American in Italy - visa options?

Welcome to the Forum

How is your Italian? You will have a better chance of a job if you speak Italian but not impossible.

You go to your nearest Italian Embassy in order to obtain a visa, once found employment. Work permits must be applied for by the employer.

Mio italiano è decente. Mio ragazzo parla solo italiano, no inglese.

Thank you for your response. I have been offered an opportunity to work in France as a real estate agent but would be living in Italy with my boyfriend. I have wanted this for years, but have never actually tried. It just feels very daunting. However, I feel that if you want something in life you strive for it. Advice is paramount for attainment of said goal.

I guess it's more of where to look for employment because I know and understand that an Italian employer would have to jump through many hoops to hire me.

Darcijedwards wrote:

Mio italiano è decente. Mio ragazzo parla solo italiano, no inglese.


I guess it's more of where to look for employment because I know and understand that an Italian employer would have to jump through many hoops to hire me.

The thing is employers will employ Italians first then EU citizens because they require no visas or work permits. Basically, no extra paperwork is involved, but if you have something to offer more specialised then you have a greater chance. It's great that you speak Italian and English. Do you speak any other languages?

Yes, i am definitely aware of that fact, and expect nothing less. I speak some French and  bit of German. A tiny bit of Russian, for what that's worth.

I just wonder if there are other lesser known visas for which I may be eligible. I am not rich by any means, so elective residency is not an option at this point. However, i am more than happy to put my money into another country.

Every EU country is pretty much the same, and they all seem to be getting tougher on immigration, I am guessing after the refugee crisis 3 years ago.

I really appreciate your input. I know this won't be easy. Glad to know I'm not alone.

I moved from the UK 10 years ago to Austria without speaking a word of German, and still don't I work from time to time, but its hard. I am lucky in that I bought my house and my misses is Austrian. We are comfortable. But with Brexit looming I have interesting times a head.