Changing Employers in Italy on a Work Permit

Changing employers in Italy (Italia) on a work permit is generally possible without a new work authorisation. Holders of an ordinary permit for subordinate employment can move to a new job while their permit is valid; the new employer files the mandatory hiring notice (Comunicazione Obbligatoria, or Unilav) and the change is reflected at the next renewal. Legislative Decree 83/2026, in force since 22 May 2026, confirms that single permit holders may change employer subject to notifying the authorities and protects workers who lose their job. EU Blue Card holders can change employer freely after 12 months by notification, while changes in the first year need authorisation. This EU Helpers guide explains the process — international candidates can explore Italian opportunities through EU Helpers. Italy was a founding member of the European Economic Community in 1958, has applied the Schengen rules since 1997, adopted the euro in 1999, and is a founding member of both NATO and the Council of Europe (1949).

Essential Context: How Italian Work Permits Relate to Employers

Most Italian work permits are not tied to a single employer once issued.

When You Can Change Employers in Italy

• Ordinary work permit holders — can change employer while their permit for subordinate employment is valid, with the new job meeting collective agreement terms.
• Newly arrived Decreto Flussi workers — must first sign the residence contract with the employer who sponsored them; check with the Sportello Unico before moving in the first months.
• EU Blue Card holders — after 12 months, by notification; in the first 12 months, only with authorisation.
• Seasonal workers — can generally move only to other seasonal work, or convert to a non-seasonal permit under specific conditions.
• EU long-term residents — can change jobs freely.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Check your permit type and expiry date.
2. Agree on the new job and sign the contract — it must meet the applicable national collective agreement (CCNL).
3. Give notice to your current employer as required by your contract and collective agreement, and submit your resignation online through the Ministry of Labour portal.
4. The new employer files the Unilav hiring notice with the employment centre no later than the day before you start.
5. For Blue Card holders, notify the authorities of the change (or obtain authorisation in the first 12 months).
6. Update your details at the next permit renewal, using the new contract and payslips.

Documentation You Will Need

Rules on Notice, Probation and Severance

• Notice — set by the collective agreement, often from a few weeks to a few months depending on level and length of service.
• Online resignation — resignations must be submitted electronically through the Ministry of Labour system to be valid.
• Probation — usually set by the collective agreement, often up to six months.
• TFR — you receive your severance pay (trattamento di fine rapporto) when you leave, whatever the reason.

If You Lose Your Job Before Finding a New One

Under Legislative Decree 83/2026, the permit is not revoked if you become unemployed, and you can stay at least three months to find new work. In practice, register with the employment centre and apply for an attesa occupazione permit, usually valid for at least 12 months. Blue Card holders may be unemployed for up to three months (six after two years), notifying the authorities.

Salary and Benefits When Switching

The new job must meet the collective agreement minimum, and Blue Card holders must keep earning about €36,300 or more a year (2026). Compare the CCNL level, thirteenth and fourteenth month salaries, meal vouchers and supplementary pension schemes.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Resigning on paper — resignations must be filed online.
• Starting before the Unilav notice — the new employer must file it before your first day.
• Blue Card changes in the first year — these need authorisation.
• Letting your permit expire during the switch — renew on time, using the new contract.
• Moving from seasonal work without converting — seasonal permits are restricted.
• Earning too little for family reunification — check the income thresholds.

Special Cases

• Intra-company transferees — permits are tied to the group employer.
• Researchers — are linked to a hosting agreement with an approved research body.
• Domestic workers — can change household employers with the INPS notice.
• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens — no permit is needed.

Final Guidance

Changing employers in Italy on a work permit is generally straightforward: with a valid permit for subordinate employment, you can move to a new job that meets collective agreement terms, resign online, and let your new employer file the Unilav notice before you start. Legislative Decree 83/2026 confirms this flexibility and protects workers who lose their job. Blue Card holders can change freely after 12 months by notification. Keep your permit valid and update it at the next renewal. Always confirm your situation with the Sportello Unico or Questura before resigning. International candidates can explore Italian opportunities through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with offer checks, resignations, Unilav coordination, Blue Card notifications and renewals.