How to obtain a residence permit for domestic workers of Italian or EU citizens relocating to Italy

Anyone wishing to hire a domestic worker from abroad must be aware of the procedures established by Italian law for the entry and employment of non-EU citizens. The main pathway consists of obtaining a visa for Italy that allows domestic work, such as housekeepers, caregivers, or babysitters, and subsequently the corresponding residence permit.

In general, Italy provides two entry channels: through the annual quotas established by the decreto flussi, or through out-of-quota procedures for so-called “special cases.”

The second case specifically concerns Italian or European citizens who have already worked for at least one year with a non-EU worker abroad. They have the possibility to request an out-of-quota work authorization at any time of the year, thus facilitating the continuation of the employment relationship in Italy.

The first step to hire a domestic worker for Italian or European citizens residing abroad who are relocating to Italy is to obtain the domestic work authorization (nulla osta), which is requested online via the Ministry of the Interior’s portal. The main requirements, in addition to the employer having adequate income and providing suitable accommodation, are: (i) the prior existence abroad, for at least one year, of an employment relationship between the Italian/EU citizen and the domestic worker, and (ii) that the relocation to Italy, with registration in the municipal registry (Anagrafe) of residence of the Italian/EU citizen, occurs simultaneously with the request for the work authorization for the domestic worker.

Once the nulla osta is obtained, the worker can go to the Italian diplomatic representation in their country of residence to apply for a visa for Italy. After entering the country, within eight days it is necessary to sign the residence contract and start the procedure for the residence permit, either via certified email (PEC) or handwritten signature, according to the new simplified procedures.

In summary, the process to obtain a residence permit for domestic workers of Italian or European citizens requires careful planning and attention to regulatory details: from the nulla osta, to the visa application for Italy, to the registration of the employment contract, thus ensuring a regular and secure employment relationship.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

Our team is available to provide support and assistance regarding italian citizenship and immigration law! Contact us to schedule your first consultation! #Yourwaytoitaly

The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.