Quick answer. Italy is in the EU. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can work here with no permit. Everyone else, including UK passport holders, needs a work visa, and Italy runs annual quotas, so plan well ahead.
Do skippers and crew need a work permit in Italy?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: no work permit, register if you stay long term. Everyone else: your employer applies for a work clearance (nulla osta), then you apply for a work visa at an Italian consulate. Most employee work visas sit within the yearly quota (Decreto Flussi), which fills quickly, so start as early as you can.
Does the type of yacht matter?
On a bareboat charter (up to 12 guests who charter the yacht and hire a skipper) the rules above apply. On crewed charter, private yachts and superyachts, crew are often treated as seafarers and the route can differ with the flag and where the yacht is based, so confirm for that yacht. Working ashore follows ordinary work-permit rules.
Official source
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal: Visa for Italy. Use the guided check to confirm what you need for your nationality before you travel.
What we ask of you
Keep your nationality correct in your profile; it tells us your EU status.
If you hold a work permit for Italy, tick the work-permit box.
Tell us early if your right to work is not sorted, so we can help before your dates.
Important
Immigration rules change and vary by nationality. This is general orientation, not legal advice, and Quarterdeck is not an immigration adviser. Confirm your own position with the official source above before you travel. We will not place you in Italy if you do not hold the right to work. See also: Visas & work permits, overview.