Can I get a job without speaking Italian?

For warehouse work, basic Italian may be enough, but for sales and cashier roles, at least a B1 level of Italian is necessary.

How much does an Italy work visa cost?

The visa fee itself is approximately €116 , but there may be additional costs of €100-€200 for the residence permit and other documents.

Is there a "free visa" for Italy?

Beware of scams! There is no such thing as a "free visa." While some large employers may cover your travel costs, the legal fees are always paid to the government.

Italy Supermarket & Store Jobs— How to Get a Work Visa in 2025

Are you looking for a stable career and a path to residency in Europe? Italy is currently facing a severe shortage of workers in the retail sector, which has led to an extraordinary increase in Italy supermarket & store jobs.

For non-EU citizens, the dream of working in an Italian supermercato is now closer than ever. The Italian government has announced nearly 500,000 work permit quotas through 2028. Therefore, this is the perfect time to understand the work visa process, available roles, and how to secure a job with top chains like Conad, Esselunga, or Lidl.

1. Primary Job Titles & Roles in Italian Retail

Supermarkets in Italy are not just grocery stores; they are large hubs requiring specific skills. Whether you are looking for entry-level work or a management position, these are some common roles:

Addetto alla Vendita (Sales Assistant): The backbone of the store, responsible for assisting customers and organizing merchandise.
Scaffalista (Shelf Stocker): Focuses on restocking products on shelves and ensuring they are displayed correctly.
Cassiere / Cassiera (Cashier): Handles money transactions and provides excellent customer service.
Addetto al Magazzino (Warehouse Worker): Manages incoming shipments and organizes the stockroom.
Banconista (Counter Assistant): Specialized work in the gastronomia (deli), macelleria (butcher), or pescheria (fish) sections.
Store Manager/Vice Responsible: Leadership roles responsible for managing staff and store operations.
Ausiliario alle Vendite (General Assistant): An excellent role for those who want to start working senza esperienza (without experience).
Addetto alle Pulizie (Store Cleaner): An essential role for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

2. Italy Work Visa Process (Decreto Flussi 2025)

To work legally in Italy, you must enter through the Decreto Flussi. This is the government’s annual law that sets the “Quota di Ingresso” (entry quotas) for foreign workers.

Essential Legal Terms:

Decreto Flussi 2025: The law that opens the window for work permit applications. For 2025, a quota of approximately 165,000 workers has been set.
Nulla Osta al Lavoro: This is your “Golden Ticket.” It is a work authorization issued by the Italian Immigration Office (SUI) after your employer applies for you.
Visto per Lavoro Subordinato: After receiving the Nulla Osta, you apply for this visa at the Italian Embassy in your home country.
Permesso di Soggiorno: Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for this residence permit to live and work legally.
Lavoro Stagionale: Store jobs in tourist areas (like Venice) often fall under “Seasonal Work” permits, which are valid for up to 9 months.

3. Major Italian Supermarket Chains That Are Hiring

If you want a job that offers visa support, it is best to apply through the “Lavora con noi” (Work with us) portals of these major retailers:

Conad: Has the largest market share; local hiring is very common.
Esselunga: Known for excellent quality and training programs (mostly in Northern Italy).
Lidl Italia: An international chain with many opportunities for growth.
Eurospin: A large discount chain that hires those senza esperienza (without experience).
Coop Italia: An organization focused on worker rights and the community.
Carrefour Italia: Offers various roles in hypermarkets and express stores.

4. Requirements & How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your CV

Italian employers prefer the Europass CV format. It is essential that the CV is in the Italian language and highlights your customer service skills.

Step 2: Obtain a Codice Fiscale

This is the Italian tax code. While it is usually obtained upon arrival, some employers may ask for it during the contract phase.

Step 3: Find a Sponsor

You cannot apply for a work visa yourself; an Italian employer must sponsor you. They must prove that no Italian or EU citizen was available for the position.

Step 4: “Click Day”

Decreto Flussi applications are submitted on specific “Click Days.” Your employer must be ready to submit the application the moment the portal opens because the quota fills up very quickly.

Also Read:How To Apply For Seasonal Farming Jobs In Italy (Decreto Flussi 2026)

5. Salary and Benefits (CCNL Commercio)

Most supermarket jobs fall under the CCNL Commercio (National Collective Labor Contract).

Average Salary: Entry-level workers can earn between €1,200 and €1,500 net (take-home) per month.
Contract Types: You may see part-time verticale (full days on specific days) or part-time orizzontale (fewer hours every day).
Extra Salary: Italian contracts usually include a 13th and sometimes a 14th-month extra salary (bonus).

(FAQs): Italy Supermarket & Store Jobs – Work Visa

Can I get a job without speaking Italian?

For warehouse work, basic Italian may be enough, but for sales and cashier roles, at least a B1 level of Italian is necessary.
How much does an Italy work visa cost?

The visa fee itself is approximately €116, but there may be additional costs of €100-€200 for the residence permit and other documents.
Is there a “free visa” for Italy?

Beware of scams! There is no such thing as a “free visa.” While some large employers may cover your travel costs, the legal fees are always paid to the government.

Start Your Future in Italy

The demand for retail staff is currently very high. Focus on large chains and keep an eye on the Decreto Flussi 2025 dates.

Would you like me to help you prepare your CV in the Italian Europass format?

Disclaimer: This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Please verify details from the official employer or government website before applying.