1. High Demand for Workers
Italy has a strong and ongoing demand for domestic workers, especially for caregivers (badanti), housekeepers, and nannies. With an aging population and many dual-income households, families often rely on external help for caregiving and household tasks.
2. Opportunity for Steady Employment
Many domestic jobs in Italy offer long-term contracts and consistent hours, particularly for live-in positions. This provides financial stability and a predictable routine for workers.
3. Legal Protections and Labor Rights
Domestic workers in Italy are protected under national labor laws, including minimum wage standards, paid holidays, sick leave, and severance pay. Legal employment through contracts also opens access to social benefits and pension contributions.
4. Pathway to Residency and Integration
Legal employment in domestic work can support residency permit applications or renewals. It also provides a pathway to long-term integration in Italy, including access to healthcare and the possibility of family reunification.
5. Cultural Exchange and Language Learning
Working closely with Italian families allows domestic workers to learn the language and immerse themselves in Italian culture. This experience can improve communication skills and open additional job opportunities in the future.
6. Flexible Work Arrangements
The sector offers a variety of work arrangements—live-in, part-time, full-time—which can suit different personal circumstances. Some jobs also include food and accommodation, reducing living expenses.
7. Entry Point for Migrants
For many migrants, domestic work is a practical entry point into the Italian labor market. It often requires limited formal education or Italian language skills at the start, making it accessible to newcomers.
1. A Gateway to a New Life in Italy
Domestic work offers international candidates a meaningful entry into Italian society. Whether you're caring for an elderly person in the heart of Florence or managing a household in the suburbs of Milan, your skills are not only in demand—they’re deeply valued.
2. A Profession Built on Trust and Human Connection
This is more than just a job; it’s a role rooted in empathy, care, and reliability. As a domestic or household worker, you become an essential part of a family’s daily life. The work is personal and impactful, creating bonds that often last far beyond the terms of a contract.
3. Embrace the Italian Way of Living
Working closely with Italian families means immersion in local customs, language, and cuisine. From helping with traditional home-cooked meals to participating in family celebrations, you’ll experience Italy not just as a worker, but as a cultural participant.
4. Opportunities for Professional and Personal Growth
International domestic workers often begin with basic roles but quickly grow their skills—whether through learning the language, gaining eldercare experience, or specializing in childcare or home management. Many go on to pursue further training or move into related professional fields.
5. Stability Through Legal Employment
Italy offers strong legal protections for domestic workers, including formal contracts, social insurance, and rights to holidays and severance. For international candidates, this stability is a vital step toward a secure future and potential residency.
6. Work That Matches Your Lifestyle
From live-in caregiving roles to flexible part-time housekeeping positions, the sector offers a wide range of schedules to fit your personal needs and goals. Whether you’re supporting family back home or seeking a fresh start, there’s a position to match.
7. A Community of Global Workers
You won’t be alone. Italy is home to a large and diverse network of domestic workers from across the globe. Many regions have support organizations, language schools, and community networks that make adjusting to life in Italy easier and more fulfilling.
1. Caregivers (Badanti)
Caregivers provide assistance to elderly or disabled individuals, often within private homes. Duties may include helping with mobility, personal hygiene, medication reminders, companionship, and basic household tasks. Many badanti live with the person they care for, especially in rural areas or for full-time roles.
2. Housekeepers (Colf)
Housekeepers focus on maintaining cleanliness and order in a household. Their tasks typically include cleaning, laundry, ironing, organizing, and sometimes cooking. Colf roles can be part-time or full-time, and live-in or live-out depending on the family's needs.
3. Nannies and Childcare Workers (Tate)
Nannies look after children, either during the day or in live-in arrangements. Responsibilities include preparing meals, helping with homework, supervising playtime, and sometimes assisting with school pickup or drop-off. Experience in childcare or early childhood education is often preferred.
4. Domestic Couples (Coppie di Fattori o Custodi)
Domestic couples are usually hired to manage larger estates, villas, or countryside homes. One partner might handle gardening, maintenance, and security, while the other focuses on housekeeping or cooking. These roles often come with accommodation and are ideal for couples seeking joint employment.
5. Cooks and Private Chefs
Some families hire dedicated cooks for daily meal preparation, grocery shopping, and kitchen maintenance. This role is more common in affluent households or for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences. Professional cooking experience is often required.
6. Personal Assistants in Private Homes
These roles go beyond traditional domestic work, including scheduling appointments, managing household finances, overseeing staff, or running errands. They require high levels of trust, organization, and often fluency in Italian.
