Caregiver jobs in Italy are commonly advertised under the Italian terms badante and assistente familiare. These workers support elderly or dependent people with everyday activities such as personal care, meals, mobility, companionship, and household tasks. Current September 2026 vacancies show opportunities for both live-in and part-time caregivers in several Italian regions.
The role can be suitable for experienced caregivers as well as workers with a background in elderly care, domestic assistance or basic healthcare support. Pay depends strongly on whether the position is live-in, part-time or non-residential and on the worker’s classification under the domestic-work agreement. The official 2026 minimum for a live-in CS-level caregiver is €1,193.84 per month, while current vacancies can offer higher amounts, including accommodation and meals.
Overview
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Common Job Title | Caregiver |
| Italian Job Titles | Badante, Assistente Familiare |
| Typical Salary | €1,100–€1,700+ per month |
| Live-In Salary | Around €1,190–€1,600+ gross/month, depending on level and arrangement |
| Part-Time Pay | Usually calculated according to hours and contract level |
| Accommodation | Often available with live-in positions |
| Meals | May be included with live-in employment |
| Main Employers | Private families, employment agencies, care services |
| Experience | Experience is preferred for many positions |
| Language | Italian is important |
| Work Type | Live-in, full-time or part-time |
| Main Duties | Personal care, meals, mobility, companionship and household support |
| Non-EU Workers | Work authorization and visa required |
What Is a Caregiver Called in Italy?
The word most commonly associated with elderly home-care work in Italy is badante. The broader professional term assistente familiare is also widely used.
A badante generally works in a private home and helps an elderly, disabled or dependent person with daily activities. The person being cared for may be independent, partially dependent or completely dependent, so the duties can vary considerably.
The job is different from that of a doctor or nurse. A caregiver provides daily assistance and support rather than independently performing medical procedures.
Typical Caregiver Responsibilities
Depending on the person’s needs, duties can include:
- Helping with bathing and personal hygiene
- Assisting with dressing
- Supporting mobility around the home
- Preparing meals
- Helping with eating
- Providing companionship
- Accompanying the person outside
- Taking the person to appointments
- Shopping for household necessities
- Performing light household cleaning
- Washing and ironing clothes
- Keeping the person’s living area organized
- Reminding the person about prescribed medication
- Observing changes in general wellbeing
- Reporting concerns to family members
A current Tuscany public employment vacancy for a live-in badante specifically includes personal hygiene, meals, mobility, daily activities and household duties for a non-self-sufficient elderly woman.
Different Types of Caregiver Jobs
Caregiver employment in Italy can look very different depending on the needs of the family.
Live-In Caregiver
A live-in caregiver stays in the employer’s home and provides assistance throughout the agreed working arrangement.
This is one of the most recognizable forms of badante employment in Italy. Accommodation is normally connected with this type of arrangement, although the exact conditions should always be written into the employment agreement.
A current Milan vacancy, for example, seeks a live-in badante for an elderly person and provides food and accommodation under the domestic-work contract.
Non-Live-In Caregiver
A non-live-in caregiver travels to the person’s home for specified working hours and returns home afterward.
This arrangement can be suitable for families needing assistance only during mornings, afternoons or particular days of the week.
Part-Time Caregiver
Part-time positions may involve only a few hours per day.
A current Umana vacancy in the Thiene area, for example, offers a family-assistance position for 18 hours per week, covering personal care, medication supervision and domestic cleaning.
Caregiver for a Self-Sufficient Person
Some elderly people need companionship and assistance with daily activities but can manage most personal tasks themselves.
These positions may involve:
- Companionship
- Shopping
- Cooking
- Small errands
- Housekeeping
- Assistance with appointments
A current Suzzara vacancy describes this type of role and offers an independent apartment within the family’s property, with approximately €1,200 net plus food and accommodation depending on experience.
Caregiver for a Non-Self-Sufficient Person
This position requires considerably more responsibility.
