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Finding a Job in Italy: Jobs, Requirements and Advice for Expats

Finding a job in Italy can be both an exciting opportunity and a frustrating experience. Italy has a large and diversified economy, world-famous industries, strong tourism, manufacturing, healthcare and food sectors, and an increasing need for workers with technical and specialized skills.

At the same time, Italy is not a country where simply arriving with a good résumé guarantees employment. Salaries can be lower than in northern Europe or North America, regional differences are substantial, Italian-language ability is important for many positions, and some professions require Italian-recognized qualifications.

The good news is that the Italian labor market in 2026 is creating opportunities in several areas where employers are struggling to find qualified workers.

For anyone considering moving to Italy, the key is to understand the market before arriving: identify where your skills are needed, determine whether your qualifications are recognized, learn enough Italian to work effectively, and target the regions where your profession is actually in demand.

Italy’s labor market is also changing rapidly because of demographic aging, digitalization, automation, the energy transition and shortages of skilled workers.

Italy’s Labor Market in 2026

Italy’s employment situation has improved considerably compared with previous years.

According to the latest provisional ISTAT figures, in July 2026 Italy had approximately 24.37 million employed people. The employment rate was 63.2%, while the unemployment rate fell to 5.8%. Compared with July 2025, employment increased by approximately 307,000 people.

These figures do not mean that finding a job is easy everywhere. Italy continues to have major regional differences, with stronger employment markets generally concentrated in the north and center and considerably weaker employment participation in parts of southern Italy.

Perhaps more important for job seekers is the persistent mismatch between the skills companies need and the workers available.

During the first half of 2026, Italian companies planned approximately 2.87 million hires, but employers expected difficulty recruiting candidates for 44.8% of those positions.

This is an important distinction.

Italy does not simply have a shortage of jobs. In many sectors it has a shortage of people with the right skills.

That creates opportunities for foreigners and expats who possess qualifications that are difficult for Italian employers to find.

Which Jobs Are Most in Demand in Italy?

There is no single “most requested job” in Italy. Demand varies according to region, education level, industry and season.

However, several categories consistently stand out.

1. Skilled Trades and Technical Workers

One of the biggest opportunities in Italy is often overlooked by foreign professionals: skilled trades.

Companies are looking for:

Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Mechanics, Industrial maintenance technicians, Machine operators, Construction workers, Specialized metalworkers, Installers, HVAC technicians, Construction and building-maintenance specialists, Technicians for industrial machinery

These occupations can be particularly attractive because employers often have difficulty finding qualified candidates.

Excelsior data indicates especially strong demand for professional qualifications in areas such as logistics, mechanics, food processing and sales. Difficult-to-recruit occupations include welders, industrial mechanics, plumbers, electricians, crane operators and specialized metalworkers.

For someone moving to Italy without a university degree, this is important.

A professional qualification plus practical experience can be more valuable than a generic university degree in some parts of the Italian labor market.

2. Healthcare and Social Care

Italy’s aging population is creating long-term demand for healthcare and social-care workers.

Opportunities include:

Nurses, Healthcare technicians, Physiotherapists, Medical technicians, Elder-care workers, Healthcare assistants, Home-care workers, Doctors and medical specialists, Social workers

Healthcare is also an area where foreign workers can find opportunities, but there is an important complication: many healthcare professions are regulated professions.

A foreign nursing, medical or healthcare qualification may need formal recognition before the person can practice in Italy.

Italian language ability is particularly important because healthcare workers must communicate accurately with patients, colleagues and public authorities.

The broader trend is clear: healthcare, social assistance and other people-oriented services are expected to remain important as Italy’s population ages.

3. Information Technology and Digital Jobs

Italy’s technology sector is smaller than those of countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom or the United States, but demand for specialized digital skills is increasing.