7. Gardeners and Estate Workers
Large properties may hire gardeners or estate workers to care for lawns, gardens, pools, and outdoor facilities. These jobs may also include light maintenance or animal care in rural areas.
Job Profile |
EUR (€) |
USD ($) |
INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Live-in Caregiver (Badante) |
€1,100 |
$1,188 |
₹100,100 |
|
2. Live-out Caregiver |
€1,300 |
$1,404 |
₹118,300 |
|
3. Full-time Housekeeper (Colf) |
€1,200 |
$1,296 |
₹109,200 |
|
4. Part-time Housekeeper |
€700 |
$756 |
₹63,700 |
|
5. Nanny (Live-in) |
€1,200 |
$1,296 |
₹109,200 |
|
6. Nanny (Live-out) |
€1,400 |
$1,512 |
₹127,400 |
|
7. Domestic Couple (Combined) |
€2,400 |
$2,592 |
₹218,400 |
|
8. Cook/Private Chef |
€1,600 |
$1,728 |
₹145,600 |
|
9. Elderly Companion (Part-time) |
€800 |
$864 |
₹72,800 |
|
10. Babysitter (Hourly) |
€10/hour |
$10.80/hr |
₹910/hr |
|
11. Cleaner (Freelance) |
€700 |
$756 |
₹63,700 |
|
12. Gardener |
€1,000 |
$1,080 |
₹91,000 |
|
13. Live-in Domestic Worker |
€1,000 |
$1,080 |
₹91,000 |
|
14. House Manager |
€1,800 |
$1,944 |
₹163,800 |
|
15. Personal Assistant (Private) |
€2,000 |
$2,160 |
₹182,000 |
|
16. Driver for Household |
€1,500 |
$1,620 |
₹136,500 |
|
17. Butler |
€2,200 |
$2,376 |
₹200,200 |
|
18. Laundry/Ironing Staff |
€900 |
$972 |
₹81,900 |
|
19. Childcare Assistant (Day) |
€1,100 |
$1,188 |
₹100,100 |
|
20. Night Caregiver |
€1,300 |
$1,404 |
₹118,300 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Legal Age Requirement |
Minimum 18 years old |
|
2. Work Visa / Permit |
Non-EU citizens must obtain a valid work visa under the Flussi Decree or family reunification programs |
|
3. Residence Permit (Permesso di soggiorno) |
Required for legal stay and employment in Italy |
|
4. Employment Contract |
Must have a signed employment contract from an Italian employer (can be live-in or live-out) |
|
5. Language Skills |
Basic Italian recommended (not mandatory, but improves job prospects and communication) |
|
6. Health Check |
Medical clearance may be required, especially for caregiving roles |
|
7. Clean Criminal Record |
A police clearance certificate may be requested during visa processing |
|
8. Educational Qualification |
No formal education required; however, basic literacy is preferred |
|
9. Work Experience |
Previous experience in domestic work or caregiving is often preferred but not always required |
|
10. Registration with INPS |
Workers must be registered with the Italian Social Security Institute (INPS) by the employer |
|
11. Job Offer from Italian Employer |
Mandatory for visa processing; job offer must meet minimum wage and labor standards |
|
12. Accommodation (if live-in) |
Must be provided by the employer for live-in positions |
|
13. Training/Certifications |
Basic training in elderly care, first aid, or childcare may enhance job chances (optional) |
|
14. Valid Passport |
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned duration of stay |
|
15. Entry through Legal Channels |
Must enter Italy through official migration channels (unauthorized entry disqualifies employment) |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Live-in Caregiver (Badante) |
Assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily activities, hygiene, medication, meals, companionship |
|
2. Live-out Caregiver |
Same as live-in but on a shift basis, without residing in the household |
|
3. Full-time Housekeeper (Colf) |
General cleaning, laundry, ironing, organizing, sometimes cooking or grocery shopping |
|
4. Part-time Housekeeper |
Basic cleaning and upkeep, typically a few hours per day or per week |
|
5. Nanny (Live-in) |
Childcare, feeding, hygiene, playtime, assisting with schoolwork, supervision |
|
6. Nanny (Live-out) |
Similar to live-in, but on fixed day shifts without residing in the home |
|
7. Domestic Couple |
Joint duties: one partner handles cleaning and cooking; the other manages maintenance or outdoor tasks |
|
8. Cook / Private Chef |
Plan and prepare meals, accommodate dietary needs, kitchen organization and sanitation |
|
9. Elderly Companion |
Provide emotional support, engage in conversations, assist with light chores or errands |
|
10. Babysitter |
Supervise children during short hours, assist with meals, bedtime routines, and safety |
|
11. Cleaner (Freelance) |
Deep cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, window cleaning; typically hired by the hour |
|
12. Gardener |
Lawn care, planting, pruning, weeding, maintaining outdoor areas and sometimes basic pool maintenance |
|
13. Live-in Domestic Worker |
Combined duties: cleaning, cooking, laundry, and possibly childcare or eldercare |
|
14. House Manager |
Oversee household staff, manage schedules, coordinate repairs, handle supplies and budgeting |
