Italy’s booming e-commerce, food delivery, and courier services have opened up countless job opportunities for people interested in delivery work. Whether it’s dropping off food orders in bustling cities like Rome and Milan or delivering parcels for major companies across smaller towns, delivery boy jobs in Italy are in high demand. For international job seekers, these positions often provide a quick entry into the workforce, flexible hours, and a reliable source of income while living in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
Work Permits and Visa Requirements for Delivery Jobs
For non-European Union (EU) citizens, securing the right visa is the first and most important step toward working legally as a delivery boy in Italy. The most commonly used visa is the Subordinate Work Visa (Employment Visa – Lavoro Subordinato), which allows foreigners to work for an Italian company that offers them a job. This type of visa requires that you already have a confirmed job offer before applying.
In some situations, especially for those working independently or for multiple platforms, a Self-Employment Visa (Lavoro Autonomo) may be more appropriate. However, this visa is harder to obtain because it requires additional paperwork, proof of income, and sometimes even financial guarantees. While seasonal work visas do exist, they are rarely used for delivery jobs since most delivery companies operate year-round.
The visa process begins once you secure a job offer. Your employer will apply for work authorization (Nulla Osta) from the Italian immigration office. After receiving approval, you will submit your visa application through your local Italian embassy or consulate. Once you arrive in Italy, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days to finalize your legal working status.
Types of Delivery Jobs Available
The delivery sector in Italy is broad and offers several options depending on your preference, vehicle access, and physical stamina. Many people choose food delivery jobs where you deliver meals from restaurants directly to customers. Apps like Glovo, Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats dominate the Italian food delivery market, offering easy app-based work with flexible schedules.
Others may prefer parcel delivery jobs where you work for established courier companies such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, Bartolini (BRT), and SDA Express. These jobs often require a car or van and may offer more stable, full-time contracts compared to food delivery gigs.
A growing segment of delivery jobs involves grocery delivery. Companies like Supermercato24, Esselunga a Casa, and Carrefour Delivery offer online grocery shopping and home delivery services. These jobs often involve scheduled shifts and may require both heavy lifting and customer service skills.
Lastly, e-commerce delivery jobs are booming due to companies like Amazon Italy, which employ many delivery drivers through contracted service partners. These jobs typically offer more structured working hours, higher income potential, and sometimes better long-term career stability.
Where Are the Best Delivery Jobs Located?
Delivery jobs are available across Italy, but naturally, larger cities offer more opportunities. Rome, being the capital and the most populous city, has a constant demand for both food and package delivery. Milan, as Italy’s financial and business hub, offers excellent opportunities not only for food delivery but also for parcel and e-commerce logistics.
Naples, Florence, Bologna, Turin, and Venice are also strong markets due to their growing e-commerce activity and thriving tourism industries. In smaller towns, the demand might be less frequent but still stable, especially for grocery and courier deliveries.
How to Find Delivery Boy Jobs in Italy
The job search process often starts online. Popular job portals such as Indeed Italia, Subito.it, Jobrapido, Monster.it, InfoJobs, and LinkedIn Italy list numerous delivery positions across the country. Most food delivery platforms also allow riders to register directly through their websites or apps, making the onboarding process simple and quick.
For those looking to work with larger courier companies, submitting applications directly through corporate career pages or through local recruitment agencies like Adecco, Randstad, and Manpower is highly recommended. Many foreigners have also found success through networking in expat communities on Facebook or WhatsApp, where job leads and helpful advice are regularly shared.
CV and Application Tips
A well-prepared CV is essential even for delivery jobs. Make sure to include your personal details, contact information, and any previous experience related to delivery, driving, or customer service. If you hold a valid driving license for scooters, cars, or vans, highlight it clearly in your CV. Language skills are highly valued, so mention your proficiency in Italian and any additional languages you speak.
Your cover letter doesn’t need to be long but should briefly explain why you’re reliable, flexible, and suitable for the job. Employers like to see candidates who demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, and good navigation skills.
What You Need to Work Legally
Before starting work, you’ll need to make sure you have all legal requirements in place. This includes having a valid work visa and residence permit. You’ll also need a tax code, known as Codice Fiscale, which is required for signing work contracts, opening bank accounts, and paying taxes.
For most delivery roles, you’ll need a valid driving license. EU driving licenses are typically accepted, but if you’re from a non-EU country, you may need to convert your license or obtain an International Driving Permit. If you’re using your own vehicle, you’ll need insurance, and for some companies, vehicle registration papers.
Skills such as good navigation, time management, communication, and customer service will help you excel in this job. While many platforms provide navigation apps, knowing your city well is always an advantage. Basic Italian is often required for communication with customers and coworkers, although some platforms in major cities may accept English speakers.
Salary Expectations
The income you can expect as a delivery worker in Italy depends on several factors such as the type of delivery work, location, and whether you are working full-time or part-time. On average, part-time food delivery riders earn between €700 and €1,200 per month, while full-time riders can make between €1,200 and €1,800 monthly.
Parcel delivery drivers usually earn slightly more, ranging from €1,300 to €2,000 depending on workload and company. E-commerce delivery drivers, especially those working for companies like Amazon Italy, can expect monthly earnings between €1,500 and €2,200.
Keep in mind that earnings can vary depending on peak hours, tips, bonuses, and the number of deliveries completed.
Cost of Living for Delivery Workers
Living expenses vary widely based on where you reside. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in city centers like Rome or Milan may cost anywhere between €600 and €1,000 per month, while apartments outside the city center are significantly cheaper.
Other monthly expenses include utilities (€100–€200), groceries (€200–€350), transportation (€30–€100), and mobile phone plans (€10–€25). If you own a vehicle, don’t forget to budget for fuel, insurance, and regular maintenance.
Living outside the expensive city centers can help you save a lot on rent and daily expenses, making your delivery job salary stretch further.
Working Conditions and Safety
Delivery jobs usually offer flexible working hours, which can include mornings, evenings, weekends, and even late-night shifts depending on the platform. Many food delivery platforms allow riders to choose their own schedules, while courier companies often offer full-time, contracted schedules with fixed shifts.
Safety is a crucial part of delivery work. Riders are required to wear helmets, visibility vests, and sometimes additional protective gear. Following traffic laws is strictly enforced, and most companies provide insurance coverage for accidents that occur while working.
Weather can be challenging, especially for bicycle or scooter riders. Rain, snow, or extreme heat may affect daily earnings, so it’s essential to be prepared for different weather conditions.
Language Requirements
While some delivery companies may allow you to start with minimal Italian, knowing the language is a huge advantage. Italian will help you communicate with customers, understand job instructions, and handle any issues that arise while working. In tourist-heavy cities, basic English may be enough for some food delivery apps, but improving your Italian will always open more opportunities.
Conclusion
Delivery boy jobs in Italy provide a fantastic way for foreign workers to enter the Italian job market quickly. With flexible working hours, steady demand, and a variety of job options across different delivery sectors, these jobs are an attractive opportunity for many.
By understanding the visa process, preparing the right documents, improving your Italian, and applying through reliable platforms, you can successfully start your delivery career in Italy and enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer.
