Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

In Italy, the EU youth cross-border mobility programs are mainly managed by the Italian Youth Agency (Cf. 2.5), which collects and disseminates results through its own portal. The Agency is responsible for the Youth and Sport sector of the Erasmus+ Program. 

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program supports young people in acquiring the skills necessary to start and/or successfully manage a small business in Europe, through the exchange of knowledge and business ideas with established entrepreneurs, by being hosted by them and collaborating for a period of 1 to 6 months.

For university students and recent graduates, the Stage4eu platform, managed by INAPP, is also available, providing practical information and support for applying for internships in European countries.

Another tool supporting professional mobility is the EURES network, which provides European citizens with information on job opportunities abroad, living and working conditions in different countries, and in some cases, funding to start their own business. The EURES cross-border partnerships, which are currently six across Europe, offer targeted assistance to workers and employers in managing practical aspects related to mobility, recruitment and integration across borders.

In addition to pathways directly oriented towards work or entrepreneurship, it is important to also mention structured experiences of volunteering abroad, such as the Universal Civic Service (SCU). The SCU offers young people between 18 and 28 years old, legally residing in Italy, the opportunity to participate in projects related to cooperation, education, promotion of peace and protection of human rights in European and non-European countries. The program is funded by the National Fund for Civic Service, managed by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Legal framework

In Italy, there are political and regulatory measures at the national level that regulate the cross-border mobility of young workers, interns, apprentices, and young professionals/entrepreneurs, both incoming and outgoing.

Italy applies European Union regulations to coordinate the different national social security systems, ensuring the protection of social security rights for migrant workers and facilitating the exercise of the right to free movement of EU citizens. This coordination guarantees that contribution periods accumulated in different Member States are cumulative for entitlement to benefits such as pensions, unemployment allowances and healthcare.

EU citizens have the right to enter, stay, and work in Italy without the need for a visa or residence permit. However, for periods of stay longer than three months, registration with the registry office of the municipality of residence is required, along with proof of adequate means of subsistence and health coverage.

Third-country nationals or non-EU foreigners must comply with the provisions of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione) and obtain a work visa and residence permit. All legally residing foreign workers enjoy equal treatment and full equality of rights compared to Italian workers.

Further information and documentation on the topic are available on the Migrant Integration Portal.