How hard is it for a non Italian speaker to find work while studying in Italy on an IELTS visa?

Studying in Italy legally allows you to work up to 20 hours a week on your visa, but actually finding that work without Italian is genuinely difficult, since most local businesses expect at least B2 fluency even for basic service roles. That does not mean it is impossible, it just means your job search needs to target specific niches rather than walking into cafes and shops.

The market reality you are working with

Where non Italian speakers actually find work

• English tutoring for local children or adults, advertised through local bulletin boards or online platforms, remains one of the most accessible options.
• On campus roles like the university library, international student office, or IT labs often prefer English and do not need fluent Italian.
• Gig economy delivery apps such as Deliveroo or Glovo require no Italian language proficiency to get started.
• Tourist heavy cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice offer hostel and tour agency roles that actively look for staff comfortable speaking English.
• Remote freelancing in writing, design, or virtual assistance for international clients lets you bypass the local job market entirely, as long as it stays within your visa's work limits.

My Advice

Secure your permesso di soggiorno and codice fiscale in your first few weeks regardless of your job search, since no employer will hire you without them, and start your search with English tutoring or campus roles first, since those two options give you income fastest while you build basic Italian on the side.