Converting a Residence Permit from Study to Work purpose

Converting an Italian Residence Permit from Study to Work

You may apply for a conversion if:

1. You have a valid study residence permit
2. You received a job-offer or you meet the requirements for self-employment
   • You receive a full-time job offer: In this case, you may apply for a permit for subordinate work (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato); OR
   • You meet the legal requirements to work as a freelancer or entrepreneur: In this case, you may apply for a self-employment permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro autonomo).
3. You have registered your residency in Italy (residenza)

When can I convert my Italian Residence Permit from Study to Work?

• The application must be submitted before your study permit expires, and
• You have all the required documentation ready.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

• Register on the Italian Ministry of the Interior’s portal.
• Submit the application online.
• Present original documents to the “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione” (Prefecture) in your place of residence.
• If approved, sign the contract of stay (contratto di soggiorno) and collect residence permit forms.
• Submit the new residence permit application at the post office.
• Attend the biometric appointment (fingerprints) at the local police station.
• Collect your new residence permit.

What happens if I don’t have a Job offer?

Only if you hold an official Italian degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, first/second-level master, or ITS diploma), you can:

• Register as unemployed, and/or
• Apply for a job search or entrepreneurship residence permit (permesso per ricerca lavoro o imprenditorialità), valid for up to 12 months after graduation.

This gives you time to look for a job or launch a business in Italy.

Are there any other options for me to stay in Italy?

• StartUp Visa / StartUpHub Program: For those who want to establish or join an innovative startup in Italy
• EU Blue Card: A special permit for highly skilled professionals, not subject to quotas