San Marino is a very small state with a small labour market, so hiring foreign workers is tightly controlled and places are limited. Employing them legally still follows clear steps.

In short: to employ a foreign worker in San Marino, you secure a work and residence permit through the San Marino authorities, arrange their entry and residence, sign a written contract, and register them under local rules. Entry is via Italy and the Schengen area. Openings are scarce, so plan realistically.

Step 1: Authorisation and Quota

Foreign workers need work authorisation and the right to reside. Because the economy is small and quota-bound, you normally identify a specific role first and then apply.

Step 2: Secure the Permit and Entry

You arrange work and residence permits through the San Marino authorities, and the worker completes the entry and residence procedures. Confirm that the document allows the specific job before work starts.

Step 3: Contract, Social Security, and Records

• Sign a written contract on local terms.
• Register the worker for Social Security and taxes in accordance with local rules.
• Keep copies of the permit, the residence document, and the contract.

Penalties for Illegal Employment

Employing a worker without the required authorisation can result in fines and other sanctions. Verify status before work begins and keep records.

Avoiding Scams and Staying Compliant

Never pay or accept upfront fees for a guaranteed permit, and avoid providers who promise to bypass the rules. Verify every document yourself, use the San Marino authorities, and consider a compliance check before you hire. Legitimate processes do not require secret payments.

Official Sources

Confirm current rules, fees, and penalties with the San Marino authorities and the San Marino labour and tax authorities, as procedures change.