Part-time jobs in Italy can make a big difference for students, expats, and anyone else who wants to make extra money. But here’s the thing: it’s not as easy as just applying online to find a job in Italy.
To get the right job, you need to know the law, the local work culture, and smart ways to do it. This guide will teach you everything from how to apply and what to look for in a part-time job to how to get the best part-time job. By the end, you’ll feel ready to start making money while living in Italy without too much stress.
Why Working Part-Time in Italy Matters
It’s not just about the money when you work part-time in Italy. These jobs give you a chance to learn new things, improve your language skills, and meet new people in your field.
A lot of students depend on them to pay for their living costs, and expats use them to get used to Italian culture. Knowing how important it is helps you focus on opportunities that fit your goals, not just paychecks.
Who Can Work Part-Time in Italy
Who Can Work Part-Time
EU citizens and residents with valid permits can work part-time in Italy. Most of the time, students from outside the EU can work up to 20 hours a week while they are in school.
Interns and temporary residents may also be eligible, but it depends on the rules for their visas.
Legal Requirements
Employers must sign up part-time workers for social security. Pay is based on how many hours you work, and contracts should be clear about duties, hourly rates, and benefits.
Knowing your rights keeps people from taking advantage of you and makes sure you get fair treatment.
The Best Part-Time Job Openings
Jobs That Are Good for Students
A lot of students choose to be baristas, waiters/waitresses, tutors, or language assistants. These jobs let you set your own hours, give you tips, and teach you useful skills that will look good on your resume.
Freelance or Remote Options
You can work as a freelancer, translator, or online tutor from anywhere. As Italy’s digital economy grows, working from home becomes a real option for people who speak English and know how to use technology.
Summer and Tourism Jobs
Hotels, tour companies, and cultural sites in cities with a lot of tourists—like Rome, Venice, and Florence—hire seasonal workers. These jobs let you learn about other cultures while also getting work experience.
How to Find Part-Time Work in Italy
Online Job Portals
Indeed Italy, Monster.it, and StudentJob Italy are some websites that list part-time jobs. You can narrow your search by city, industry, and language requirements.
Networking and Connections
Many employers prefer candidates who come recommended by people they know locally. Attend university events, join expat groups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to find hidden opportunities.
Local Agencies and Notice Boards
Small businesses often put up job openings in their stores or on local noticeboards. Visit cafes, stores, and libraries—you can find jobs that aren’t even listed online.
Tips for Success
Perfect Your Resume
Highlight your language skills, relevant work experience, and team attitude. Italian employers value resumes that are short, clear, and well-structured.
Prepare for Interviews
Learn a few basic Italian phrases and understand common etiquette. Even small efforts to speak Italian can impress employers and improve your chances.
Manage Your Time
Balancing work, studies, and personal life is crucial. Use planners and to-do lists to stay organized and avoid burnout.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Language Barrier: Use translation apps or take short Italian classes.
- Legal Complexity: Consult university advisors or local labor offices for help.
- Competition for Jobs: Start early, apply widely, and use your network.
Getting the Most Out of Your Money
If you plan ahead, even part-time work in Italy can pay off. Look for jobs that offer tips, commissions, or remote work options.
During busy seasons, tourist city jobs can significantly increase your income.
Part-time jobs in Italy are more than just a way to make money; they’re a way to grow, learn, and connect.
Plan ahead, understand the legal rules, and apply strategically—and you’ll turn your part-time role into a valuable life experience.
CTA: Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Call LetzStudy today to book a consultation about part-time jobs in Italy and find one that perfectly fits your goals.
The Current Status of Part-Time Employment in Italy
Italy’s part-time workforce is about 3.18 million people as of mid-2025, slightly down from 3.25 million earlier in the year (Eulerpool Research Systems).
This shows a small decline, but part-time work still plays a major role in the Italian job market.
Common Challenges of Part-Time Work
1. Few Hours and Low Pay
Many part-time jobs only offer around 20 hours a week, which can make budgeting difficult in cities like Rome or Milan.
