How to Write a CV in San Marino: Format & Guide 2026

San Marino is one of the world's smallest and wealthiest republics, with an economy dominated by banking, manufacturing, tourism, and retail. The labour market is closely integrated with Italy: many San Marinese professionals work across the border in Emilia-Romagna and Marche, and Italian professional norms directly influence CV expectations. Applications to Sammarinese employers are typically submitted in Italian, following the European CV format.

The San Marino CV Format

The standard CV in San Marino follows the Italian Europass format or a closely similar structured layout. One to two pages is the accepted length. The document is called "Curriculum Vitae" and is almost always written in Italian, even for international companies operating in the republic.

The Europass CV format is widely accepted and used throughout the EU and associated states including San Marino. It structures information under standard headings: personal information, work experience, education and training, language skills, digital competences, and additional information. A clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and clear section dividers is expected.

Language and Personal Information

Italian is the language of professional CVs in San Marino. English may be added for international positions, particularly in the finance and technology sectors, but Italian is the default.

Personal information to include: full name, address in San Marino, phone number, email address, and date of birth. Nationality (Sammarinese or Italian, as applicable) is standard. A link to a LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio is increasingly expected in technology and finance roles. Driving licence class (typically B) is listed if relevant to the role.

Professional Photo

A professional headshot is expected on San Marino CVs, following Italian convention. The photo should be a recent, formal headshot: neutral background, professional attire, good lighting. Place it in the top-right corner of the first page alongside your personal details. A casual or low-quality photo is worse than no photo, as it signals lack of care.

Education

List education in reverse chronological order. San Marino has its own University of the Republic of San Marino (UNIRSM), offering bachelor's and master's programmes in economics and more. Most Sammarinese students pursue degrees at major Italian universities, particularly the University of Bologna (UNIBO), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, and the Polytechnic University of the Marche (Università Politecnica delle Marche).

The Italian grade scale uses 110/110 as the maximum for bachelor's and master's degrees, with 110/110 con lode representing distinction. Include your final grade. Secondary school (liceo or istituto tecnico) results are listed for recent graduates; experienced professionals may omit them. Professional qualifications and trade certificates (attestati) are listed here.

Work Experience

List employment in reverse chronological order. For each role, include the employer name, job title, employment dates (month and year), and three to five bullet points describing key responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs in the Italian past infinitive or managed-responsibility style.

Employers that Sammarinese recruiters and Italian border-region employers recognise include Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino, Banca di San Marino, SIS (San Marino Industry and Services), Titano Group, Ciacci Piccolomini (ceramics), and the Government of San Marino (Uffici di Stato). Cross-border experience with Rimini-area or Pesaro-area employers is common and should be included normally.

Key Sectors

Financial services and banking are the most significant professional employers, governed by the Banca Centrale della Repubblica di San Marino (BCSM). Manufacturing, particularly precision mechanics, ceramics, and textiles, is the industrial backbone. Tourism is substantial given San Marino's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Retail and trade also provide significant employment given the favourable tax position.

Skills and Certifications

List digital competences (Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, ERP systems) and professional certifications. For finance, EU and international qualifications (ACCA, CFA, CIMA) are valued by Sammarinese banks and financial institutions. Italian professional order memberships (Albo dei Dottori Commercialisti, Ordine degli Ingegneri) are listed in the qualifications section. Language skills follow CEFR levels: A1 through C2. Italian is native; English is valued across all professional sectors.

Cover Letter

A cover letter (lettera di presentazione or lettera motivazionale) is expected for most professional applications in San Marino. One page maximum: opening with the specific role and organisation, middle with your key relevant skills and achievements, closing with your motivation and availability. In a small labour market where the hiring manager very likely knows your referee, specificity and professionalism are non-negotiable.

Common CV Mistakes in San Marino

• Omitting the photo: A professional headshot is expected in Italian-influenced CV culture; its absence stands out negatively.
• Using a functional format: Sammarinese and Italian employers prefer chronological CVs; functional layouts raise suspicion about gaps.
• Not including your grade: Omitting your university grade (voto di laurea) is seen as a red flag if it was strong.
• Generic language: Avoid phrases like "team player" and "results-driven" in favour of specific, quantified achievements.
• Sending an Italian CV to an international firm without an English version: Major international employers operating in San Marino expect at least an English version upon request.