Milan location comes with a whole host of facilities including quiet study rooms, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and shared dining rooms.

Click here to find out more out our accommodation in Milan.