2. Job Insecurity
Temporary contracts are common, which can make it hard to plan your future or secure full-time work.
3. Limited Career Growth
Part-time roles often come with fewer advancement opportunities compared to full-time jobs.
4. Workplace Discrimination
Some employers assume part-timers aren’t as committed, which can lead to being overlooked for promotions.
5. Legal and Contractual Complexity
Understanding job contracts can be tough, especially for non-Italian speakers unfamiliar with labor laws.
6. Balancing Multiple Jobs
Many juggle more than one part-time role, which can lead to burnout and affect personal life.
How to Manage Part-Time Work Effectively
1. Prioritize Time Management
Use digital tools like calendars and task trackers to stay organized between work, studies, and personal time.
2. Keep Learning
Take online courses or workshops to develop in-demand skills that make you more employable.
3. Know Your Rights
Stay informed about Italian labor laws to ensure fair pay and proper treatment.
4. Network Proactively
Attend industry events, join online groups, and connect with professionals to uncover hidden job openings.
5. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Set clear boundaries between work and personal time to protect your well-being.
6. Find a Mentor
Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can advise and support your career development.
Expert Insights
Experts often stress the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in the changing job market.
Engaging with professionals on LinkedIn or participating in community discussions can give you real-world insights that shape your career strategy.
Quick Employment Statistics
- Part-Time Employment Rate: About 17.1% of EU workers are part-time, a number steadily increasing (European Commission).
- Youth Employment: Youth unemployment in Italy has slightly decreased, showing gradual market recovery (Reuters).
Case Study: Maria’s Path to Part-Time Success
Maria, a 24-year-old student in Milan, sought part-time work to fund her studies.
After initial struggles to find a flexible job, she took digital marketing courses and networked through university events. Eventually, she landed a part-time café role that expanded into managing social media.
This helped her apply classroom knowledge to real-world experience while earning an income.
Three Reference Articles
- Understanding the Dualisation of the Italian Labour Market by L. Cuccu (2024) — Examines the rise of involuntary part-time work and its socio-economic impact. (ScienceDirect)
- iSchoolConnect (2025) — A full guide for international students seeking part-time jobs in Italy, including visa and legal information.
- Leverage Edu (2024): “Part-Time Jobs in Italy: 5 Tips for a Successful Job Hunt” — Shares practical strategies for job seekers navigating Italian employment laws.
Two Expert Quotes About Working Part-Time in Italy
- “In Italy, a significant number of women with young children residing in the North exited both permanent and temporary employment, resulting in inactivity in 2020.”
– Davide Fiaschi & Cristina Tealdi, The Attachment of Adult Women to the Italian Labour Market in the Shadow of COVID-19 (arXiv) - “The reform worked to lower the number of people who stayed in temporary jobs and raise the number of people who moved from temporary to permanent positions, especially among women and young workers in northern Italy.”
– Davide Fiaschi & Cristina Tealdi, Let’s Roll Back! The Hard Job of Controlling Temporary Contracts (arXiv)
How LetzStudy Helped Three Students
1. Aarav Kumar from Bangalore
While pursuing his Master’s in Milan, Aarav struggled to balance academics and finances. LetzStudy guided him to part-time jobs that matched his schedule. He landed a café position, learned work discipline, and managed living costs.
Aarav says, “LetzStudy didn’t just help me find a job—they helped me feel confident managing work and study in a new country.”
2. Nisha Reddy from Mysore
Nisha wanted part-time design-related work in Rome. LetzStudy helped her with permits, resume prep, and interviews. Within weeks, she became a design assistant at a local studio.
Nisha says, “LetzStudy turned a stressful process into something achievable.”
3. Harsha Shetty from Mangalore
As an international student, Harsha found Italy’s job search system confusing. LetzStudy helped him apply strategically, prepare for interviews, and align roles with his course.
He now works part-time at a co-working space. “LetzStudy helped me focus on my studies without financial stress,” he says.
Reach out to LetzStudy today to explore part-time opportunities in Italy. Get tailored advice for your study and work journey.
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