Potential opportunities include:

Software developers, Data analysts, Data scientists, AI specialists, Cybersecurity professionals, Cloud engineers, Network administrators, IT project managers, UX/UI professionals, Digital marketing specialists, Web developers, Automation specialists

Technology can be one of the better sectors for an expat because some international companies operate in English.

However, don’t assume that every Italian technology company operates in English. Italian remains useful for meetings, administration, clients and career progression.

The European employment service identifies software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing and related technology positions among areas of demand. Longer-term needs include AI specialists, information-security experts, robotics engineers and big-data analysts.

4. Engineering and Manufacturing

Italy remains one of Europe’s major manufacturing economies.

This is particularly important in:

Automotive, Mechanical engineering, Industrial machinery, Robotics, Automation, Electronics, Aerospace, Energy, Food processing, Fashion manufacturing, Furniture, Metalworking

Engineers with practical industrial experience can be particularly attractive to Italian companies.

Important qualifications include:

Mechanical engineering, Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Industrial engineering, Chemical engineering, Civil engineering, Environmental engineering, Automation and robotics

Northern Italy is particularly important for manufacturing and engineering.

For example, Lombardy, Italy’s largest economic powerhouse, offers employment opportunities associated with Milan’s financial and technology economy as well as the region’s extensive industrial base.

Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Piedmont are also major industrial regions.

5. Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism is one of the easiest sectors for newcomers to enter, particularly if they have experience in hospitality and speak more than one language.

Jobs include:

Hotel receptionists, Waiters, Cooks, Chefs, Kitchen assistants, Bartenders, Housekeeping staff, Tour guides, Travel consultants, Hotel managers, Event staff, Customer-service representatives

Demand can be particularly strong in Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia and other major tourist destinations.

The disadvantage is that many hospitality jobs are seasonal or relatively low-paid.

In 2026, tourism remains one of the largest sources of recruitment. Excelsior reported approximately 173,000 tourism-related entries planned for June 2026 alone, while the wider services sector accounted for the majority of planned hiring.

For a newcomer, hospitality can therefore be a useful way to enter the Italian labor market, build contacts and improve Italian.

6. Retail and Sales

Retail continues to generate substantial numbers of vacancies.

Common positions include:

Sales assistants, Store employees, Cashiers, Customer-service staff, Sales representatives, Store managers, Commercial representatives

Foreign-language ability can be a major advantage in tourist destinations and international retail environments.

English, German, French, Spanish and other languages can make a candidate considerably more attractive in areas receiving large numbers of international visitors.

7. Logistics, Transport and Warehousing

The growth of e-commerce, manufacturing and international trade has increased demand for logistics workers.

Positions include:

Truck drivers, Delivery drivers, Warehouse operators, Forklift operators, Logistics coordinators, Supply-chain specialists, Shipping clerks, Procurement specialists, Customs specialists, Transport planners

Some positions require specific Italian or European licenses and certifications.

For example, professional driving jobs may require the appropriate Italian/EU driving credentials and professional qualifications.

The European employment service identifies drivers, warehouse workers, people handling goods and logistics-related workers among occupations sought by Italian employers.

8. Construction and Infrastructure

Construction continues to generate demand for both skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Opportunities include:

Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Masons, Welders, Construction supervisors, Surveyors, Engineers, Heavy-equipment operators, Building-maintenance specialists, Energy-efficiency installers

Construction can be especially attractive for workers with practical experience and recognized qualifications.

What Education Do You Need?

One of the most important misconceptions about working in Italy is that university education is always the best route.

It isn’t.

Italy has a significant shortage of people with technical and vocational qualifications.

Excelsior’s medium-term projections show that approximately 35.7% of projected employment demand between 2025 and 2029 in the positive scenario will require tertiary education, including university, ITS Academy or AFAM qualifications. But approximately 47% will be directed toward people with upper-secondary technical or vocational qualifications.

This means there are opportunities at virtually every educational level.

