Hiring people is unproblematic if the staff is made up of Italian or European Union (EU) citizens. Only the registration at the local Population Registry Office (Anagrafe) is required for EU citizens.

However, non-EU citizens wishing to work in Italy, either temporarily or permanently, must be provided with a work permit obtained by the prospective employer, and must get a work visa from the Italian Consular authorities before coming to Italy.

The granting of the work visa is dependent on a particular work capacity, for example knowledge of the local language of the investor and specific market or technical knowledge.

The foreign company that wishes to get a work permit for one of its employees must first set up its Italian subsidiary/branch/representative office. This Italian entity may then apply for the work permit.