|
15. Personal Assistant (Private) |
Manage calendars, book appointments, run errands, assist employer in daily personal or business matters |
|
16. Driver for Household |
Transport family members, maintain vehicle cleanliness and safety, handle errands |
|
17. Butler |
Formal service, manage dining and events, greet guests, oversee household operations |
|
18. Laundry/Ironing Staff |
Wash, dry, iron, and fold clothing and linens; may include minor repairs or organization |
|
19. Childcare Assistant (Day) |
Support parents with feeding, playtime, hygiene, and monitoring child safety |
|
20. Night Caregiver |
Overnight assistance for elderly or ill patients, administer medications, ensure safety during the night |
Job Profile |
Minimum Age |
Visa/Permit Needed |
Experience Preferred |
Language Skills (Italian) |
Education Required |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Live-in Caregiver (Badante) |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes (elderly care) |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Health certificate, physical fitness |
|
2. Live-out Caregiver |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Local residency preferred |
|
3. Full-time Housekeeper (Colf) |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Time management, attention to detail |
|
4. Part-time Housekeeper |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
May work for multiple households |
|
5. Nanny (Live-in) |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes (childcare) |
Basic to Intermediate |
Not mandatory |
First aid knowledge, background check |
|
6. Nanny (Live-out) |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Intermediate |
Not mandatory |
Clean criminal record |
|
7. Domestic Couple |
18+ |
Yes (for both) |
Yes |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Must be legally married or documented partners |
|
8. Cook / Private Chef |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes (culinary experience) |
Basic |
Culinary training helps |
Menu planning and dietary knowledge |
|
9. Elderly Companion |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Kindness, communication skills |
|
10. Babysitter |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Flexibility with hours |
|
11. Cleaner (Freelance) |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Must have tax registration if freelance |
|
12. Gardener |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Physical stamina, basic landscaping knowledge |
|
13. Live-in Domestic Worker |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Flexible schedule, multitasking |
|
14. House Manager |
21+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Intermediate to Fluent |
Secondary or higher |
Leadership and admin skills |
|
15. Personal Assistant (Private) |
21+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Fluent |
Higher education helps |
Discretion, organizational skills |
|
16. Driver for Household |
21+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Valid driving license, local road knowledge |
|
17. Butler |
25+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Fluent |
Hospitality training |
Formal service experience |
|
18. Laundry/Ironing Staff |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Knowledge of fabrics, use of equipment |
|
19. Childcare Assistant (Day) |
18+ |
Yes |
Preferred |
Basic to Intermediate |
Not mandatory |
First aid and child development knowledge |
|
20. Night Caregiver |
18+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Basic |
Not mandatory |
Night availability, health screening |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
Experience Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Live-in Caregiver (Badante) |
1–2 years preferred |
Elderly care, assistance with daily living, mobility, and hygiene |
|
2. Live-out Caregiver |
1–3 years preferred |
Similar to live-in; medical or nursing experience is a plus |
|
3. Full-time Housekeeper (Colf) |
1 year preferred |
General house cleaning, organizing, and laundry |
|
4. Part-time Housekeeper |
Some experience preferred |
Previous cleaning work or domestic service is beneficial |
|
5. Nanny (Live-in) |
1–2 years strongly preferred |
Childcare, feeding, bedtime routines, and supervision |
|
6. Nanny (Live-out) |
2+ years preferred |
Proven child development knowledge or prior full-time nanny experience |
|
7. Domestic Couple |
2–5 years combined preferred |
Experience in estate maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, and outdoor care |
|
8. Cook / Private Chef |
3+ years required |
Meal planning, dietary accommodation, and kitchen hygiene |
|
9. Elderly Companion |
