Italy is experiencing one of the biggest crises ever recorded in its healthcare system. The European country faces a deficit of more than 65 thousand professionals, according to official estimates, and therefore intensified the hiring of foreign doctors, nurses and technicians — including Brazilians.
The offers are attractive: salaries that can reach 7 thousand euros per month (approximately R$44,6), in addition to benefits such as airfare, subsidized housing, and language courses. The shortage affects hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community centers, expanding the opportunities for those wishing to work in Europe.
O Milleproroghe Decree
The boost to hiring came with the Milleproroghe DecreeThe measure, recently approved in Rome, eases the validation of foreign diplomas and allows doctors and nurses to begin their careers. even before the definitive recognition of the titles by the Italian Ministry of Health.
In practice, Brazilian professionals can be hired on a temporary basis and, at the same time, begin the process of obtaining full equivalence of their diploma — a requirement for consolidating their career in the country.
The path to applying
Despite the ease of use, the process still involves bureaucracy. The main steps include:
- Prepare documents: diploma and transcript translated into Italian by a sworn translator, with Hague Apostille and Declaration of Value.
- Language: fluency in Italian is essential; some hospitals offer courses, but it is recommended to start studying beforehand.
- Job search: opportunities are advertised in regional notices and job portals with terms such as hospital (hospital), medical health insurance company (doctor) and nurse (nurse).
- Work Visa : after a formal proposal, the candidate must apply for a visa at the Italian consulate in Brazil.
- Residence: once in Italian territory, you must ask for the residence permit (residence permit).
- Professional record: doctors must register with the Order of the Medici, and nurses in the Order of Nurses.
Citizenship and professional future
There is still an advantage to descendants of Italians: Anyone who has worked for at least two years will be able to apply for citizenship. The measure is part of the government's strategy to address the so-called “demographic winter” —a phenomenon marked by population decline. In 2024, Italy registered 58,93 million inhabitants, a number that is declining.
Bureaucratic obstacles
Incentives do not eliminate difficulties. In 2023, 130 thousand visas open, just over half were actually authorized. Only 13% resulted in signed contracts and only 7,5% in regularized residence.
The scenario has not changed substantially in 2024, and many professionals still face temporary contracts and unstable situations in the country.
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