Article 27(a) Detachment Permit in Italy: Full Process Guide (2025)

Article 27(a) Detachment Permit in Italy: Full 2025 Process Guide

The Article 27(a) Detachment Permit (Permesso di Distacco) is a streamlined immigration solution for companies relocating non-EU employees to Italy for temporary assignments without integrating them into the local labor market. Governed by Italian Legislative Decree 286/1998, Article 27(a), this permit allows intra-group transfers for limited-duration projects, making it ideal for HR managers, mobility leads, and immigration consultants overseeing global assignments in 2025.

This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, process, requirements, documents, application locations, appointment details, salary levels, processing times, fees, and expert tips to ensure compliance and efficiency.
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What is the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit?

The Article 27(a) Detachment Permit enables non-EU employees from a foreign parent or sister company to work temporarily in Italy for a host entity within the same corporate group. Unlike standard work permits, it avoids localization under Italian labor law, allowing employees to remain on their home country’s payroll and social security system. This makes it a preferred route for companies seeking to:

• Avoid permanent establishment risks in Italy.
• Preserve home-country social security contributions (e.g., via A1 certificate).
• Maintain group-level employment consistency.
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Eligibility for the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit

To qualify for the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit, the following conditions must be met:

• Intra-Group Transfer: The employee must be assigned from a foreign company to an Italian host entity within the same corporate group (e.g., parent or sister company).
• Temporary Assignment: The assignment is for a limited duration, typically tied to a specific project (e.g., 18 months, as in the case study).
• Non-Localized Employment: The employee remains on the home country’s payroll and does not integrate into Italy’s labor market.
• Social Security Coverage: The employee must have valid social security coverage in their home country, often verified via an A1 certificate (for EU/EEA countries) or equivalent.

Example: A German fintech company sending a product manager to Rome for 18 months qualifies, as the employee remains on German payroll with A1 social security coverage.

Official Resource: EU Social Security Coordination – A1 Certificate

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Step-by-Step Process for the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit

The process involves eight key steps, typically managed with the support of an immigration consultant. Below is a detailed breakdown:

• Article 27(a) Application (Initial Submission)
  The employer, often through a consultant, submits assignment documentation to the Italian Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
  
  • Goal: Prove the intra-group transfer under Legislative Decree 286/1998, Article 27(a).
  • Processing Time: Up to 3 months for the next step.
• Nulla Osta (No Impediment Certificate)
  The Immigration Office issues a Nulla Osta, confirming no legal impediments to the assignment.
  
  • Processing Time: Up to 3 months.
  • Importance: Mandatory for visa issuance.
• Visa Application at the Consulate
  The employee applies for a National Visa (Type D) at the Italian Consulate in their home country.
  
  • Appointment: Booked via the consulate’s online portal.
  • Processing Time: Visa issued within ~2 weeks of the appointment.
  • Official Resource: Visa Portal for Italy
• Arrival in Italy & First Entry Contract
  Upon arrival, the employee attends an appointment at the Immigration Office to sign the first entry contract, a formal requirement to validate the assignment.
• Permit to Stay Application (Permesso di Soggiorno)
  The employee submits a residence permit application at a local post office using a kit provided by immigration authorities.
  
  • Timing: Immediately after signing the first entry contract.
  • Support: Often handled by a consultant.
• Detachment Start
  The employee can legally begin their assignment once the Permesso di Soggiorno application is submitted. HR teams typically align the project start with this stage.
• Biometrics & Fingerprints Collection
  The employee attends an in-person appointment at the Immigration Office to provide biometric data.
  
  • Timing: Within 2 months of the permit to stay submission.
• Permit to Stay Collection
  The physical Permesso di Soggiorno card is issued and collected from the Immigration Office.
  
  • Processing Time: ~60 working days after biometrics.
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Requirements and Documents Needed

The Article 27(a) application requires a comprehensive set of documents to demonstrate eligibility and compliance. These include:

• Proof of Assignment: A signed contract or letter detailing the assignment’s purpose, duration, and terms.
• Social Security Coverage: An A1 certificate (for EU/EEA employees) or equivalent for non-EU countries, confirming home-country social security contributions.
• Proof of Company Relationship: Documentation verifying that the sending and host entities belong to the same corporate group (e.g., corporate ownership records).
• Employee Details: Passport copies, CV, and proof of qualifications (if required).
• Host Entity Details: Registration documents of the Italian host entity.

