Working in Italy as a Korean national requires navigating either the EU Blue Card route for highly qualified professionals or the Decreto Flussi annual work permit quota system. Korean professionals in fashion, automotive (Hyundai-Kia has Italian distribution), and design find opportunities in Milan and Turin.
EU Blue Card
Minimum gross salary: €30,850/year (or €23,137 for shortage occupations)
Requires a degree recognized in Italy and a job offer from an Italian employer
Valid for 2 years, renewable; after 2 years can apply for long-term residence
Korean degrees may need recognition via the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR)
Decreto Flussi (Work Quota)
Annual decree sets quota for non-EU workers; demand far exceeds supply, applications often oversubscribed on day one
Specific categories: subordinate work, self-employment, seasonal work, conversion of study permits
Apply through Italian consulate in Seoul; employer must initiate the process in Italy first
Italian language proficiency (B1–B2) significantly improves employment prospects
Key Industries for Koreans
Fashion and luxury: Milan is the global fashion capital; Korean designers and stylists find roles
Automotive engineering: Fiat, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and supplier companies in Turin/Modena
Technology and IT: growing Milan tech scene (PoliHub incubator, Samsung Italy offices)
Hospitality and tourism: Korean-speaking staff in demand for luxury hotels and tourism
Studying in Italy from Korea
Quick Facts
Public Tuition
€900–€3,000/yr
Difficulty
Moderate
Top University
Politecnico di Milano
Scholarship
EDISU (free tuition+stipend)
Italy offers excellent value for Korean students — Politecnico di Milano ranks among Europe's top engineering and design schools, while Bocconi is globally recognized for business. Many master's programs are offered in English, and tuition at public universities is a fraction of Korean or US costs.
Admission and Student Visa
Pre-enrollment via Universitaly portal (universitaly.it) — required for most programs
Student visa (Type D, study): apply at Italian consulate in Seoul
Italian language certificate (B2 for Italian-medium programs) or IELTS/TOEFL for English programs
Proof of financial means: €448.69/month minimum (DSU threshold for EDISU support)
Universities and Costs
University
Tuition/yr
Strength
Politecnico di Milano
€1,000–€3,900
Engineering, Design, Architecture
Bocconi University
€13,000–€15,000
Business, Economics, Law
University of Bologna
€1,000–€2,500
Broad disciplines, oldest university
La Sapienza (Rome)
€900–€2,200
Law, Medicine, Humanities
EDISU Scholarships
Regional student welfare agencies (DSU/EDISU) offer full tuition waivers + monthly stipend (€300–€450/month) for low-income international students
Apply each academic year; Korean students with ISEE-equivalent documentation eligible
Accommodation in university residences at subsidized rates also available
Immigrating to Italy from Korea
Quick Facts
Passive Income Route
Elective Residency
Difficulty
Hard
Min. Income (ERV)
€31,000/year
Citizenship Path
10 years residency
Italy's immigration system for non-EU nationals is complex. The most accessible route for Koreans without an Italian job offer is the Elective Residency Visa for those with sufficient passive income. Investor visas are available for those with capital to deploy. The path to Italian (and EU) citizenship takes 10 years of legal residence.
Elective Residency Visa (ERV)
For those who wish to live in Italy without working — retirees, those with passive income
Must demonstrate sufficient income without working in Italy
Annual renewable visa; apply at Italian consulate in Seoul
Italian language not strictly required but greatly assists daily life
Investor Visa
€250,000 investment in an innovative Italian startup
€500,000 investment in an existing Italian company
€1 million in a philanthropic initiative of social or cultural value
€2 million in Italian government bonds
2-year visa, renewable for 3 years; includes family members
Long-Term Residence and Citizenship
EU long-term residence permit after 5 continuous years of legal residence
Italian citizenship after 10 years of legal residence for non-EU nationals
Italian language B1 required for citizenship application
Italian citizenship grants full EU rights including free movement across all 27 EU member states
Traveling to Italy from Korea
Quick Facts
Visa Required
None (Schengen free)
Difficulty
Easy
Max Stay
90 days / 180 days
Flight Time
~13–14 hours
Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Italy and the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — no appointment, no application, no fee. Simply arrive with a valid Korean passport and sufficient funds. Italy is one of Korea's most popular European destinations, with strong Korean tourism to Rome, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast.
Entry Requirements
Korean passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay
Return or onward travel ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €50–100/day recommended)
Accommodation details (hotel booking or host letter)
Travel insurance recommended but not legally required at border
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) — may apply from 2025; check current status before travel
Travel Costs (KRW)
Category
Budget
Mid-range
Flights (Seoul–Rome)
₩700,000–₩1,200,000
₩1,300,000–₩2,500,000
Hotel/night (Rome, 3-star)
₩90,000–₩160,000
₩180,000–₩400,000
Meals/day
₩40,000–₩80,000
₩80,000–₩200,000
Intercity train (Rome–Florence)
₩20,000–₩50,000
₩50,000–₩150,000
Top Destinations
Rome — Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain; 3+ days minimum
About this guide — Data researched against official Italian government sources. Last reviewed June 2026. LeaveThisCountry provides general information only — not legal or immigration advice. See our disclaimer.