University Degrees

A university degree is important for many professional occupations, including:

Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers, Architects, Economists, Scientists, Researchers, Some IT specialists, Teachers, Managers

STEM degrees are particularly relevant to Italy’s future labor requirements.

Technical Diplomas

A technical high-school diploma can be extremely valuable.

Examples include:

Electronics, Mechanics, Information technology, Chemistry, Construction, Administration, Logistics

Professional Qualifications

Vocational qualifications are particularly valuable in:

Mechanics, Electrical work, Plumbing, Construction, Hospitality, Food production, Industrial maintenance, Logistics

The demand for these qualifications is one of the strongest features of Italy’s current labor market.

ITS Academy

Italy’s ITS Academy system deserves particular attention from anyone planning a career in Italy.

These higher technical institutes provide specialized post-secondary education designed around employer requirements.

They are particularly relevant to:

Digital technology, Automation, Robotics, Manufacturing, Energy, Logistics, Food technology, Tourism, Mechanical engineering

For people who want practical employment rather than a traditional academic career, ITS programs can be an excellent route.

Do You Need to Speak Italian?

For most jobs: yes, at least to some degree.

This is perhaps the single most important piece of advice for an expat.

You can find jobs in Italy where English is the primary working language, particularly in:

International companies, Technology, Academia, Research, Tourism, Multinational corporations, Some startups, Remote work

But English alone dramatically limits the number of opportunities available.

Italian becomes particularly important in:

Healthcare, Government, Education, Retail, Construction, Hospitality, Customer service, Local businesses, Administration, Skilled trades

Even if an employer initially accepts English, Italian can determine whether you progress into better positions.

A person who speaks Italian plus English is generally much more employable in Italy than someone who speaks English alone.

Where Should You Look for Jobs?

The best strategy is to use several channels simultaneously.

Cliclavoro

Italy’s Ministry of Labour operates Cliclavoro, the national employment portal.

It provides job vacancies, employment information and resources for people looking for work.

EURES also identifies Cliclavoro as an important national source of vacancies.

EURES

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, EURES is particularly useful.

The European employment network provides information about working conditions and vacancies across European countries, including Italy.

It can also help people understand employment conditions before relocating.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is particularly useful for:

Professional positions, Technology, Finance, Engineering, Management, Marketing, International companies

Do not simply upload your CV and wait.

Search for companies directly, identify recruiters and hiring managers, and make professional connections.

Indeed Italia

Indeed is useful for both professional and entry-level positions.

Search by Italian job titles rather than only English terms.

For example:

  • “software developer” and “sviluppatore software”
  • “warehouse worker” and “magazziniere”
  • “waiter” and “cameriere”
  • “maintenance technician” and “tecnico manutentore”

This can significantly increase the number of results.

InfoJobs

InfoJobs is another established employment platform in Italy and is particularly useful for administrative, sales, service and technical positions.

Recruitment Agencies

Private employment agencies are important in Italy.

Major agencies include:

  • Adecco
  • Randstad
  • Manpower
  • Gi Group
  • Synergie

They can be particularly useful for temporary, contract and entry-level positions, but they also recruit for technical and professional jobs.

Direct Applications

Do not underestimate applying directly to companies.

This is particularly useful for:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Small businesses
  • Engineering firms
  • Local retailers
  • Family-owned companies

Italy has millions of small and medium-sized businesses, and many do not recruit exclusively through large international job websites.

Networking Matters in Italy

Networking is important almost everywhere, but it can be especially valuable in Italy.

A job advertisement is not always the beginning of the recruitment process.

Personal recommendations, professional contacts, former colleagues, university networks, trade associations and local connections can all matter.

Attend:

  • Industry conferences
  • Trade fairs
  • Business events
  • Chamber of Commerce events
  • University career fairs
  • Professional association meetings
  • Expat networking events

If you live in Italy already, tell people what type of work you are seeking.

A surprising number of opportunities come from informal contacts.

Where in Italy Should You Look?

Choosing the right location can be as important as choosing the right profession.