Expert Tip: Ensure all documents are translated into Italian and notarized if required, as incomplete submissions can delay processing.

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Where to Apply

• Initial Application (Nulla Osta): Submitted to the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Italian Immigration Office) in the province where the host entity is located.
• Visa Application: Filed at the Italian Consulate in the employee’s home country. Appointments are booked online via the consulate’s portal.
• Permit to Stay: Submitted at a local post office (Poste Italiane) using the immigration kit.
• Biometrics & Permit Collection: Handled at the Questura (local Immigration Office) in the employee’s city of residence in Italy.

Official Resource: Italian Ministry of the Interior – Immigration Section

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Appointment Details

• Consulate Visa Appointment: Booked online through the Visa Portal for Italy. Availability varies by consulate, so book early.
• First Entry Contract: Scheduled with the Immigration Office upon arrival, typically within 8 days.
• Biometrics Appointment: Arranged by the Immigration Office after the permit to stay submission, usually within 2 months.

Permit Collection: Notified by the Questura when the Permesso di Soggiorno card is ready (after ~60 working days).
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Salary Levels

The provided document does not specify minimum salary requirements for the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit, as the employee remains on their home country’s payroll. However, the assignment contract must demonstrate that the employee’s compensation is sufficient to support their stay in Italy, aligning with the project’s scope and duration. HR teams should ensure the salary complies with any applicable Italian immigration guidelines to avoid delays.

Note: If you need precise salary thresholds, I can search for current Italian immigration requirements. Would you like me to do so?

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Processing Times

• Nulla Osta: Up to 3 months.
• Visa Issuance: ~2 weeks after the consulate appointment.
• Permit to Stay Submission: Immediately after the first entry contract.
• Biometrics Appointment: Within 2 months of permit submission.
• Permesso di Soggiorno Issuance: ~60 working days after biometrics.
• Total Timeline: Approximately 4–6 months from initial application to permit collection, depending on processing efficiency.
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Fees

The document does not provide specific fee details for the Article 27(a) process. However, typical costs include:

• Nulla Osta Application: Administrative fees vary by province.
• National Visa (Type D): Consulate fees, typically €116 (subject to change).
• Permesso di Soggiorno: Post office kit fee (~€30–40) plus residence permit fee (€40–100, depending on duration).

Consultant Fees: If using a service like Jobbatical, additional costs apply for end-to-end support.
Official Resource: Visa Portal for Italy

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Expert Tips for HR Teams

• Start Early: The process can take 4–6 months, so begin preparations well in advance.
• Use Consultants: Partners like Jobbatical streamline documentation, filings, and on-ground support.
• Verify Social Security: Ensure the A1 certificate or equivalent is valid to avoid delays.
• Plan for Biometrics: Schedule the employee’s availability for in-person appointments.
• Stay Compliant: Adhere to Italian immigration law to avoid penalties or project delays.

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Why Choose the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit?

The Article 27(a) route is ideal for companies seeking flexibility and compliance in temporary assignments. Benefits include:

• No Localization: Employees remain under home-country labor laws.
• Social Security Continuity: Contributions stay in the home country.
• Project Efficiency: Enables quick deployment for time-sensitive projects.

However, the process requires meticulous documentation and adherence to timelines, making professional support highly recommended.

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Simplify Assignments with Jobbatical

For a stress-free Article 27(a) process, partner with Jobbatical. From Nulla Osta filings to residence permit applications, our experts ensure compliance and efficiency for your 2025 assignments in Italy.
Contact Jobbatical to streamline your relocations.
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Official Government Resources

Italian Ministry of the Interior – Immigration Section  
Legislative Decree 286/1998 – Article 27(a)  
Visa Portal for Italy  
EU Social Security Coordination – A1 Certificate
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Conclusion

This guide provides everything HR teams need to navigate the Article 27(a) Detachment Permit process in Italy for 2025. By following these steps and leveraging expert support, you can ensure compliant, efficient, and successful employee assignments.