Italy Jobs for Foreigners

When most people think of Italy, they picture the Colosseum, pasta, and picturesque villages—but for thousands of foreign workers each year, Italy means something much more practical: opportunity. In 2025, Italy is experiencing a labor shortage across multiple industries, opening the door to job seekers from abroad who are ready to work hard and build a better life.

For people in Saudi Arabia, especially those without a university degree or those looking for legal work abroad, Italy is now one of the most attractive and realistic options in Europe. With jobs ranging from hotel housekeeping to farm labor and construction work, there is space for both skilled and unskilled workers. Even better, many employers now offer visa support.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to land a job in Italy, including in-demand roles, average salaries, visa routes, and how to apply directly from Saudi Arabia.

Why Foreigners Are in High Demand for Italian Jobs

Italy’s population is aging, birth rates are declining, and young locals are migrating to other EU countries for better pay—leaving behind thousands of vacant roles. The government and private employers are now actively recruiting foreigners to fill the gap.

Some of the main reasons why Italy is hiring foreign workers in 2025 include:

• Shortage of Labor in Rural and Urban Areas

• Strong Demand in Agriculture, Hospitality, and Logistics

• Increased Work Visa Quotas for Non-EU Citizens

• Legal Pathways to Long-Term Residency

• Growing Arab Expat Community in Major Cities

For Saudi job seekers, this is the perfect moment to take advantage of Italy’s need for labor and begin a journey toward legal, well-paid work in Europe.

Best Jobs in Italy for Foreigners (2025)

Italy’s job market is wide, but here are the sectors with the most openings for foreign applicants:

1. Hotel & Hospitality Jobs

• Job Titles: Housekeeper, Room Attendant, Bellboy, Dishwasher, Reception Assistant

• Average Pay: €900 – €1,300/month

• Regions Hiring: Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan

2. Construction & Maintenance

• Job Titles: General Laborer, Tile Installer, Site Cleaner, Masonry Helper

• Average Pay: €1,100 – €1,600/month

• Regions Hiring: Bologna, Turin, Naples, Milan

3. Agriculture & Farm Labor

• Job Titles: Olive Picker, Greenhouse Worker, Seasonal Harvester

• Average Pay: €850 – €1,200/month

• Regions Hiring: Sicily, Puglia, Calabria

4. Factory & Warehouse Jobs

• Job Titles: Packer, Loader, Assembler, Machine Operator

• Average Pay: €1,000 – €1,400/month

• Regions Hiring: Parma, Verona, Modena

5. Food Service Jobs

• Job Titles: Kitchen Helper, Line Cook, Waiter, Fast Food Worker

• Average Pay: €950 – €1,300/month

• Regions Hiring: Rome, Milan, Florence

6. Delivery & Rider Jobs

• Job Titles: Bike Courier, Package Deliverer, Food Rider

• Average Pay: €1,000 – €1,500/month

• Regions Hiring: Rome, Turin, Bologna

Who Can Apply for Jobs in Italy?

Italy is now open to non-EU citizens through annual work visa quotas (called the Decreto Flussi). To be eligible:

• You must be between 21 and 50 years old

• You should be physically fit for manual jobs

• Basic English or Italian skills are preferred

• Passport valid for 1+ year

• Clean background with no criminal record

• Must receive a job offer from an Italian employer

No degree or prior experience is required for most general labor roles. Even if you’ve only worked in local shops or homes in Saudi Arabia, that experience is valuable.

How Much Do Jobs in Italy Pay Foreigners?

Here’s a table with average monthly salary estimates for entry-level foreign workers in Italy (2025):

Some employers also offer free accommodation, transportation, and health coverage, making these jobs more valuable than they appear at first glance.

Visa Process: How to Legally Work in Italy

Italy offers a seasonal and non-seasonal work visa for foreign workers. The process depends on the job type and employer.

Step 1: Employer Applies for Nulla Osta

The Italian employer must apply for a work permit (Nulla Osta) on your behalf. This is only possible if the job falls under the Decreto Flussi quota.

Step 2: Visa Application in Saudi Arabia

Once the work permit is approved, you can apply for a national visa (type D) from the Italian Embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah.

Documents required:

• Valid passport

• Job offer letter from Italian employer

• Nulla Osta copy

• Police clearance

• Medical certificate

• Passport-sized photos

Step 3: Travel & Residence Permit

After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) within 8 days to legalize your stay.

How to Apply for Jobs in Italy from Saudi Arabia

You can apply from Saudi Arabia using one of these methods:

✅ Through Recruitment Agencies

Several licensed agencies in the Gulf region are approved to recruit for Italian employers—especially in hospitality, agriculture, and logistics.

✅ Apply on Official Job Portals

Trusted platforms include:

• EURES Italy Job Portal

• Cliclavoro.gov.it

• Indeed Italy (indeed.it)

• Monster Italy

• Jobrapido

• Agri-job.it (for farm jobs)

Search phrases like:

• “Hotel cleaner job in Italy with visa support”

• “Agriculture jobs Italy for non-EU”

• “Italy work permit jobs for foreigners 2025”

✅ Direct Employer Applications

Some large hotel chains, farms, and factories post job openings directly on their websites. Look for a “Lavora con noi” (Work with us) section.

Life in Italy as a Foreign Worker

Living in Italy as a worker is different from being a tourist, but many foreigners adjust quickly and enjoy the lifestyle. Here’s what to expect:

• Cultural Blend: Italy is home to expats from Morocco, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and beyond.

• Affordable Essentials: Groceries and public transport are cheaper than in Saudi Arabia.

• Arabic-Friendly Shops: In major cities, you’ll find halal food, mosques, and Arabic communities.

• Work Hours: Typically 8 hours/day, 5–6 days/week. Some jobs offer overtime.

• Healthcare Access: Legal workers are eligible for Italy’s public healthcare system.

True Stories: Saudi Expats Working in Italy

Ahmed from Al Khobar
“I was working as a dishwasher in a hotel in Jeddah. I applied through an agency for a kitchen job in Rome. It took 3 months to get the visa. Now I earn nearly €1,200/month with accommodation. I plan to bring my wife once I get my permit extended.”

Rasha from Dammam
“I joined a seasonal harvesting job in Sicily. It’s hard work under the sun, but we get free housing, and the food is amazing. The best part is it’s legal and safe.”

Challenges to Be Ready For

Even though the benefits are strong, here are some challenges you might face:

• Language Barrier: Learn basic Italian to communicate better

• Cold Weather: Winters can be freezing, especially in northern regions

• Delays in Paperwork: Italian bureaucracy is slow—patience is key

• Shared Living Spaces: Many jobs offer dorm-style housing

Still, with time, most workers adjust and move on to better positions or apply for long-term permits.

Italy Jobs for Foreigners

If you’re living in Saudi Arabia and looking for a safe, legal, and rewarding job opportunity in Europe—Italy in 2025 is the door you’ve been waiting to open.

With rising demand, legal work visa routes, and jobs that don’t require degrees, Italy offers a way to build a life abroad even if you’re starting from scratch.

Apply now, and let your journey to Europe begin—one step, one job, one visa at a time.