Key Takeaways

  • San Marino is a microstate enclaved within Italy; it has a special agreement with the EU but is not an EU or EEA member, so non-EU foreign workers require a Permesso di Lavoro before starting employment.
  • EU and EEA nationals benefit from freedom of movement under San Marino’s bilateral agreements with Italy and the EU and do not require a work permit, but must register their residence.
  • San Marino’s economy is dominated by financial services, tourism, and precision manufacturing — sectors that regularly attract specialist foreign talent.

San Marino is an independent microstate in Southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy. San Marino City is the capital. With a population of approximately 35,000, San Marino is one of the wealthiest nations per capita in the world. Its economy is built on financial services, tourism, ceramics, clothing, and manufacturing. San Marino has a unique relationship with the EU — it uses the Euro, operates a customs union with the EU, and has a special status agreement — but is not an EU member. Immigration and work permit matters are administered by the Segreteria di Stato per il Lavoro e la Cooperazione Economica Internazionale.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in San Marino?

Non-EU/EEA foreign nationals who intend to work in San Marino must obtain a Permesso di Lavoro (Work Permit) before commencing employment. EU and EEA nationals are exempt from work permit requirements but must register their residence. The work permit requirement applies to:

  • Non-EU/EEA employees recruited by San Marino-registered companies
  • Intra-company transferees from outside the EU/EEA
  • Technical specialists and consultants on contracts exceeding 90 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of San Marino-registered entities
  • Non-EU/EEA workers in financial services, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors

Types of San Marino Work Visas and Permits

Permesso di Lavoro (Work Permit)

The Permesso di Lavoro is the primary employment authorisation for non-EU/EEA nationals. It is issued by the Labour Secretariat and is employer-tied. The permit specifies the employing company, role, and permitted duration of employment. Initial permits are issued for one year and are renewable. A quota system limits the number of non-EU/EEA work permits issued annually.

Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit)

All foreign nationals residing in San Marino — including work permit holders — must obtain a Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) from the immigration authority. This is linked to the Work Permit and is renewed alongside it. It allows the holder to reside lawfully in San Marino for the duration of their employment.

EU/EEA Freedom of Movement

EU and EEA nationals do not require a work permit to work in San Marino under the bilateral agreements between San Marino and the EU. However, they must register their residence with the appropriate authority within 90 days of arrival. They have the right to work in any role and may change employers freely.

Seasonal Work Permit

For seasonal roles in tourism and agriculture, a Seasonal Work Permit may be issued for periods of up to six months. These are non-renewable but can be applied for in successive years. They fall within the annual non-EU/EEA worker quota.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in San Marino

1

Employer Applies Within the Annual Quota

San Marino sets an annual quota for non-EU/EEA work permits. Employers wishing to hire outside the EU/EEA must apply for a quota allocation at the start of each year. Without a quota allocation, individual applications cannot proceed. Employers should plan their hiring well in advance of the annual quota application window.

2

Submit the Work Permit Application

With a quota allocation confirmed, the employer submits a Permesso di Lavoro application to the Labour Secretariat. Required documents include: a completed application form; a draft employment contract; proof of the company’s San Marino registration; the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV; and evidence of the employer’s business activity and financial standing.

3

Applicant Obtains Entry Visa from Italian Mission

Because San Marino has no embassies abroad of its own, non-EU/EEA nationals must obtain an Italian national visa (Type D) at an Italian diplomatic mission before travelling to San Marino. The approved Permesso di Lavoro is submitted as the basis for the Italian visa application.

4

Gather Full Documentation

The full document package includes: valid passport (minimum 12 months validity); approved Permesso di Lavoro; signed employment contract; police clearance certificate; medical certificate; and evidence of accommodation in San Marino.

5

Arrive and Apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno

On arrival in San Marino (via Italy), the foreign worker applies for a Permesso di Soggiorno at the immigration office within 8 days of entering San Marino. The Permesso di Soggiorno is issued alongside the Permesso di Lavoro and must be renewed annually.

6

Register with Social Security (ISS)

Both employer and employee must be registered with the Istituto per la Sicurezza Sociale (ISS), San Marino’s social security authority. Mandatory contributions cover health insurance, pension, and unemployment insurance. Registration must occur before the worker’s first day of employment.

San Marino Work Permit Costs and Fees

Immigration fees in San Marino are denominated in Euros (EUR):
Permit type
Cost
Permesso di Lavoro application
EUR 50–150
Permesso di Soggiorno
EUR 30–80 per year
Italian national visa (Type D)
EUR 116 (standard consular fee)

ISS registration costs are ongoing contributions rather than one-off fees. Total employer costs including professional service fees typically range from EUR 500 to EUR 1,500 for the initial application year.

San Marino Work Visa Sponsorship

San Marino work permits are employer-tied and quota-dependent. Non-EU/EEA workers may not change employer without a new permit. Employers must notify the Labour Secretariat within 10 days if the employment relationship ends.

San Marino labour law — closely aligned with Italian standards — governs employment contracts, minimum remuneration (set by sector-level collective bargaining agreements), leave entitlements, and health and safety obligations.

For international companies without a San Marino entity, an employer of record (EOR) with a registered San Marino presence can act as the sponsoring employer, managing the quota application, work and residence permits, ISS registration, and payroll in EUR.

Work in San Marino with Confidence

San Marino’s small size and EU-adjacent regulatory environment make it a distinctive market. The quota system and the requirement to obtain an Italian visa are the two steps most likely to add complexity. Planning the hiring process several months in advance is essential for non-EU/EEA workers.

Remote People’s European specialists can manage the full San Marino work authorisation process, including Italian visa coordination, ISS registration, and payroll in EUR.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. EU and EEA nationals are exempt from work permit requirements under San Marino's bilateral agreements with Italy and the EU. They may work freely in any role but must register their residence with San Marino's immigration authority within 90 days of arrival.

San Marino sets a fixed annual quota for non-EU/EEA work permits. Employers must apply for a quota allocation at the beginning of each year. Without an allocation, individual permit applications cannot proceed. Quota numbers are modest, reflecting San Marino's small economy and labour market.

San Marino does not operate its own embassies abroad. Non-EU/EEA nationals entering San Marino must pass through Italy, and therefore need an Italian national visa (Type D). The approved San Marino work permit is used as supporting evidence for the Italian visa application at an Italian diplomatic mission.

The Istituto per la Sicurezza Sociale (ISS) is San Marino's social security authority. All workers — including foreign nationals — and their employers must contribute to the ISS, which provides health coverage, pension entitlements, and unemployment benefits. Contribution rates are set by sectoral collective bargaining agreements.

Yes. An EOR with a registered entity in San Marino can apply for quota allocations, sponsor work permits, manage the ISS registration, and run payroll in EUR on behalf of an international company without its own San Marino entity.

Relocate to San Marino

Remote People provides EOR services in San Marino and across Europe, handling Permesso di Lavoro quota applications, ISS registration, payroll in EUR, collective bargaining agreement compliance, and ongoing immigration management.

Contact Remote People to discuss your San Marino hiring needs.

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