Jobs in Italy for expats in 2025: annual quota, work visa, job search procedure, popular vacancies and work culture
Table of contents
- How many foreign workers does Italy plan to accept in 2025?
- What changes to the procedure for employing foreigners in Italy can be expected in 2025?
- Work visa to Italy in 2025
- Requirements for obtaining a work visa in Italy
- Is it easy for a foreigner to find a job in Italy?
- How to find a job in Italy?
- How to apply for a job in Italy?
- Do you need to know Italian to get a job in Italy?
- Social support for workers in Italy
- Work culture in Italy

Italy is a country with a rich culture and history, whose fantastic landscapes attract tourists and expats from different parts of the world. The state is the leader in the number of migrants, in addition, it has the highest rates of issuing temporary residence permits in the EU. Find out how a foreigner can move to Italy for work, what are the conditions for obtaining a visa and what package of documents is required for moving
According to the International Monetary Fund, according to the level of economic development, Italy is the tenth country in the world, the level of its GDP depends significantly on industry and the service sector. On the other hand, the unemployment rate in Italy is one of the highest in Europe, about 7.8%.
However, the perfect blend of the ancient world and modern society is a key factor that attracts foreigners from different parts of the world, including citizens of Nepal, Moldova, Mexico and Sri Lanka, because here you can enjoy the sunny climate, fantastic landscapes, inspiring architecture and exquisite food.
How can an expat move to Italy for work in 2025? We will find out further.
How many foreign workers does Italy plan to accept in 2025?
In 2025, Italy plans to expand its work visa program to attract foreign workers in many sectors. The Decreto Flussi program will allocate up to 165,000 work visas, as well as an additional 10,000 visas specifically for caregivers. This expansion aims to solve the problem of labor shortages in Italy and accelerate economic growth.
What changes to the procedure for employing foreigners in Italy can be expected in 2025?
To attract more qualified workers, the Italian government has introduced the following reforms in 2025:
1. Decreto Flussi program
A special visa that targets both seasonal and non-seasonal workers. Priority is given to employment in sectors that face the greatest labor shortages. In 2025, 165,000 work visas will be available under the program.
2. Work visa for caregivers
In 2025, the Italian government has allocated an additional 10,000 work visas for elderly care workers.
The main requirement is to have relevant work experience or a certificate in the field of care.
3. Seasonal and non-seasonal work visas
To solve the problem of the shortage of specialists, both seasonal work visas have been introduced in the agriculture, tourism and hospitality sectors, and non-seasonal ones in the construction, healthcare, IT, logistics and engineering sectors.
Work visa to Italy in 2025
Before planning your move to Italy, you should find out what the requirements are for legal work in the country. As in many other countries, there are differences in requirements for EU citizens and those who are not part of the EU.
- EU citizens
Representatives of these countries can work in Italy without any time limits or permits. In general, you will only need a valid ID or passport and your tax number, codice fiscale. To get it, send a request to the Agenzia delle Entrate.
Although you do not need a work visa or a permit to work and live in Italy, you still need to register in the country. To do this, visit the nearest police station and fill certain forms and documents.
- Citizens of third countries
If you are a non-EU citizen and want to work in Italy, you will need a work visa. There are several different types of visas you may be eligible for, depending on your nationality and the type of work you intend to do in Italy. The most common visas for work in Italy are:
1. Seasonal work (agriculture and tourism) - a visa is issued for up to 9 months. It provides for the possibility of changing the place of work, but not the type of activity. If the document is reopened, the candidate has priority over others in terms of quotas. An employee who has been invited by the same employer for seasonal work for 2 years in a row has the right to obtain a long-term residence permit for a period of up to 3 years.
2. Work for an Italian employer – after receiving a visa for employment, a foreigner must submit documents for a temporary residence permit within 8 days after arriving in Italy. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to submit to the consulate a plan for the further development of the employee within the company where he is employed.
3. Work for an Italian employer for highly qualified specialists - the so-called blue (or blue) card of the European Union is issued by the police commissioner in the province where the specialist lives. In order to confirm the level of qualification, the candidate must provide a notarized diploma of education, certificates of advanced training and language proficiency, as well as recommendations from former employers.
Suitable for professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
4. Visa for an individual entrepreneur - on such grounds, entrepreneurs whose activities are not fixed at the legislative level by citizens of Italy or other EU countries can obtain a visa. In this case, the work permit is issued not by the employer, but by the employee himself. He also submits documents confirming a sufficient amount of finances and the ability to live in the country and conduct business.
5. Skilled Worker Visa (Decreto Flussi – Non-Seasonal Work Visa) – Designed for professionals in key sectors such as construction, healthcare and IT. Requires a job offer from an Italian employer and Nulla Osta (work permit) approval before applying.
6. Caregiver Work Visa – Applicants need previous experience or certification in the care sector, as well as proof of employer sponsorship and proof of residency.
Important! Outside of the quotas, translators, teachers of foreign languages at universities, as well as professors or candidates for a scientific degree who come for the purpose of teaching and conducting scientific activities can find employment in Italy.
To permanently reside in Italy, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit. We have already told you about the types of permits and the specifics of the document processing procedure.
Requirements for obtaining a work visa in Italy
To obtain a work visa, the following package of documents must be submitted:
- a work permit included in the number of quotas is issued by the employer;
- housing (lease) agreement signed by the employer;
- confirmation of the availability of funds in a bank account (which must correspond to the amount of funds needed by a foreigner in order to leave the country if necessary).
Is it easy for a foreigner to find a job in Italy?
