Despite some of the challenges Italy faces, such as high public debt, low growth and regular political change, it also has some contrary elements such as low private debt and a sophisticated manufacturing base. Northern Italy is amongst the wealthiest regions in Europe. As the third largest economy in the Eurozone, Italy is home to some major multinationals and has a large sophisticated consumer market. The industrial sector is characterised by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses, often with a strong regional focus. While subject to EU regulations, there is often local regulations which must adhered to. (reference www.Austrade.gov.au. Italy's export industry includes motor vehicles, chemicals, energy, food and fashion but many employees working in Italy find themselves in the hospitality and tourism industries. This industry is really important to Italy as the country has an annual 46 million visitors.
If you are looking for employment in the service industry there are more job offers in the north, whereas the south is a little more rural based. As said above from the Austrade information, Northern Italy is amongst the wealthiest region in Europe. According to www.internations.org, some typical fields of employment which include automotive engineering, the chemical industry, construction, electronics, finance, and logistics are struggling. However, the tourism industry appears to have stabilized, and there are still job opportunities in green technology, food and drinks, as well as mechanical engineering.
If you would like to work in Italy however, you must ensure you have acquired for yourself a social security number and some health insurance. The social security application will only need to be applied for in a single instance. Your Italian employer will also have to register you with social security. If you are wanting to work in Italy under your own self employment idea you must apply for a work visa. You need to commence working on this long before you entered the country and starting your new business.
If you are looking for a job in Italy, outside specific foreign assignment, you need to be prepared for the reality that employment openings are usually given to the Italians. It can be very useful however, to offer a certain skill or expertise in some area which may be struggling to meet the qualified labour need. Whatever you consider to be your plan, it would be beneficial to learn Italian before you go. Talk like a local and increase your job opportunities and total cultural experience of working in a foreign country.
