Work visa options after studying at Florence Design Academy

To get a European work visa after studying at Florence Design Academy (FDA) in Italy, you would typically need to follow these steps:

1. Complete Your Studies

• Ensure you successfully complete your program at Florence Design Academy and obtain a recognized degree or diploma. The European work visa process often requires you to have a qualification that aligns with your career goals.

2. Apply for a Post-Graduation Residence Permit (Italy)

After completing your studies in Italy, you can apply for a post-study residence permit (or a Permesso di Soggiorno for job search). This permit allows you to stay in Italy for up to 12 months (sometimes more, depending on your qualification) to look for work related to your studies. To apply, you need to provide:

• Proof of completion of your studies (degree or diploma).

• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your job search period.

• Health insurance coverage.

This is an important step because it allows you to stay legally in Italy while seeking employment.

3. Find a Job Related to Your Degree

Once you have the post-graduation residence permit, you need to find a job that is related to your field of study. Ideally, this job should meet the requirements for obtaining a work visa. Italy, like most European countries, will issue a work visa if the position is qualified and meets specific criteria.

The following types of work permits are commonly applicable:

• General Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato): This is a general work visa for jobs that are not highly skilled but meet Italy’s labor market needs.

• EU Blue Card: If you are highly skilled (for example, in design or architecture), you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, which allows non-EU nationals to work in the EU. This card is typically issued for skilled professionals and requires a valid job offer, higher salary threshold, and academic qualifications.

4. Apply for a Work Visa

Once you secure a job offer, you can apply for a work visa in Italy. The process typically involves:

• Your employer applying for a work permit on your behalf.

• You submitting your application to the local immigration office (Questura in Italy).

• Providing documents such as your employment contract, proof of your qualifications, and proof of financial stability.

For the EU Blue Card, you would need to meet additional criteria like a job that fits the highly skilled profile, and you would also need to apply through the immigration office.

5. EU Work Visa After Italy (for Other EU Countries)

If you wish to work in other EU countries after completing your studies in Italy, it’s possible to apply for a work visa through the EU’s free movement system. If you obtain a work visa in one EU country (such as Italy), you may be able to live and work in other EU countries, depending on the visa type and your employment status.

• If you're granted a Blue Card or another highly skilled work visa, it can often be used to work in multiple EU countries under certain conditions.

• If you want to work in a different country within the EU, you may need to apply for a new work visa depending on the country’s immigration policies.

6. Consider Other EU Countries

If you prefer to work in another EU country after completing your studies in Italy, countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands offer pathways for international graduates to switch from a study visa to a work visa relatively easily, especially in fields related to design, technology, and other creative industries. Each country has specific rules regarding this, so it would be useful to check their specific regulations.

Key Steps Recap:

1. Complete your studies at Florence Design Academy and get your degree/diploma.

2. Apply for a post-study residence permit in Italy (Permesso di Soggiorno).

3. Find a job related to your field of study.

4. Apply for a work visa (General Work Visa or EU Blue Card).

5. Once employed, transition to a work visa or EU Blue Card.

If you are interested in working in other European countries after your studies in Italy, you may need to apply for a visa in that country, though your Italian visa may give you some flexibility.

It’s always a good idea to check with the local immigration office in Italy and any other countries you're interested in to confirm the most up-to-date requirements and procedures for obtaining a work visa.