What is the permesso per attesa occupazione?
It’s a type of residence permit that allows you to stay in Italy for one year while you are looking for a job.
Is it the same as ricerca lavoro?
Yes, it’s similar, but the attesa occupazione permit is specifically for those who already had a work permit.
So when can I apply for it?
If you have a permesso di soggiorno for lavoro subordinato and you lose your job, get fired, or your contract is not renewed, you can register on the unemployment list, obtain the DID (Dichiarazione di immediata disponibilità), and then apply for the attesa occupazione permit.
Is it also possible if I have a lavoro autonomo permit?
Yes. If you no longer meet the minimum income requirement for the lavoro autonomo permesso, the questura can grant you a permesso per attesa occupazione.
How can I get the DID?
You can get it at the nearest Centro per l’Impiego office. If you have a CIE or SPID, you can also get it online via the Clic Lavoro website.
Can I convert it back into a lavoro subordinato permit if I find a job?
Yes, as soon as you find a job, you can immediately convert it back into a work permit. You can also apply for attesa occupazione again any time you lose your job and still hold a work permit.
Can I receive NASpI while I have an attesa occupazione permit?
Yes, you’re eligible to receive NASpI while holding this permit.
Can I convert the attesa occupazione permit into a family reasons permit if my spouse is in Italy with another residence permit?
Yes, almost all the types of permits can be converted into a permesso per motivi familiari.
What if I don’t find another job and my attesa occupazione permit is about to expire?
The Ministry of the Interior, in a statement dated October 3, 2016, confirmed that the attesa occupazione permit can be renewed. However, the decision is up to the individual questura, which will evaluate each case individually.
How does the questura decide whether the permit can be renewed?
They will assess whether the person has begun integrating into Italian society, for example, if they have family in Italy, have studied the Italian language, etc. You will also need to show that you have sufficient financial resources.
If I live with my family, can their income count as financial support?
Yes, but there are certain criteria. As the Ministry stated, they will evaluate the type of employment contract your family members have, whether it’s part-time or full-time, fixed-term (determinato) or permanent (indeterminato), and so on.
So even if it’s possible, it is hard to get this permit renewed.
