Italian Work Permits for Actors and Film crews

Work Permits Requirement: What is Nulla Osta?

Any performance-related activity carried out in Italy, whether a live concert, film shoot, theatrical performance, or other artistic engagement, requires prior work permit (Nulla Osta).

Entry on a business visa is permitted only for meetings, negotiations, or location scouting. Artistic performances or recordings are not allowed under a business visa.

Italian Immigration Framework for Artists, Actors and Film crews

Work permits for artists and performers are regulated by Article 27, paragraph 1, letters l) m) n) o) of the Italian Immigration Law and are exempt from the annual immigration quotas (decreto-flussi).

Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and must be sponsored by an Italian entity or co-producer, even if the performers remain employees of a foreign company.

In such cases, the Italian sponsor must be appointed through a notarized power of representation (mandato di rappresentanza) issued by the foreign employer.

Employer Obligations

The Italian sponsor/co-producer must demonstrate compliance with:

• Tax obligations
• ·Social security contributions (unless an exemption applies via bilateral agreements)

Even when performers remain contractually tied to a foreign employer, they are generally subject to Italian social security regulations during their stay in Italy.

Permit Validity and Procedure for the Self-employment work permit

• Self-employment permits are typically granted for up to 12 months, with possible extensions.
• Once the Nulla Osta (work permit) is issued, the performer must apply for the work visa at the Italian Consulate responsible for their place of residence.
• Upon arrival in Italy, they must apply for a residence permit within 8 days, if staying more than 90 days.

Our Services for Work Permits for Artists, Actors, and Film crews

We assist clients throughout every stage of the process, from the work permit (Nulla Osta) application with the Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione) to the collection of the residence permit.

Get in Touch for an Initial Consultation

If you’re seeking expert support with your immigration process in Italy, fill out our online form to request an initial consultation. One of our immigration consultants will contact you shortly via email.

Please note that for complex cases, a consultation fee may apply for the initial assessment and to schedule a call with one of our specialists.

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