Working in personal care in Italy

Language

Italian is expected for very nearly all home support positions. This is not a formality: the person being supported is often elderly, rarely speaks another language, and everyday safety depends on mutual understanding.

What to know before considering this destination

Entry routes for work

Entry for work purposes from outside the European Union falls within a system of annual quotas, set by decree, which allocates a limited number of authorisations by sector and by nationality. The employer files an application for authorisation during the open period; once granted, the worker applies for a visa at the Italian consular post in their country, then regularises their residence permit after arrival.

Qualifications and recognition of diplomas

The family assistance sector remains open to profiles without a specific diploma, with experience and language counting for more. For positions in care facilities a qualification is expected, and a diploma obtained abroad must go through a recognition procedure with the Italian authorities, separate from the immigration process.

The employer's role

The employer takes the initiative: they file the authorisation application within the open window, and must show they can employ and pay the worker. A compliant contract is signed on arrival. The quota calendar governs everything else: outside an open period, the process simply cannot be started.

Timeframes

The decisive factor is not processing time but the calendar: you must be ready when the window opens, with an identified employer and a complete file. Between filing and actual arrival, count several months.

Costs that remain yours

Visa fees, translations and legalisation of documents, any diploma recognition fees, and representation fees. No recruitment fee may be charged to you.

Check for yourself

• Italian Ministry of the Interior — immigration services
• Cliclavoro — public employment service
• EURES — European job mobility portal