Italy is increasingly becoming a top destination for foreign workers seeking Italy visa sponsorship jobs, affordable living costs, competitive salaries, and long-term residence opportunities in Europe. In 2026, Italy continues to experience significant labor shortages in healthcare, construction, agriculture, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, and information technology.

Due to an aging population and declining workforce, the Italian government has expanded its Decreto Flussi quota system, allowing thousands of non-EU foreign workers to legally enter Italy with employer sponsorship.

Salaries for foreign workers range from €26,000 to €65,000+ per year, depending on the sector, experience, and location.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Italy visa sponsorship jobs in 2026.

Why Work in Italy in 2026?

Italy offers a unique blend of career opportunities and lifestyle advantages.

1. Growing Demand for Foreign Workers

Italy lacks enough local workers in key sectors, making visa sponsorship easier for foreigners.

2. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to many EU countries, Italy offers:

• Lower housing costs (outside Milan & Rome)

• Affordable food and transportation

• Free or subsidized healthcare

3. Pathway to Permanent Residency

Foreign workers can apply for:

• Long-term residence permit after 5 years

• Italian citizenship after 10 years

4. Strategic EU Location

Working in Italy allows easier movement across Europe.

Italy Work Visa Types for Foreigners (2026)

1. Italy Work Visa (Nulla Osta + National Visa D)

This is the standard Italy work visa.

Process:

1. Employer applies for Nulla Osta (work authorization)

2. Worker applies for Visa D

3. Residence permit issued after arrival

Validity: 1–2 years (renewable)

2. Decreto Flussi Work Visa

Italy’s quota-based immigration program.

Covers:

• Construction

• Agriculture

• Hospitality

• Logistics

• Domestic work

High approval rate for sponsored workers.

3. EU Blue Card (Italy)

For highly skilled workers earning higher salaries.

Minimum salary: €24,800 – €30,000+

Top High-Paying Italy Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2026 (With Salaries)

1. Engineering Jobs (€45,000 – €65,000)

Engineering remains one of Italy’s strongest demand sectors.

In-demand roles:

• Mechanical Engineers

• Civil Engineers

• Electrical Engineers

• Automation Engineers

• Industrial Engineers

Major hiring cities: Milan, Turin, Bologna.

2. IT & Technology Jobs (€42,000 – €60,000+)

Italy’s tech sector is growing fast.

High-CPC roles:

• Software Developers

• Data Analysts

• Cybersecurity Specialists

• Cloud Engineers

• Web Developers

English is often accepted in international companies.

3. Healthcare & Nursing Jobs (€32,000 – €55,000)

Italy urgently needs healthcare professionals.

Most in demand:

• Registered Nurses

• Elderly Care Workers

• Medical Technicians

• Physiotherapists

Many employers offer language training support.

4. Construction & Skilled Trades (€30,000 – €50,000)

Italy’s infrastructure projects create strong demand.

Roles include:

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• Welders

• Carpenters

• Masons

High visa approval under Decreto Flussi.

5. Manufacturing & Factory Jobs (€28,000 – €48,000)

Foreign workers are needed in:

• Automotive manufacturing

• Food processing

• Packaging

• Machine operation

Many roles accept workers without advanced degrees.

6. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs (€26,000 – €45,000)

Tourism is a major employer.

In-demand roles:

• Chefs

• Hotel staff

• Restaurant workers

• Housekeeping staff

High demand in Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence.

7. Logistics & Transport Jobs (€30,000 – €46,000)

Italy’s logistics sector supports exports across Europe.

Roles include:

• Truck Drivers

• Warehouse Operators

• Forklift Drivers

Italy Shortage Occupation List 2026

Jobs with the highest sponsorship success:

• Engineers

• IT professionals

• Nurses & care workers

• Construction workers

• Welders & electricians

• Factory workers

• Agricultural workers

• Logistics workers

• Hospitality staff

READ ALSO: Germany Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Foreigners in 2026 (Full Guide)

Requirements for Italy Visa Sponsorship Jobs

To qualify:

• Valid job offer from Italian employer

• Employer sponsorship (Nulla Osta)

• Valid passport

• Clean criminal record

• Proof of accommodation

• Health insurance

• Educational or work experience documents

Documents Needed for Italy Work Visa

• Passport

• Job contract

• Nulla Osta approval

• Visa application form

• Passport photographs

• Proof of accommodation

• Medical insurance

• Visa fee receipt

How to Apply for Italy Visa Sponsorship Jobs (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Search for Italy Jobs Offering Sponsorship

Use trusted platforms:

• EURES Italy

• Indeed Italy

• LinkedIn Jobs

• Subito Lavoro

• InfoJobs Italy

Step 2: Apply Directly to Employers

Focus on listings mentioning:

• “Visa sponsorship”

• “Nulla Osta available”

• “Decreto Flussi jobs”

Step 3: Employer Applies for Nulla Osta

This is handled by the employer.

Step 4: Apply for National Visa (D)

Submit documents at Italian Embassy.

Step 5: Travel to Italy & Apply for Residence Permit

Must be done within 8 days of arrival.

Top Companies Hiring Foreign Workers in Italy (2026)

• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Stellantis)

• Leonardo S.p.A

• ENI

• Pirelli

• Barilla

• Ferrero

• Amazon Italy

• Luxottica

• Fincantieri

• Accor Hotels Italy

READ ALSO: High-Paying Finland Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2026 – Apply Now

Conclusion

Italy is one of Europe’s most accessible countries for foreign workers in 2026, offering:

• Salaries up to €65,000+

• High demand across skilled and unskilled sectors

• Government-approved visa sponsorship programs

• Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship

• Affordable living costs

If you’re looking to relocate to Europe through visa sponsorship jobs, Italy should be on your shortlist.