As an Irish citizen you can live and work in Italy without a visa and without registering for the first three months. You need a codice fiscale (tax number) to work, and if you stay longer than three months you must register at the local Anagrafe. The main practical question is the type of contract the school offers.
Legal basics from the Embassy of Ireland
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Up to three months | No registration required. A dichiarazione di presenza at a police station is optional. |
| Over three months | Request a Certificato di Residenza at the local Anagrafe office, showing you are working, studying or have enough resources. |
| Codice fiscale | Needed to work. Apply at a local Agenzia delle Entrate office with your passport. |
| Photo ID | You must carry photographic identification at all times. |
| Healthcare | Take an EHIC before leaving if habitually resident in Ireland. Employees pay into the national system and register with the local ASL. Self-employed workers register with INPS first. |
Italian offices vary in how they handle applications, so ask colleagues which office you must use and what to bring.
Where English teachers work
Private language schools, after-school English providers, companies buying business English classes and private tutoring are the usual employers. Larger cities have more schools and more business students, but competition and living costs are higher. Many schools expect a TEFL certificate with practice, and some look for CELTA or CertTESOL (comparison). A degree may be preferred; the requirement is employer-specific rather than a visa matter for EU citizens.
Employed or self-employed
Ask exactly how you will be engaged. An employment contract and a freelance arrangement are treated very differently for tax, social contributions, holiday pay and sickness cover. The Embassy of Ireland says self-employed or freelance workers not paying contributions should register with INPS, and that employees pay into the national insurance system. Do not agree to freelance status unless you understand what you must register for and pay yourself. An accountant who knows Italian rules is worth an hour of fees.
Teaching hours and pay
Teaching hours in Italy are often concentrated in the afternoon and evening, because students are at school or work during the day, and many contracts are part-time. Quoted rates vary a lot by region and employer, and this page does not give a figure. Ask for the monthly net amount, hours per week and how cancellations are paid. See how to compare offers.
Practical checklist
- Confirm the contract type and the paperwork the school will provide.
- Get a codice fiscale as soon as you arrive.
- Arrange accommodation and registration of your address, and ask the school for a letter if the office requires one.
- Take an EHIC and consider private insurance for anything it does not cover.
- Learn enough Italian for the post office, the bank and the Anagrafe.
Searching for work from Ireland or on arrival
You can search for work in Italy as an EU citizen without a visa. The Your Europe portal says you can stay up to three months without registering, and jobseekers who register are usually given about six months to find work. Contact schools by email before travelling, ask to observe a class and be ready with a short demonstration lesson. Because contracts vary, ask during the interview whether the position is employment or freelance, and ask to see the written terms before you move.
Costs and settling in
Rent is the main cost and a deposit is usually required, so check the lease terms and what registration documents the landlord will give you. A rental contract is often what the Anagrafe asks for when you register your address. Open a local bank account once you have a codice fiscale, and ask the school how and when it pays. Keep your European Health Insurance Card current, and check that your policies cover non-emergency care if you plan a long stay.
If you are also considering Spain, compare the two in the Spain guide.
Thinking about a TEFL qualification? See course options from an Irish-based provider.
Compare TEFL coursesThis is an affiliate link. See our affiliate disclosure.Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to teach in Italy as an Irish citizen?
No. You can live and work in Italy as an EU citizen, and need no registration for the first three months.
What is a codice fiscale?
Italy's tax identification number. The Embassy of Ireland says you need one to work and can apply at a local Agenzia delle Entrate office.
Where do I register if I stay longer than three months?
At the Anagrafe office of the local comune, where you request a Certificato di Residenza.