Italy is one of the most popular Erasmus destinations, but let's be honest: the grant rarely covers every aperitivo, weekend trip and museum ticket on your wishlist.
The question we hear most at Lupo Rooms is simple: can a foreign student legally work in Italy during Erasmus? The short answer is yes, but the small print matters — and breaking it can compromise your Permesso di Soggiorno.
The Golden Rule: 20 Working Hours Per Week
check_circle What's Allowed
As a registered university student (EU citizens, or non-EU students with a valid study permit), Italian law lets you work as a subordinate employee (lavoro subordinato) for a maximum of 1,040 hours per year.
cancel The Limit
In practice, this means a part-time contract of up to 20 hours per week. Going over this cap can jeopardise your student status and your right to remain in Italy.
"Heads up: if you are a non-EU citizen, you'll need to convert your study permit into a work permit before you can exceed this limit after graduation."
Looking for a room near the city's job hotspots?
Lupo Rooms lists rooms in Milan, Rome and Bologna placed near the districts with the highest student-job demand — bars, retail, language schools and delivery hubs.
See available roomsTop Sectors for Erasmus Students 2026-2027 trending_up
Hospitality & Tourism
Bars, cafes and hotels in tourist cities are constantly hiring English- and Spanish-speaking staff. Perfect for evenings and weekends around your timetable.
Spanish or English Tutor
Private lessons or language schools pay well per hour. Spanish and English are in high demand in Italy and the work fits neatly around classes.
Ready for your Erasmus?
Lock in the right room so you can focus on what matters: studying, working and enjoying Italy.
Italian CV Tips for 2026
-
checkEuropass Format
It can feel dated, but Europass is still the safest CV standard for student-level jobs in Italy and HR teams expect it.
-
checkProfessional Photo
A photo on your CV is a must in Italy. Aim for a friendly expression with smart, plain clothing — no holiday selfies.
-
checkCodice Fiscale
Always carry it. No Italian employer will sign you up — even for a casual <em>contratto a chiamata</em> — without your tax ID number.
Frequently Asked Questions 2026
How much do students earn per hour in Italy? expand_more
Italy has no universal statutory minimum wage, but student hourly rates typically land between €8 and €11 net, depending on city, sector and contract (part-time, co.co.co or occasional with <em>ritenuta d'acconto</em>).
Do I need perfect Italian to get hired? expand_more
It depends. Customer-facing hospitality usually needs B1-B2 Italian, but delivery riders, kitchen staff and back-office or international roles often run perfectly well in English.
Are the rules changing for 2026-2027? expand_more
No. The 20-hour weekly cap and the 1,040 annual hour limit for Erasmus and international students in Italy remain in force for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Start your Erasmus with everything sorted
Find your ideal room and focus on what really counts: studying, working and making the most of Italy.