Work and travel in
Italy
How to
apply
Who can apply?
To work in Italy through the Italy-Canada Youth Exchange Program, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen
- be 18-35 years old (inclusive), and
- have a valid Canadian passport
Other requirements may apply. For more details
- visit the website of the Italian Embassy in Ottawa or
- learn more about visas and the agreement from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
What type of work visa do I need?
You need to apply for a Working-Holiday visa, a Work visa or Study/Intern visa.
Do I need a formal job or internship offer?
For the Working-Holiday visa, you do not need a formal job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer.
For the Work visa, you must have a pre-arranged contract of employment that aligns with your previous field of study.
For the Study/Intern visa, you must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and have a pre-arranged work placement related to your field of study, as required by your academic curriculum.
How long can I stay and work?
You can stay in Italy for up to 12 months.
You can participate in Italy’s Youth Exchange Program twice under the category of your choice.
Start your
Adventure
About Italy
Italy is a nation rich in history and culture with more than 4,500 museums located throughout the country. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Italy tops the World Heritage list with a record 53 sites. You can visit Florence, home of many great artists including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli or visit the Galleria degli Uffizi and Gallerie dell’Accademia, two great art museums in Florence. Take a culinary journey and participate in wine tours and cooking classes throughout Italy as each city and village has their own unique traditions in wine and food.
Aside from its history and culture, Italy has magnificent beaches, like La Pelosa, mountains and volcanoes, natural parks and a beautiful seaside.
Italy’s leading exports sectors include machinery, food, pharmaceuticals, textiles and leather. Italy is also a world leader in energy efficiency and emissions and is a European leader in industrial recycling with 47 million tons of non-hazardous waste recycled. More than 385,000 Italian companies operate in the “green economy” which is worth 190.5 billion euros, or 13% of the national GDP.
Research and development in new technologies is growing in Italy. There is greater emphasis on developing skills and increasing investments in innovation through tax incentives and the creation of innovation hubs. Research and innovation are widely integrated into many science fields including neurosciences, robotics and high-tech archaeology.
Plan your trip
The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to and working in a foreign country.
Before you leave, remember to register as a Canadian abroad to receive notifications in case of an emergency while you are abroad or of a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Recognized organizations
Need help planning? One of IEC’s recognized organizations might be able to help you find a job, transportation, and provide travel advice. Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.
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