Milan and Lombardy

Best for:

  • Finance
  • Technology
  • Consulting
  • Fashion
  • Design
  • Marketing
  • International companies
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing

Milan generally offers one of Italy’s deepest professional job markets, but housing costs can be substantial.

Turin and Piedmont

Particularly strong in:

  • Automotive
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Technology
  • Industrial design

Emilia-Romagna

Cities such as Bologna, Modena, Parma and Reggio Emilia have strong industrial economies.

Major sectors include:

  • Automotive
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Food
  • Logistics
  • Automation
  • Biomedical industries

Veneto

Veneto offers opportunities in:

  • Manufacturing
  • Tourism
  • Logistics
  • Fashion
  • Furniture
  • Food
  • Construction

Cities such as Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Treviso and Venice have different employment profiles.

Rome and Lazio

Rome is particularly strong in:

  • Government
  • Public administration
  • Tourism
  • Media
  • Communications
  • Consulting
  • Healthcare
  • International organizations
  • Services

Tuscany

Tuscany is particularly attractive to expats, but its employment market is more specialized.

Florence offers opportunities in:

  • Tourism
  • Luxury goods
  • Fashion
  • Education
  • Culture
  • Hospitality
  • Services

Other parts of Tuscany have opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, food, wine, tourism and specialized small businesses.

For anyone considering Tuscany, our guide to [Moving to Italy as an Expat] can be useful for understanding the broader practical issues of relocation.

Southern Italy

The south has historically had weaker employment indicators, but that does not mean there are no opportunities.

Potential sectors include:

  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • Food processing
  • Logistics
  • Construction
  • Renewable energy
  • Healthcare
  • Services

The challenge is that salaries can be lower and professional opportunities less numerous than in northern Italy.

Working in Italy as an EU Citizen

EU citizens have a significant advantage.

Citizens of EU countries generally do not need an Italian work visa to work in Italy.

They can move to Italy and work under the applicable EU free-movement rules, subject to residence and administrative requirements.

For anyone planning a permanent move, however, it is important to understand the registration requirements, taxation, healthcare and other administrative obligations.

Working in Italy as a Non-EU Citizen

This is considerably more complicated.

A non-EU citizen generally cannot simply arrive in Italy and start working.

Depending on the circumstances, a work authorization, visa and residence permit may be required.

Italy operates an immigration quota system known as the Decreto Flussi.

For 2026–2028, Italy established a total framework of 497,550 entries for non-EU workers, including seasonal and non-seasonal employment and self-employment. The 2026 quota is 164,850 people.

The system is particularly relevant to employers recruiting workers from outside the EU.

For 2026, applications included specific windows for agricultural seasonal work, tourism seasonal work, non-seasonal employment and family assistance.

This means a non-EU job seeker should research immigration rules before accepting a job or moving to Italy.

The employer often plays a central role in the immigration process.

The Italian Ministry of Labour provides detailed information about entry and residence for employment.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

A foreign degree or professional qualification is not automatically treated identically to an Italian qualification.

For some professions, recognition is essential.

This is especially important for regulated professions such as:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Architecture
  • Certain engineering professions
  • Teaching
  • Legal professions

The procedure varies depending on the profession and the country where the qualification was obtained.

Before applying for jobs, determine whether your qualification needs recognition.

This can prevent a major problem: receiving interest from an employer but discovering that you cannot legally perform the job in Italy without additional authorization.

How to Prepare an Italian CV

An Italian CV is generally called a curriculum vitae or simply a CV.

Keep it concise and relevant.

For most jobs, emphasize:

  1. Professional experience
  2. Education
  3. Technical qualifications
  4. Languages
  5. Certifications
  6. Digital skills
  7. Relevant achievements

Do not send the same generic CV to every employer.

Create versions targeted toward specific positions.

For example, someone applying for a hotel position should emphasize customer service and language skills, while an engineer should emphasize technical experience, software and projects.