In general, breaking into the Italian job market is quite difficult, especially if you are not a native speaker. Also, many of the best jobs in Italy are only available to locals.
However, it will be much easier for foreigners with appropriate qualifications to do so.
In 2025, Italy will experience a particular shortage of the following professionals:
- Healthcare – caregivers, nurses, paramedics.
- Tourism and hospitality – cooks, hotel staff, waiters.
- Construction – engineers, skilled workers, technicians.
- Agriculture – seasonal workers, fishermen.
- Transport and logistics – truck drivers, couriers.
- Technology – IT specialists, telecommunications technicians.
How to find a job in Italy?
The best way to find a job in Italy is to start by browsing job websites: Monster.it, Indeed.com, Jobrapido.com, CareerJet.it, EuroJobs.it and Job Meeting.
You can also consider attending job fairs and networking events, which are great ways to meet potential employers face-to-face.
If you are looking for a job in the tourism industry, the Job in tourism portal is a great place to start your search. This website has a list of jobs in the tourism sector, so it's a great resource if you're looking for jobs in hotels, restaurants or other tourism businesses.
How to apply for a job in Italy?
Once you've found a job you like, you'll need to apply for the job and go through the interview process.
1. Create a resume
When it comes to writing a resume for a job application in Italy, the most important thing to know is that your application must be submitted in Italian. In addition, the structure and content of your resume should include the following:
- Start with your personal information, including your name, address, phone number and email address.
- In the education section, list the schools you attended and the dates you attended them.
- Indicate your work experience, starting with the last position.
- Be sure to include your skills and strengths, as well as any additional information that may be relevant.
- Use a professional tone and avoid excessive use of slang or informal language.
2. Pass the interview
If the employer likes you, you will be invited to an interview. In most cases, the interviewer will start with general questions about your experience and qualifications. Be sure to have a copy of your resume handy so you can refer to it during the interview. It is also important to know the history of the company and to be able to talk in detail about its products or services.
You may also be asked to complete a task or take a test as part of the interview process. This might include writing a short essay, solving a problem, or surveying a client.
At the end, don't forget to thank the interviewer for their time and be sure to send a thank you email or letter.
The Italian government has simplified the rules for applying for an EU Blue Card, more information at the link.
Do you need to know Italian to get a job in Italy?
In most cases, knowledge of the Italian language at a high level is essential for getting a job.
Knowing Italian will also make life in the country much easier, as a large part of the population does not speak English.
English is spoken more often in tourist areas and big cities, but less so in rural areas.
Taking an Italian course will help you learn the language or improve your skills to the required level.
Social support for workers in Italy
If you are employed in Italy and have a social security number, you will be entitled to all benefits, including free public health care, annual leave and pensions. If you are self-employed, not all of these benefits may apply.
- The procedure for obtaining a social security number in Italy
To get a social security number in Italy, you must register with the SSN, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, Italy's National Health System.
You receive your Tessera Sanitaria when you first register with SSN. There are two types of registration: mandatory and voluntary. The former applies to most residents, workers, family members, etc., while voluntary registration is generally for short-term visitors such as students, domestic helpers, religious staff, etc.
In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.
Work culture in Italy
Family time is an important aspect of Italian culture, so employees strive to find a healthy work-life balance.
Italians work an average of 36 hours per week, with a maximum work week of 40 hours plus eight hours of overtime. As the work tends to be very structured, you usually work Monday to Friday from 8/9 to 1pm, with a two hour lunch break and then work from 3pm to 6pm.
All employees are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave and 12 public holidays.
If you have decided to move to Italy on a work visa, you should be patient and do your best to find a job. However, the state will impress you with its culture, history and employment prospects. With simplified visa processes, increased quotas and high demand for foreign specialists, 2025 represents the best opportunity to work in Italy.
Let's remind you! Italy is a country with a high quality of life and a rich culture. Friendly population, developed transport infrastructure and high level of healthcare attract more and more expats here. Is it expensive to live in Italy? We have already told you what the prices are in Italy for housing, food, entertainment and much more.
To organize a safe move to Italy, seek advice from a specialist. Qualified migration lawyers will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Italy;
Legal advice on immigration to Italy;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Italy;
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.
Frequantly
asked questions
Is it easy for a foreigner to get a job in Italy in 2025?
Is the work visa to Italy open in 2025?
What is the new immigration law in Italy 2024?
Recommended articles
2 min
Popular
Italy is one of the most popular European countries among expats. It has many historical and cultural attractions, picturesque small towns, beautiful beaches, and world-famous cuisine. Find out more about the top 7 cities in Italy with the highest quality of life 2025
25 Jan. 2025
More details2 min
Expats
Taxes in Italy for foreigners: how much should self-employed and freelancers be paid in 2024?
Italy has favorable tax options for freelancers and self-employed individuals. Many expats can count on a simplified taxation system when moving to the country. However, the state has approved certain rules and restrictions that must be followed. Find out what are the features of the taxation system in Italy for foreigners
21 Oct. 2024
More details1 min
Residence permit
In Italy, as in most EU countries, the issue of labor shortage is acute. That is why the country is actively working to attract foreign specialists. Find out what quotas for work visas are set for 2025 and how migration legislation will change
30 Oct. 2024
More details1 min
Expats
Italy is welcoming Americans who have been feeling some political tension since the presidential election results were announced. A beautiful village on the island of Sardinia is selling houses for just $1 to Americans who want to leave the US. Find out who can buy a house and what programs are designed for digital nomads
22 Nov. 2024
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.