Italy continues to attract foreign workers in 2026, particularly in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, agriculture, construction, logistics and care work.
One important route for non-EU workers is Italy’s Decreto Flussi, the government system that regulates the number of foreign workers who can enter Italy for employment. Italy’s official immigration information confirms that both seasonal and non-seasonal employment can fall under this system.
For people interested in hotels and tourism, this is particularly important because the tourism-hotel sector is included among the sectors covered by the work-entry quota system.
Hotel and Hospitality Jobs
Foreign workers may find opportunities such as:
Hotel housekeeper
Room attendant
Cleaner
Laundry worker
Kitchen assistant
Dishwasher
Waiter or waitress
Hotel support worker
Seasonal tourism worker
Tourism jobs can be particularly interesting because Italy receives millions of visitors every year, creating seasonal demand for workers.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
For many entry-level hotel and housekeeping positions, a university degree is not normally the main requirement.
Employers may look for:
Previous housekeeping or cleaning experience
Hotel or hospitality experience
Domestic-work experience
Good physical stamina
Reliability and punctuality
Ability to work as part of a team
Willingness to work shifts, weekends and holidays
Attention to cleanliness and hygiene
Basic Italian or English, depending on the employer
Italian language skills can be a major advantage. Even basic Italian can make communication at work and everyday life much easier.
If you have worked as a domestic helper for several years, don’t immediately assume that your experience is irrelevant.
Cleaning bathrooms, making beds, doing laundry, organizing rooms, maintaining hygiene and managing a household are all skills that can be presented as relevant housekeeping experience.
Can Someone Outside Italy Apply?
Yes.
Non-EU citizens living outside Italy can potentially enter Italy for employment, but there is an important process.
The Italian employer generally has to request the required Nulla Osta, or work authorization, through the Italian immigration system. The work visa is then applied for through the appropriate Italian consular process.
The general process is:
Find a genuine employer → employer starts the work authorization process → obtain the required authorization → apply for the work visa → travel legally to Italy.
Italy’s official foreign ministry confirms that employment entry for non-EU citizens mainly takes place through the Decreto Flussi quota system.
Legitimate Recruitment Agencies to Check
If you’re searching from outside Italy, start with established recruitment companies and their official websites.
Randstad Italia
Randstad operates throughout Italy and provides information specifically for foreigners interested in working in Italy. Its website also provides access to job opportunities and information about documents for foreign workers.
[Randstad Italia](https://www.randstad.it/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Adecco Italia
Adecco is an established international recruitment company with operations in Italy. Its Italian website lists employment opportunities and recruitment services, including hospitality-related work.
[Adecco Italia](https://www.adecco.com/it-it?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Gi Group
Gi Group is another major Italian recruitment company with opportunities across different industries, including hospitality and tourism.
[Gi Group Italia](https://www.gigroup.it/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Remember: a legitimate recruitment company does not mean every job on its website offers visa sponsorship. Always check the individual vacancy and whether the employer accepts candidates currently living outside Italy.
Documents You Should Prepare
Before applying, prepare a professional CV and, where applicable:
Valid passport
Updated CV
Employment certificates
Reference letters
Training certificates
Police clearance
Proof of previous work experience
Passport photographs
Language certificates, if requested
Your CV should clearly explain your actual duties rather than simply saying “domestic worker” or “cleaner.”
For example, mention experience with housekeeping, laundry, room organization, hygiene, cleaning products, bed-making and time management.
Beware of Fake Italy Job Offers
This is extremely important.
You may see advertisements saying:
“Italy hotel job — guaranteed visa!”
or
“Pay €5,000 and we will arrange everything.”
Don’t send money simply because somebody contacted you through Facebook, WhatsApp or Telegram.
Ask for:
The employer’s full name.
The exact job position.
Salary and working hours.
A written employment offer or contract.
Who will apply for the Nulla Osta.
Which visa you will apply for.
The Italian government confirms that the Nulla Osta is part of the employment visa process for eligible non-EU workers.
Is Italy Worth Considering?
For foreigners with experience in hospitality, cleaning, housekeeping, agriculture, construction or care work, Italy is certainly a country worth researching.
But remember:
A government quota does not mean everyone gets a job.
A job advertisement does not automatically mean visa sponsorship.
A recruitment agency cannot guarantee immigration approval.
The safest pathway is:
REAL EMPLOYER → REAL JOB OFFER → LEGAL WORK AUTHORIZATION → WORK VISA
If you already have years of cleaning or domestic-work experience, don’t underestimate what you’ve learned.
Sometimes your next opportunity doesn’t require starting from zero.
It may simply require presenting the experience you already have in the right way.
*Immigration rules and annual quotas can change. Always verify the current requirements with the Italian government, Italian consulate and employer before paying any recruitment or visa-related fees.*
