1. Introduction
The Italian aging process is fast-tracked, and the population of skilled caregivers and nurses is high. To address this, the healthcare sector and the Italian government are opening their doors to the foreign professionals, especially in 202, where they will enjoy greater visa quotas and the operations of the hiring process will be made easier. Italy is your new place in case you are passionate about healthcare and want to have a good career in a foreign nation.
2. Caregiver and Nurse jobs summary in Italy.
Nurses and other caregivers are highly essential in the Italian healthcare system as they are deployed in hospitals, nursing homes, homes or in rehabilitation centers.
The roles in demand in 2025 are:
| Job Title | Typical Workplaces | Monthly Salary Range (€) |
| Registered Nurse | Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes | 2,000–3,000 |
| Healthcare Assistant/OSS | Hospitals, long-term care, home care | 1,200–1,800 |
| Elderly Caregiver | Private homes, care institutions | 1,000–2,000 |
| Home Health Aide | Home care agencies, private residences | 1,200–1,800 |
| Geriatric Nurse | Nursing homes, geriatric clinics | 2,000–3,000 |
Key Finding:
It requires both entry-level and experienced professionals, and professional career growth and specialization opportunities.
3. Visa Sponsorship: The meaning and eligibility.
Visa sponsorship implies that an Italian employer (hospital, care facility, or family) provides you with a job and offers to sponsor your work visa. In 2025, Italy will also raise its non-EU annual quota on healthcare workers, and this will allow foreign applicants to have a chance of gaining legal employment in the country.
Who is eligible?
- Nationals who are non-EU and have a valid job offer by an employer in Italy.
- Licensed support staff and nurses (not unqualified)
- Candidates with health, background, and language qualifications.
Types of visas:
- Normal Work Visa (Decreto Flussi): Full-time caregivers and nurses.
- EU Blue Card: Highly skilled nurses with a university degree or extensive experience.
4. Job Requirements and Qualifications.
For Caregivers:
- Practice or qualification in nursing or care giving is desirable.
- Basic knowledge of the Italian language (A2 is recommended/ B1).
- Good health and capacity to do the care functions.
For Nurses:
- Known nursing degree (typically 3 3-year university or equivalent)
- Sound home country nursing license.
- Proficiency in the Italian language (B2 level is expected)
- Registration at the Ministry of Health and the local nursing board in Italy.
Qualification Recognition:
The non-EU nurses are required to have their credentials recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health. This includes the process of providing your degree, transcripts, and experience proofs, all translated and legalized.
5. Application Process: Step-by-Step.
Find a Job Offer:
- Find the positions with reputable employers or agencies (see the next section).
- Employer Applies to work permit (Nulla Osta):
- The application is presented by your employer to the local immigration office.
Apply for a Work Visa:
After the Nulla Osta is granted, apply at the Italian embassy/consulate in your country.
Prepare Documents
- Passport
- Job contract
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance
- Identified qualifications and translations.
- Language certificate (nurses)
Attend Biometric Appointment:
Give fingerprints and photographs where necessary.
Travel to Italy:
Register the place of residence and receive a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days.
Tip:
Never go through unofficial and unverified employers to prevent fraud.
6. Best Employers and Recruiting Agencies
Large Hospitals and Outlets.
- Humanitas Research Hospital (Milan).
- Ospedale San Raffaele (Milan)
- University of the Mediterranean (UPMC Italy) (Rome, Palermo, Avellino).
- The underserved areas are Local Health Raisins (ASL).
Nursing Homes & Care Agencies
- Caregiver Homes
- Home Instead
Recruitment Agencies
- Eures ( European Job Mobility Portal ).
- Globalforce
- Oasi Lavoro
- Adecco and Manpower (Healthcare Divisions).
Job Search Platforms
- Monster Italy
- Indeed Italy
- Portale Immigrazione (Official Visa Portal).
7. Salary, Benefits, and Perks
Salary Overview
| Position/Experience | Annual Salary (€) | Notes |
| Caregiver (0–2 years) | 13,540 | Entry-level |
| Caregiver (5–10 years) | 27,020 | Experienced |
| Private Caregiver (median) | 39,160 | Higher in private sector |
| Registered Nurse (average) | 36,800 | National average |
| Nurse (5–10 years) | 39,560 | Experienced |
| Nurse (20+ years) | 54,280 | Highly experienced |
| Milan Nurse (average) | 36,020 | Regional average |
Benefits and Perks
Universal Health Insurance: Italy has a National Health Service (SSN) that covers all legal residents.
- Paid Leave: Up to 3 days/month holding short-term care, up to 2 years holding long-term care.
- Professional Development: Upskilling and training.
- Housing Help: Some employers provide temporary accommodation or assistance in finding a home.
- Bonuses: Infrequent, usually 0 -4 percent of annual salary.
- Medical and care expenses: Tax Deductibles.
- Carer allowance: Carer allowance is a monthly allowance given to individuals who have to take care of non-self-sufficient people.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to speak Italian to work as a caregiver or nurse in Italy?
A: Yes, caregivers should be provided with basic Italian, and nurses need the level of B2.
Q: Can I bring my family with me?
A: Once you have received a residence permit, you can be reunited with your family.
Q: How much time does it take to be visa-processed?
A: 1-3 months between receiving an offer to move to Italy.
Q: Is there an age restriction for the applicants?
A: It does not have any strict age limits; however, you need to fit in terms of health and qualifications.
Q: Are the non-EU citizens free in the job market?
A: Yes, particularly with the increased quotas of healthcare workers in 2025.
