Visa and residence permit for non-EU workers in elderly and disabled care

In recent years, Italy has initiated a reform of migration policies regarding domestic and family care work, with particular attention to the so-called “very elderly” (people over 80) and persons with disabilities. To meet the growing demand for qualified family caregivers, the Government has recently introduced specific channels allowing non-EU workers to enter and work in Italy outside the traditional quotas of the decreto flussi (migration flow decrees).

A dedicated channel for the very elderly and people with disabilities

Decree-Law No. 145/2024, converted with amendments by Law No. 187/2024, has provided on an experimental basis for 2025 the entry of 10,000 foreign workers to be employed in the family and social-healthcare sector, exclusively for people over 80 and for persons with officially recognized disabilities. This measure was then extended to 2026, through a channel defined as “extra-quota,” which allows families to hire caregivers without having to wait for the click day scheduled for other domestic workers.

Families concerned may apply for authorization (nulla osta) at the Single Immigration Desk, currently (subject to further instructions from the competent authorities), either through employer associations that are signatories to the national domestic work collective agreement (CCNL) or through authorized employment agencies. The nulla osta is not issued automatically but only after checks by the Labor Inspectorate and the Police Headquarters. Once authorized, the worker may apply for a national work visa, and upon arrival in Italy will be granted a residence permit for subordinate work with a maximum duration of two years.

Restrictions and safeguards

For the first 12 months of actual employment, the worker hired under this type of residence permit is bound to work exclusively in the family care sector. Any changes of employer during this period are only possible with prior authorization from the territorial Inspectorates. Only after the end of the first year, and with a new employment contract, will it be possible to apply for another nulla osta and proceed with renewal or conversion of the permit.

Housekeepers and babysitters: still subject to the decreto flussi

The situation is different for housekeepers and babysitters, as well as domestic workers assisting elderly people under the age of 80. For these categories, the decreto flussi system with three-year programming remains in force. The new Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) for the 2026–2028 period has set 13,600 entries for 2026, 14,000 for 2027, and 14,200 for 2028. For these admissions, the click day procedure still applies, scheduled for February 18, 2026.

A balance between family needs and worker protection

Employer associations emphasize that eliminating the click day for care of the very elderly and the disabled represents progress for families, who often cannot plan in advance when they will need a caregiver. At the same time, the preliminary checks ensure compliance with regulations and protection of the workers involved.

With this new system, the country seeks to balance the growing care needs of the aging population with the regular and protected integration of foreign workers, strengthening both families’ right to assistance and migrants’ right to legal and dignified employment.

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.