The caregiver may help with:
- Personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Transfers
- Walking
- Eating
- Daily routines
- Continuous supervision
Employers generally prefer candidates with previous experience for these positions.
Caregiver Salary in Italy in 2026
Caregiver salaries in Italy should be understood through the country’s domestic-work collective agreement rather than a single national average.
The official 2026 minimum monthly amounts for live-in domestic workers are:
| Level | 2026 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| A | €908.10 |
| AS | €958.55 |
| B | €983.16 |
| BS | €1,053.39 |
| C | €1,123.63 |
| CS | €1,193.84 |
| D | €1,404.51 + €207.69 allowance |
| DS | €1,474.73 + €207.69 allowance |
These amounts apply from January 1, 2026 under the domestic-work agreement.
The CS level is particularly relevant to caregiver work involving a person who is not self-sufficient. The 2026 minimum is €1,193.84 per month before considering applicable additional elements.
Current Caregiver Salary Examples
Actual vacancies can offer more than the contractual minimum.
| Caregiver Position | Indicative Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Caregiver | €1,000–€1,200 |
| Part-Time Caregiver | €600–€1,000+ |
| Live-In Caregiver | €1,190–€1,600+ |
| Experienced Badante | €1,300–€1,700+ |
| Non-Self-Sufficient Caregiver | €1,200–€1,700+ |
| Specialized Caregiver | €1,400–€1,800+ |
| Night Assistance | Depends on contract and arrangement |
| Caregiver with Accommodation | Salary + room and often meals |
| Experienced Family Assistant | €1,500–€2,000+ in some arrangements |
These are indicative figures. The actual amount depends on the contract level, hours, duties, accommodation, meals, night assistance and other contractual conditions.
For example, a current Staff Spa live-in vacancy in Sori, Liguria, lists €1,200–€1,600 gross monthly for a CS-level caregiver.
What the 2026 Contract Means for Caregivers
The Italian domestic-work agreement distinguishes between different levels of responsibility.
A caregiver should not automatically accept a salary simply because an employer calls the position “badante.” The appropriate classification depends on the duties and circumstances of the employment.
The contract should clearly establish:
- Job classification
- Monthly or hourly salary
- Working hours
- Rest periods
- Weekly day off
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Leave
- Holiday arrangements
- Notice requirements
- Social-security contributions
The Italian Ministry of Labour confirmed the updated 2026 minimum remuneration for domestic workers, including caregivers, from January 1, 2026.
What Skills Do Italian Families Look For?
Caregiving is based heavily on trust.
Families are usually looking for someone who is patient, responsible and capable of handling daily routines without constant supervision.
Important qualities include:
- Patience
- Empathy
- Reliability
- Cleanliness
- Emotional stability
- Good communication
- Basic cooking ability
- Organization
- Respect for privacy
- Ability to handle unexpected situations
- Physical ability to assist with mobility
A current Staff Spa vacancy specifically asks for empathy, patience and the ability to independently manage daily activities for an elderly person.
Experience Can Make a Big Difference
Experience is not identical to formal healthcare qualifications.
Someone may have experience caring for:
- Elderly parents
- Grandparents
- Disabled adults
- People with mobility difficulties
- Individuals requiring daily assistance
This experience can be useful when applying for family-care positions, although employers may request references or professional qualifications for more demanding cases.
A current Gallarate vacancy asks for verifiable references and either care-related qualifications such as OSS/OSA or substantial experience dealing with elderly people and medical therapies.
Is an Italian Language Skill Necessary?
Italian is extremely useful for caregiver work and can be essential for positions involving elderly or dependent people.
A caregiver needs to understand instructions and communicate with:
- The elderly person
- Family members
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Neighbours
- Emergency services
Some current vacancies explicitly require Italian. The Tuscany public employment listing for a live-in caregiver requires knowledge of the Italian language, while the Gallarate vacancy asks for excellent Italian.