Some experience helpful |
Emotional support, conversation, and light help with daily routines |
|
10. Babysitter |
Some informal experience acceptable |
Evening or weekend care; references from families preferred |
|
11. Cleaner (Freelance) |
1 year preferred |
Residential or commercial cleaning experience |
|
12. Gardener |
1–2 years preferred |
Landscaping, tool handling, and plant care |
|
13. Live-in Domestic Worker |
1–2 years preferred |
Versatility in cooking, cleaning, and caregiving |
|
14. House Manager |
3+ years required |
Supervising staff, scheduling, budgeting, and managing household operations |
|
15. Personal Assistant (Private) |
2–5 years required |
Admin support, calendar coordination, and discretion in private matters |
|
16. Driver for Household |
2+ years required |
Private driving, route planning, and vehicle maintenance |
|
17. Butler |
3–5 years required |
Formal service, event coordination, and guest reception |
|
18. Laundry/Ironing Staff |
1 year preferred |
Fabric handling, stain treatment, and use of ironing/steaming equipment |
|
19. Childcare Assistant (Day) |
1–2 years preferred |
Experience in nurseries, preschools, or home-based child care |
|
20. Night Caregiver |
1–2 years required |
Overnight care, monitoring health conditions, emergency response |
Name |
Type |
Location |
Key Roles Hired |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Obiettivo Famiglia – Federcasalinghe |
NGO / Employment Support |
National (Headquartered in Rome) |
Caregivers, Nannies, Housekeepers |
Helps connect families with trained domestic workers and caregivers |
|
EpiCura |
Private Health & Care Agency |
Turin, Milan, Rome |
Home caregivers, nurses |
Offers digital platform for hiring health professionals |
|
AxL Agenzia per il Lavoro |
Recruitment Agency |
National |
Domestic staff, cleaning personnel |
Includes foreign candidates with valid permits |
|
Family Care Srl |
Caregiving Agency |
Milan, Bologna, Verona |
Caregivers (Badanti), Domestic workers |
Specializes in eldercare; also helps with training and regularization |
|
Randstad Italia |
Recruitment Agency |
National |
Cleaners, Housekeepers, Caregivers |
Large HR firm; partners with homes and institutions |
|
Manpower Italia |
Recruitment Agency |
National |
Cleaning staff, caretakers |
Accepts candidates with experience and legal documentation |
|
Umana Spa |
Employment Agency |
Nationwide |
Nannies, Cleaners, Elderly Companions |
Offers support for both employers and workers |
|
Oasi Lavoro |
Care Sector Agency |
Emilia-Romagna, Marche |
Caregivers, Home Assistants |
Often works with elderly and disabled individuals |
|
Colf Semplice |
Online Matching Platform |
National (Digital) |
Housekeepers, Babysitters, Cleaners |
Platform matching domestic workers with families |
|
Badando.it |
Care Services Platform |
Online/National |
Elderly caregivers (badanti) |
Specialized platform for families seeking home care assistance |
|
Helpling Italia |
Online Platform |
Major Cities |
Cleaners (freelance) |
Online marketplace for domestic cleaning jobs |
|
WeCare Group |
Care Services Company |
Milan, Rome |
Home care aides, domestic staff |
Offers live-in and live-out roles with full contracts |
|
PrivatAssistenza |
National Franchise |
Over 250 Italian cities |
Caregivers, Domestic Helpers |
Network of local agencies offering family support and healthcare at home |
|
Centro Servizi Famiglia |
Family Services Agency |
Naples, Bari, Palermo |
Nannies, Housekeepers, Caregivers |
Regional hiring with training support |
|
Agenzia Colf & Badanti |
Local Agency |
Florence, Siena, Arezzo |
Housekeepers, Caregivers |
Focus on Tuscan region, works with foreign workers |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (€ / Month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies / Agencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Live-in Caregiver (Badante) |
€1,100 |
Age 18+, basic Italian, elderly care experience, work permit |
Assist with hygiene, meals, medication, and companionship for elderly |
Family Care Srl, PrivatAssistenza, Oasi Lavoro |
|
Live-out Caregiver |
€1,300 |
Work visa, caregiving experience, local accommodation |
Same as above, works by shift or part-time |
AxL Agenzia, WeCare Group, Umana Spa |
|
Full-time Housekeeper (Colf) |
€1,200 |
Work permit, housekeeping experience preferred |
Cleaning, laundry, organizing, sometimes cooking |
Randstad Italia, Colf Semplice, Family Care Srl |
|
Part-time Housekeeper |
€700 |
Flexible hours, some cleaning experience |
Light cleaning duties a few hours a day/week |
Helpling Italia, Umana Spa, Centro Servizi Famiglia |
|
Live-in Nanny |
€1,200 |
Childcare experience, basic Italian, background check |
