Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Italy

No statutory minimum wage. The law does not set a minimum wage for all workers – minimum pay is set in national collective agreements (CCNL) for each sector. Check which agreement applies before you sign.
13th and 14th salary: depending on the collective agreement, you get one or two additional monthly payments a year.
Working time: normally 40 hours a week. Including overtime, you may not work more than 48 hours a week on average over a period of up to four months.
Overtime is limited and paid at a higher rate than normal hours – the details are in the collective agreement.
Rest and holidays: at least 24 hours of rest in a row every 7 days and at least 4 weeks of paid leave a year.
Contract: the employment contract is required by law and must be in writing.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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