For an overseas applicant, learning everyday Italian before arrival can therefore make a major difference.
Useful words include:
| Italian Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Badante | Caregiver |
| Assistente familiare | Family caregiver |
| Anziano | Elderly person |
| Non autosufficiente | Not self-sufficient |
| Autosufficiente | Self-sufficient |
| Igiene personale | Personal hygiene |
| Vestizione | Dressing |
| Mobilità | Mobility |
| Pasti | Meals |
| Farmaci | Medicines |
| Compagnia | Companionship |
| Pulizie domestiche | House cleaning |
| Convivenza | Live-in arrangement |
Caregiver Jobs With Food and Accommodation
Live-in positions are particularly relevant for workers who are relocating to Italy.
Some families provide a private or shared room along with meals.
For example, a current Suzzara vacancy offers an independent apartment within the family’s property and approximately €1,200 net plus food and accommodation.
Another current Gallarate vacancy offers approximately €1,200 net per month with food and accommodation, together with a domestic-work contract and 13 monthly payments.
However, candidates should not assume that every live-in position provides private accommodation. The contract should specify the living arrangement.
Working Hours and Rest
Caregiver work can have unusual schedules because the person receiving assistance may need support at different times.
However, “24-hour live-in” should not be interpreted as literally working every minute of the day.
Live-in domestic employment is governed by contractual working-time and rest rules. A caregiver should have clearly defined working hours, rest periods and days off.
Before accepting a position, ask:
- How many hours are actually worked?
- When is the daily break?
- What is the weekly rest day?
- Is night assistance required?
- Are weekends included?
- Is another family member available?
- What happens when the caregiver is on leave?
These questions are particularly important for live-in jobs.
Caregiver Jobs in Different Italian Regions
Opportunities are available in many parts of Italy, although private-family recruitment can be highly localized.
Lombardy
Lombardy, including Milan and surrounding provinces, has a large market for domestic and family-care services.
Current vacancies include live-in caregivers, family assistants and part-time badanti.
Liguria
Liguria has opportunities in cities and coastal areas where elderly-care services are required.
A current Sori vacancy seeks a live-in caregiver for an elderly non-self-sufficient person, with a listed gross salary of €1,200–€1,600.
Tuscany
Tuscany also has family-care vacancies. A current public employment listing in Abetone Cutigliano seeks a live-in caregiver for an elderly non-self-sufficient woman and offers a gross monthly salary of €1,193.84 under the domestic-work contract.
Umbria and Veneto
Current recruitment also includes family assistants in areas such as Trevi and Thiene, with both part-time and other arrangements available.
Qualifications That Can Improve Your Chances
A general caregiver position may not require a university qualification.
However, relevant training can strengthen an application.
Useful qualifications include:
- Elderly-care training
- Home-care training
- First-aid training
- Basic healthcare training
- Nursing assistant experience
- OSS qualification
- OSA qualification
- Disability-care experience
- Dementia-care experience
Applicants should never claim to have a medical qualification that they do not actually hold.
Caregiver Jobs for Indian and Other Non-EU Workers
Indian citizens and other non-EU nationals can work in Italy only after obtaining the appropriate authorization.
Caregiving and domestic work are important areas of Italy’s employment and immigration system, but not every caregiver vacancy is automatically available for overseas recruitment.
This is an important distinction for people applying from outside Italy.
A vacancy posted by an Italian employment agency may be intended for someone who is already legally resident in Italy. An overseas applicant should specifically confirm whether the family or employer is prepared to complete the required immigration procedure.
Italy Work Visa for Caregivers
A non-EU worker normally needs an employer willing to support the legal employment process.
The general route is:
Genuine employment offer → Employer work-authorization procedure → Nulla Osta where required → Work visa application → Entry into Italy → Residence and employment formalities
The exact requirements depend on current immigration rules, available quotas and the circumstances of the employment.
