The National Labor Inspectorate establishes that “the Italian residence permit for studying or training reasons, during the period of validity of the same, allows a subordinate work activity for a time not exceeding 20 hours per week”. Moreover, according to the provisions of the Consolidated Immigration Law (DLgs 286/1998) and the subsequent regulation adopted by DPR 304/1999, there are different types of permit of stay that allow foreigners to carry out working activities, and the permit of stay for studying purposes is one of them. So, the answer is YES. International students with a valid permit of stay for studying purposes can work in Italy, but with some limitations.
Those who enter Italy for study reasons can simultaneously maintain and finance their studies, while ensuring that his/her “studying activity” always has the prevalence over the working activity, because “studying” represents the main reason for entry into the Italian territory.
An Italian employer will be able to employ international students only through a part-time employment contract for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Finally, it must be noted that the employment of personnel without a valid permit of stay or work permit, or whose permit has expired and whose renewal, revoked or canceled, has not been requested within the terms of the law, constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by art. 22 paragraph 12 of Legislative Decree 289/1998 with imprisonment from six months to three years and with a fine of 5,000 euros for each worker employed.