Supervise children, feed, assist with school, bedtime routines |
Agenzia Colf & Badanti, Centro Servizi Famiglia, Family Care Srl |
|
Live-out Nanny |
€1,400 |
Work permit, childcare experience, local housing |
Similar to live-in, with fixed working hours |
Randstad, Umana Spa, PrivatAssistenza |
|
Domestic Couple |
€2,400 (for two) |
Married or proven partners, experience in cleaning/gardening/cooking |
Jointly manage home: one cleans/cooks, the other maintains garden or property |
Family employers, private villas (through agencies like Oasi Lavoro) |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
€1,600 |
Culinary experience or training, work permit |
Meal planning and prep, dietary needs, kitchen management |
Private employers, domestic staffing agencies |
|
Elderly Companion |
€800 |
Patience, communication, some caregiving knowledge |
Provide emotional support and light daily assistance |
Obiettivo Famiglia, Badando.it |
|
Babysitter (Part-time) |
€10/hour |
Informal childcare experience, flexibility |
Short-hour care, feeding, playtime, light supervision |
Helpling Italia, local family hires |
|
Cleaner (Freelance) |
€700 |
Cleaning skills, tools (if freelance), basic Italian |
House or apartment cleaning on a freelance/hourly basis |
Helpling Italia, Colf Semplice |
|
Gardener |
€1,000 |
Experience with gardening tools, physical fitness |
Maintain lawns, trees, seasonal planting |
Private homes, villas, Umana Spa |
|
Live-in Domestic Worker |
€1,000 |
All-around household skills, legal work status |
Mix of cleaning, cooking, basic caregiving |
AxL Agenzia, Family Care, local agencies |
|
House Manager |
€1,800 |
Strong Italian, admin and staff coordination experience |
Supervise staff, handle scheduling, suppliers, budgeting |
High-net-worth families via private staffing agencies |
|
Personal Assistant (Private) |
€2,000 |
Fluent Italian, discretion, prior admin or assistant experience |
Manage schedules, bookings, errands, family tasks |
Private employers, luxury household agencies |
|
Driver (Household) |
€1,500 |
Valid EU/Italian license, driving experience |
Transport family, maintain vehicle, pick up groceries/supplies |
Family offices, Umana Spa, WeCare Group |
|
Butler |
€2,200 |
Formal service experience, etiquette, fluent Italian/English |
Guest reception, event service, staff management |
Luxury estates, private staffing agencies |
|
Laundry/Ironing Staff |
€900 |
Fabric care knowledge, use of iron/press machines |
Wash, dry, iron clothes, linens, organize wardrobes |
Large homes, hotels, Family Care Srl |
|
Childcare Assistant (Day) |
€1,100 |
Childcare training preferred, first aid, patience |
Assist with children's needs, feeding, hygiene, basic teaching |
Centro Servizi Famiglia, local nurseries |
|
Night Caregiver |
€1,300 |
Elderly care experience, night availability |
Monitor elderly or disabled patients overnight, provide emergency support |
Badando.it, Oasi Lavoro, PrivatAssistenza |
Visa Type |
Who It’s For |
Key Features |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) Work Visa |
Non-EU citizens applying for seasonal and non-seasonal work |
Announced annually by the Italian government; includes quotas for domestic work |
Valid job offer from an Italian employer, quota availability, employer sponsorship, contract |
|
2. Family Reunification Visa (Ricongiungimento Familiare) |
Non-EU citizens with family legally residing in Italy |
Allows a spouse, parent, or child of a legal resident to join them and later apply for work |
Family ties in Italy, housing and income proof from sponsor, residence permit for family member |
|
3. Conversion of Study or Other Permits |
Students or interns currently in Italy |
Allows conversion of a student, trainee, or seasonal permit into a work permit (if quotas allow) |
Must be legally residing in Italy with a convertible residence permit |
|
4. Long-Term EU Residence Permit (Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo) |
Long-term residents in another EU country |
Can be used to apply for work in Italy if residence and income requirements are met |
Legal residence in an EU state for at least 5 years, income proof, housing, integration exam |
|
5. Domestic Worker Permit (Permesso per Lavoro Domestico) |
Workers already in Italy through Flussi or family reunification |
Residence permit issued after entering Italy legally and starting work as a caregiver or housekeeper |
Signed contract, employer registration with INPS, housing declaration |
|
6. Asylum/Protection-Based Permits |
Refugees, asylum seekers, or those with subsidiary protection |
Once protection is granted, they can work legally in Italy, including in domestic jobs |
Proof of legal protection status, integration support often provided |