Applicants should never assume that paying a private agent automatically creates a legal route to Italy.
How to Find Genuine Caregiver Jobs
Search using Italian terminology rather than relying only on the English word “caregiver.”
Useful search phrases include:
- Badante Italia
- Badante convivente
- Badante non convivente
- Assistente familiare
- Badante anziani
- Badante senza esperienza
- Assistente familiare part time
- Badante con vitto e alloggio
Italian employment agencies, regional employment portals and verified family-care recruitment services can be useful places to look.
How to Prepare a Caregiver CV
A caregiver CV should focus on trust, practical experience and responsibility.
Include:
Caregiving experience:
Mention the age and general care needs of the person you assisted, without revealing unnecessary private information.
Daily-care skills:
List hygiene assistance, mobility, meals, companionship and household support.
Healthcare-related experience:
Mention relevant experience or qualifications honestly.
Language skills:
State your Italian and other language abilities.
References:
If available, include professional references or explain that references can be provided.
Driving licence:
Mention it if you can drive and the licence is relevant.
A short, clear CV is usually more useful than a long document containing unrelated employment history.
Career Growth in Elderly Care
Caregiving can become a longer-term career rather than only a domestic job.
A possible progression is:
Caregiver → Experienced Badante → Specialized Family Assistant → Professional Care Worker
Workers with additional training may also move toward roles involving elderly-care services, disability support or healthcare assistance.
Those who obtain appropriate Italian qualifications can pursue more specialized care occupations, subject to the professional requirements of the particular role.
Caregiver Jobs vs Healthcare Assistant Jobs
These positions should not be treated as identical.
| Feature | Caregiver / Badante | Healthcare Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Main Workplace | Private home | Healthcare/care facility |
| Main Focus | Daily personal support | Care and healthcare support |
| Employer | Often private family | Facility or healthcare organization |
| Accommodation | Often possible | Usually separate |
| Medical Duties | Limited and role-dependent | Greater professional responsibilities |
| Qualification | May not require formal healthcare qualification | Often specific qualification required |
| Language Need | Important | Usually very important |
| Work Pattern | Live-in or part-time possible | Often shifts |
Applicants should apply only for duties that match their actual training and experience.
How to Avoid Fake Caregiver Recruitment
Caregiver vacancies are sometimes used by dishonest recruiters to target people searching for overseas employment.
Be cautious if someone:
- Guarantees an Italian visa
- Promises a caregiver job without an identified family
- Demands a large recruitment payment
- Refuses to provide a written contract
- Promises extremely high wages for basic caregiving
- Says you can work legally on a tourist visa
- Requests money to “reserve” a work permit
- Cannot explain the employer or job location
Always verify the family, employment agency, contract, salary, working hours and immigration procedure before making travel arrangements.
Who Should Apply for Caregiver Jobs in Italy?
These positions can be suitable for people with experience in:
- Elderly care
- Home care
- Disability assistance
- Nursing support
- Domestic caregiving
- Personal care
- Child or family support
- Household assistance
People who are patient, compassionate, physically capable and comfortable communicating with elderly people can be well suited to this occupation.
For overseas applicants, Italian language ability, verifiable caregiving experience and trustworthy references can make an application considerably stronger.
Conclusion
Caregiver Jobs in Italy are available in live-in, part-time and non-live-in arrangements, with current September 2026 vacancies covering areas such as Lombardy, Liguria, Tuscany, Veneto and Umbria. The 2026 domestic-work minimum for a live-in CS-level caregiver is €1,193.84 per month, while current vacancies can offer around €1,200–€1,600 gross monthly or approximately €1,200 net with food and accommodation in particular arrangements.
The strongest candidates are generally those who combine genuine caregiving experience with patience, reliability and practical Italian-language ability. For workers coming from India or another non-EU country, it is essential to find a genuine employer and complete the appropriate Italian work-authorization and visa process rather than relying on agents who promise guaranteed jobs or visas.