A cover letter can also help, particularly for professional positions.

Italian Language Levels

If your Italian is weak, don’t hide it.

Instead, demonstrate that you are improving.

A rough guide:

A1–A2: Useful for basic daily interaction but generally insufficient for professional work.

B1: Can be adequate for some practical and entry-level jobs.

B2: A strong target for many professional positions.

C1: Excellent for complex professional, academic or managerial environments.

For regulated professions, higher language competence may effectively be necessary even when not formally specified.

A Major Advantage for Expats: Foreign Languages

Being a foreigner is not automatically a disadvantage.

In some sectors, it is an asset.

Italy’s enormous tourism industry creates demand for people who can communicate with international visitors.

Someone who speaks:

Italian + English + German

or

Italian + English + French

may have an advantage in tourism, hospitality, luxury retail and international business.

Native English speakers can also find opportunities in education and language training, although qualifications and visa status matter.

Remote Work and International Companies

Remote work has changed the equation for some people moving to Italy.

An individual may live in Italy while working for an international organization, depending on the employer’s policies and the applicable tax and employment rules.

However, “working remotely from Italy” is not automatically simple.

Tax residency, social-security contributions, employment law and immigration status can all become relevant.

Do not assume that because your employer allows remote work, you can automatically perform that work permanently from Italy.

Salaries: What Should You Expect?

This is one area where prospective expats need realistic expectations.

Italy generally offers lower average wages than countries such as Switzerland, Germany, the United States and some northern European economies.

Salary varies enormously according to:

  • Region
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Company size
  • Contract type
  • Professional qualification
  • Italian-language ability

A highly specialized engineer in Milan and a seasonal hospitality employee in a small tourist town are effectively participating in two different labor markets.

Italy’s lower salary levels are one of the country’s principal disadvantages for internationally mobile professionals.

On the other hand, the cost of living outside the largest cities can be significantly lower.

This is why choosing where to work can be almost as important as choosing what to do.

Permanent vs. Temporary Contracts

Italian employment contracts can take several forms.

The most important distinction is between:

Tempo indeterminato — an open-ended/permanent employment relationship.

Tempo determinato — a fixed-term contract.

Temporary and seasonal employment is common in tourism, agriculture, logistics and some service industries.

For someone moving permanently to Italy, an indefinite contract is generally preferable because it provides greater employment stability and can make other aspects of life, including renting housing and obtaining financing, easier.

However, a fixed-term contract can be an excellent way for an expat to gain Italian work experience.

Internships and Apprenticeships

Young people entering the Italian labor market should investigate:

  • Stage
  • Tirocinio
  • Apprendistato

These arrangements can provide practical experience and sometimes lead to permanent employment.

The disadvantage is that some internships offer relatively low compensation.

Do not assume that an internship automatically guarantees a job afterward.

The Biggest Mistakes Expats Make

Moving Before Researching the Labor Market

Italy is an attractive place to live, but choosing a town because it is beautiful does not mean there will be employment in your profession.

Research employment first.

Assuming English Is Enough

English is valuable, but Italian opens dramatically more doors.

Expecting Northern European Salaries

Italy’s labor market has different wage structures.

Research salaries for your exact profession and region.

Ignoring Qualifications

A foreign qualification may need recognition.

Check before moving.

Applying Only Online

Use websites, but also contact companies directly and network.

Sending an American-Style Résumé

Adapt your CV to Italian expectations and the position.

Looking Only at Milan and Rome

Italy’s industrial economy is spread across numerous medium-sized cities.

Bologna, Turin, Modena, Parma, Padua, Verona, Vicenza, Bergamo, Brescia and many other cities can offer excellent opportunities.

Accepting a Job Without Understanding the Contract

Before signing, understand:

  • Gross salary
  • Net salary
  • Working hours
  • Contract duration
  • Probation period
  • Holiday entitlement
  • Notice period
  • Overtime
  • Collective agreement
  • Benefits
  • Location
  • Remote-work provisions

A Better Job-Search Strategy

If you are planning to move to Italy, use this sequence.

