Restrictions on unauthorized employment while in Italy

  • Published
  • 31st Fighter Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  While living overseas in Italy, some members or their dependents may consider home businesses such as a child daycare or online sales as a way to earn extra cash or stay employed. However, doing so without proper authorization can have serious consequences.

Under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement , all U.S. military members, government civilian employees, contractors, and their dependents living in Italy on a mission visa or soggiorno are legally barred from engaging in economic activity outside designated U.S. government positions on base. Jobs available on base are divided between persons with a Missione Soggiorno Permit and Italian civilians, as stipulated in the SOFA and supplemental agreements.

Many on-base jobs are non-appropriated funds positions. NAF money is self-generated by Air Force clubs, bowling centers, golf courses, and other activities that use NAF employees. There are currently multiple NAF positions available on base, including child and youth program assistants, food service worker, cooks and a custodial worker position.

Operating your own business in Italy or working on the Italian economy requires a work visa, which must be attained in the United States before arriving in Italy. Running your own business in Italy also requires an Italian employment soggiorno, a special Italian business license, and an Italian-issued tax identification number. Anyone conducting business in Italy without proper authority could be subject to revocation of their mission visa status and punishment under Italian law.

While filing for a work visa may sound like an easy fix, doing so requires individuals to forfeit their SOFA-protected status. This would include surrendering: Base Exchange privileges, the privilege of sending or receiving mail through the Military Postal System, permission to drive AFI-registered vehicles, and purchasing gas coupons.

Conducting such businesses while under a mission visa or soggiorno could result in penalties such as back taxes, fines and confinement. In addition, military members engaging in such activities could be subject to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

For more information, contact the Legal Office at 632-7843.