Italy will need 2,2 million caregivers by 2029 to avoid social collapse.

Italy will face a critical labor shortage in the care sector over the next three years. By 2029, the country will need at least 2.211.000 domestic workers and caregivers, known as... caregivers, to avoid the collapse of the social welfare system.

The data is included in the report “Family Work (Network) 2026”, carried out by the Center for Studies and Research on the Elderly at the request of Assindatcolf. The study reveals that 69% of these professionals will be foreigners., most of them coming from outside of European Union.

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Demand is driven by accelerated aging of the Italian populationBy the end of 2026, it is estimated that 2,2 million seniors over the age of 65 will need assistance, representing 14,6% of this demographic group.

The report points out that the sector's labor market is also aging. In 2024, more than 11% of caregivers and domestic workers were over 65 years old. The phenomenon is more visible among female caregivers.

“The approximate number of 24.000 non-EU workers clearly indicates the projected family needs for 2029,” states Alessandro Lupi, vice-president of Assindatcolf. according to the newspaper il MessaggeroHe advocates for the inclusion of this data in migration flow planning.

Currently, official projections from the Italian government only cover up to 2028. Without a guarantee of new professionals, the family care system, considered a social pillar in Italy, risks discontinuity.

Luca Di Sciullo, president of IDOS, highlights that the sector depends massively on foreign female labor. He advocates for a review of hiring mechanisms to combat exploitation and tax evasion in the sector.

The study indicates that the need for caregivers grows exponentially with each generation. baby boomThe expectation is that demand will continue to rise for at least another 15 years, until this segment reaches advanced ages.

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🔴 Supreme Court • May 2026

Standing in line at the consulate doesn't erase your right to citizenship.

The Italian Supreme Court has confirmed that a consular blockade is legal grounds for legal action.

• Were you unable to schedule an appointment at the consulate?
• Is the process stalled or poorly managed?
• Maternal lineage?
• Incomplete documentation?

See if there is still a solution.

Practical guide: working as caregivers in Italy

With the aging population, the profession of caregivers (Elderly caregiver) is one of the professions that offers the most immediate opportunities, especially for foreigners. Check out what you need to know:

How much does a bandante earn?

Salaries are regulated by National Collective Labor Agreement (CCNL) and vary according to the level of assistance (whether the elderly person is self-sufficient or not) and whether the arrangement includes housing (cohabitant) or just for the hour.

• Living together (cohabiting): Between €900 and €1.300 net per month. The employer provides free room and board.
• For the hour (not cohabiting): Between €8 and €12 per hourdepending on the experience and complexity of the case.
• Benefits: In addition to salary, the worker is entitled to TFR (Italian guarantee fund), 13th salary and paid vacation.

Where are the best job openings?

Demand is high across the country, but is concentrated in regions with higher purchasing power and older populations.

• North and Central: Lombardy (Milan), Lazio (Rome), Veneto (Venice), and Tuscany (Florence) are the regions with the highest number of formal contracts.
• South: The demand exists, but there is a higher incidence of informal work, which is not recommended for legal immigration purposes.

What is needed to work?

1. Visa and permit (Soggiorno): For Brazilians without European citizenship, legal entry into the workforce depends on the quotas of... Flows DecreeIt is necessary for an Italian employer to "call" the worker through this decree.
2. Italian language: This is the most important requirement. To care for an elderly person, communication must be clear. Level A2 or B1 (Intermediate) is the minimum required by most families.
3. Courses and certifications: Having a nursing degree is not mandatory, but possessing a certification in nursing is required. OSS (Operatore Socio-Sanitario) Taking First Aid courses dramatically increases salary and employability.

Where can I look for job openings?

Parishes: In Italy, local churches (Caritas) are traditional points of connection between families and caregivers.

Employment agencies (Agenzie per il Lavoro): Adecco, Randstad, Gi Group and specialized agencies such as Family care.

Associations: Assindatcolf and unions like the CAF They assist in mediation.

Specialized websites: Subito.it, InfoJobs and Facebook groups focused on “Siege/Offro Lavoro Badante”.