SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT- WORKING IN ITALY AND THE STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT (SOFA)

U.S. military members, government civilian employees, contractors, and their dependents in Italy live here pursuant to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). U.S. military members on orders do not need a passport or a visa to enter and remain in Italy. However, U.S. Government civilian employees and all dependents who are not European Union citizens are required to have a Missione Visa and Soggiorno Permit. The Italian government gives these documents to those individuals who are here solely for the purpose of the U.S. military mission and, therefore, have “SOFA protected” status.

With a Missione Visa and Missione Soggiorno Permit, you are eligible for employment on base with the U.S. Forces. To be employed in Italy by someone other than the U.S. Forces (U.S. Forces would include GS, NAF, and U.S. Government contracted positions) requires an Italian Work Visa and Work Permit. This is true for both Italian businesses and American- based corporations as well. If you choose to obtain an Italian Work Visa and Work Permit, you are declaring to the Italian government that you desire to be considered an ordinary resident of Italy. You cannot have both ordinary resident and “SOFA protected” status at the same time, regardless of whether you are a military member, civilian employee, or a dependent.

If you get a job on the Italian economy as an ordinary resident, you will no longer be entitled to any “SOFA protected” privileges, including shopping in the PX and commissary, sending mail through the Military Postal System, driving SETAF registered vehicles, and purchasing using the gas card. Per the SOFA, Article X, you are also responsible for all of the additional expenses that ordinary Italian residents incur, such as Italian income taxes, contributions to the Italian social security system, and the Italian television tax – to name a few. Perhaps most importantly, ordinary residents cannot avail themselves of foreign criminal jurisdictional assertion or waiver rights under Article VII of the NATO SOFA – this means that if you are accused of committing a crime in Italy, you’re on your own within the Italian legal system.

Activities such as baking cakes or coloring hair would not be considered a "profitable enterprise" so long as any reimbursement is limited to the cost of supplies. It is important to note that any payment for your time, labor, or expertise would be considered profit and would require a valid Italian Work Visa and permit. Italian law mandates that you have a valid Italian Work Visa and permit if you generate profit from home-based businesses (e.g. MaryKay, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, etc.), from working for U.S. corporations or other entities or even working on your computer. Furthermore, using the APO for homebased businesses is not allowed. If you have questions, learn more from the Legal Assistance Office on post. For contact information please visit the Community Resource Guide (CRG).

 

WORK

Finding employment overseas can be a challenge. Be open to contractor and federal jobs or starting as a volunteer. Please note that most jobs on base require US citizenship status or Non-citizen from a NATO country.

Job opportunities are posted on:

  • Usajobs.gov (enter Livorno, Italy for location)
  • Job announcement email blast
  • Job announcement on Facebook groups such as the official Darby Facebook Page- Darby Military Community-USAG Italy
  • Contractor website list
  • Community Notice Board

The Army Community Service (ACS) provides some community resources on base such as and not limited to:

  • Family Advocacy Program training
  • Resume & interview seminars
  • Stress & anger management training
  • Financial readiness

All ACS services are not provided on Camp Darby but services can be made available in collaboration with Vicenza ACS.

Federal Employment Preferences
Starting 30 days before you arrive at a new duty station, military spouses can apply to gov’t jobs using preferences that give greater job consideration (if you meet all criteria). You will have:

  • Military Spouse Preference
  • Overseas Family Member Preference

Search USAJobs to apply to government jobs using MSP or FMP. Include:

  • PCS Orders listing your name
  • Marriage License

NOTE: Apply to as many jobs as you like using MSP or FMP. If an offer is made, you must accept it or lose that preference until your next PCS move.
 

VOLUNTEERING

Be proactive! Volunteering is a great way to meet others at your new home in Camp Darby, Italy. Often volunteering is just what you need to get your foot in the door to a great job!

Garrison Approved Private Organizations
USAG Italy has a list of approved private organizations that support the Camp Darby military communities.  These groups raise money through a variety of fund raisers.  A list of organizations can be found through VIMS at Armyonesource: CLICK HERE FOR LINK! 

Volunteer positions can be found in the following organizations:

  • 731 MUNS Family Support Group
  • 839th Transportation SFRG
  • 529th /HHC SFRG
  • AFSBN-Africa SFRG
  • Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO)
  • Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS)
  • Army Community Service (ACS)
  • Commander's Ready and Resilient Council (CR2C)
  • Friends of Camp Darby
  • Child and Youth Services (CYS) – Sports & Fitness
  • Girls Scouts
  • Boy Scouts
  • Darby Chapel
  • Library
  • USAG Livorno Post Office

Connect with one of these organizations, get involved and meet new persons.

LEARN

For adults who are interested in continuing or starting their studies.  Camp Darby Education Center provides some of the services listed below.  If the resource is not available at Camp Darby, it can be accessed through the USAG Italy Education Services  in Vicenza.

  • Examinations
  • School Accreditation
  • Financial Aid
  • Local College Program from UMGC
  • JST transcripts
  • GI Bill programs

WORK

Finding employment overseas is a challenge. Be open to contractor and fed jobs, or starting as a volunteer. Email ACS Employment Readiness:

  • Job announcement email blast
  • Contractor website list
  • Resume & interview seminars
  • SOFA employment rules

Federal Employment Preferences
Starting 30 days before you arrive at a new duty station, military spouses can apply to gov’t jobs using preferences that give greater job consideration (if you meet all criteria). You’ll have:

  • Military Spouse Preference
  • Overseas Family Member Preference

Search USAJobs to apply to gov’t jobs using MSP or FMP. Include:

  • PCS Orders listing your name
  • Marriage License

NOTE: Apply to as many jobs as you like using MSP or FMP. If an offer is made, you must accept it or lose that preference until your next PCS move.
 

VOLUNTEERING

Be proactive! Volunteering is a great way to meet others at your new home in Vicenza. Often volunteering is just what you need to get your foot in the door to a great job!

Army Community Service
Visit ACS’s Volunteer Coordinator on Caserma Ederle and sign up at VMIS for volunteer opportunities.

Garrison Approved Private Organizations
USAG Italy has a list of approved private organizations that support the Vicenza and Camp Darby military communities.  These groups raise money through a variety of fund raisers.  A list of organizations can be found at Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

American Red Cross
Visit American Red Cross  on post to learn about volunteering in the vet/med/dental clinics, jr. lifeguards, resiliency programs, and more.

Connect with your FRG!
Get in touch with your FRG to meet other spouses, get official info from your unit, and volunteer!
 

LEARN

For adults who are interested in continuing or starting their studies, there are excellent resources here.

Education
USAG Italy Education Services assists with:

  • School Accreditation
  • Examinations
  • Financial Aid
  • Local College Programs
  • JST transcripts
  • GI Bill programs