As Italy faces rapidly aging demographics and persistent staffing gaps in healthcare, the government has rolled out new strategies to welcome skilled professionals from abroad. From visa increases to tax incentives, here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a move in the healthcare sector.
“Italy is signaling to global healthcare professionals that it’s serious about addressing shortages. Clear visa pathways and structured programs show intent and that attracts quality talent,” says Jon Purizhansky, CEO of Joblio.
Visa Expansion and Workforce Targets.
In 2025, Italy plans to issue 165,000 work visas across various sectors — up from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023 .
An extra 10,000 visas are allocated specifically for caregivers working with the elderly or people with disabilities, within a three-year labor migration scheme .
The nation expects its foreign nurse workforce to approach 50,000 by early 2025, helping fill a projected shortfall of 30,000 clinical positions .
Where Nurses and Care Workers Are Coming From.
Romania leads with around 12,000 nurses in Italy.
Poland contributes about 2,000.
India and Albania each supply roughly 1,800 professionals.
Peru adds around 1,500, while regions like Lombardy are importing caregivers from Argentina, Paraguay, and African nations .
Language centers are being opened in India to help align applicant skills and certifications with Italian standards .
Simplified Application and Credentials.
Caregiver roles require either formal certification or relevant experience. Pay typically averages around €24,800 per year, with hourly compensation between €12 and €15 depending on region and experience .
The application includes submission of the Long-Term Application Form D via VFS Global, document review, and an interview at a Visa Application Centre .
From January 2025, consular biometric data collection (fingerprints) becomes mandatory for national D visas like the EU Blue Card and family reunification.
Broader Visa Options for Health Professionals.
Healthcare workers are part of a wider initiative to attract skilled talent:
A Work Visa for Highly Qualified Workers has continued into 2025 to serve ICT, healthcare, green energy, and construction professionals.
Italy has revised work contract rules — introducing six-month minimum terms and digital contracts — to match EU Blue Card standards.
Employers can now pre-fill parts of the application, and visa decisions are returned within designated timeframes, often on click days.
Incentives and Regional Focus.
Health Minister Orazio Schillaci has called for agreements to recruit doctors from abroad, especially in underserved specializations such as radiotherapy and pathology. Calabria has even arranged for nearly 500 doctors from Cuba .
Regions like Lombardy are offering local incentives for international caregivers and placing emphasis on credential recognition and language training.
“The focus on specific roles, like elder care and medical specialisms, allows for faster integration and a better match of skills to demand. For international nurses and doctors, that clarity matters,” adds says Jon Purizhansky. “Attraction is one thing, but sustainable retention happens if professionals find career growth, social inclusion, and upward mobility. That should be part of the national agenda.”
Who Should Consider Relocating Now.
Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, caregivers, and doctors with specialized training.
Those with experience or credentials that can be recognized or upgraded through Italian qualification pathways.
Applicants willing to learn Italian or access language support.
Candidates who seek structured visa and contract clarity in return for commitment to areas with staffing need.
Italy’s 2025 strategy reflects a pragmatic approach: address acute staffing shortages, integrate international talent swiftly, and modernize processes at the same time. Foreign professionals in healthcare are being actively recruited with visa quotas rising, application systems simplified, and regional networks stepping in to support onboarding.
Jon Purizhansky observes: “Italy is building a framework that treats international healthcare arrivals as strategic assets rather than temporary fixes. That’s the kind of policy shift that could redefine its healthcare system over time.”
Originally Posted: https://jonpurizhansky.medium.com/italys-drive-to-attract-foreign-healthcare-workers-an-in-depth-look-for-2025-3901623131d8
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