Step 1: Identify Your Profession

Determine the Italian name for your profession.

Search both English and Italian terms.

Step 2: Determine Demand

Use current labor-market information from Excelsior, EURES and job portals.

Step 3: Choose Your Region

Do not choose your location exclusively based on lifestyle.

Balance:

employment + salary + housing costs + transportation + quality of life.

Step 4: Check Qualification Requirements

Determine whether your education or professional certification is recognized in Italy.

Step 5: Improve Italian

Even basic Italian can make the transition easier.

Aim for B1/B2 if employment in Italy is your long-term objective.

Step 6: Prepare Your CV

Create an Italian-language version where appropriate.

Step 7: Start Applying Before Moving

Ideally, begin several months before your planned relocation.

Step 8: Network

Contact recruiters, professional associations and companies.

Step 9: Consider a Temporary Job

A temporary position can give you Italian experience and contacts.

Step 10: Keep Looking

Your first Italian job does not necessarily have to be your final career.

It can be the bridge into the Italian labor market.

The Future of Employment in Italy

The medium-term outlook is particularly interesting.

Excelsior estimates that Italy will need millions of workers during 2025–2029, with demand driven not only by economic expansion but also by replacement of workers leaving employment. More than one-third of demand in the most favorable scenario is expected to concern highly specialized professionals, experts and technicians.

Italy will increasingly need workers in:

  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Engineering
  • Robotics
  • Renewable energy
  • Industrial automation
  • Logistics
  • Skilled trades
  • Construction
  • Tourism
  • Social assistance

Demographics are an especially powerful factor.

Large numbers of experienced Italian workers will retire over the coming years, creating replacement demand.

At the same time, Italy’s companies are increasingly adopting automation and digital technologies.

This combination creates an unusual labor-market situation:

Italy can have unemployment and labor shortages at the same time.

The problem is often that the people available for work do not have the qualifications, location, language skills or experience employers require.

Is Italy a Good Place to Build a Career?

The answer depends heavily on your profession.

Italy can be a very good choice if you have:

  • Strong technical skills
  • Healthcare qualifications
  • Engineering experience
  • IT skills
  • Manufacturing experience
  • Skilled-trade qualifications
  • Tourism experience
  • Strong language skills
  • International business experience

It is more difficult if you have:

  • No Italian
  • No professional qualification
  • No work experience
  • A profession with little demand
  • Expectations of very high salaries
  • No financial reserve while searching

For someone planning to move to Italy, the ideal approach is therefore not:

“I want to live in Italy. What job can I find?”

A much better question is:

“What skills do I have that Italy needs, and where in Italy are those skills most valuable?”

That small change in approach can make the difference between a difficult job search and a successful relocation.

Final Thoughts

Italy’s employment market in 2026 is neither as bleak nor as easy as it is sometimes portrayed.

The country has millions of workers, a large manufacturing economy, world-leading tourism, internationally recognized brands and a growing need for specialized skills. At the same time, salaries remain relatively modest in many sectors, regional inequalities are significant, and language and qualification requirements can create barriers for foreigners.

The strongest opportunities are increasingly found where Italy has a shortage of workers rather than simply where there are large numbers of job advertisements.

For expats, that means skills matter, Italian matters, location matters and preparation matters.

If you are planning to move to Italy, start researching the employment market before you buy the plane ticket. Identify the regions where your profession is in demand, investigate recognition of your qualifications, learn Italian, prepare an Italy-focused CV and begin networking.

Italy may not offer the highest salaries in Europe, but for the right professional—and particularly for someone whose skills correspond to areas of labor shortage—it can offer something else: the possibility of combining a career with the extraordinary lifestyle, culture, food and communities that make Italy one of the world’s most desirable countries to live in.

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