According to the latest information released by the Government, more than 9,000 entry quotas are still available for foreign workers to be employed in the domestic and social-healthcare assistance sector for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities, as introduced by Decree-Law No. 145/2024. Let’s examine the details.
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- Domestic and Care Assistants 2025: Who Can Still Apply?
- When Can Applications for the Work Authorization Be Submitted?
- Are Quotas Still Available for Domestic and Care Assistants?
- How to Apply for the Work Authorization?
- Who Can Submit the Application?
- Are There Any Limitations or Conditions for Foreign Workers Entering Through This Procedure?
- Why Consult an Immigration Lawyer in Bologna?
1. Domestic and Care Assistants 2025: Who Can Still Apply?
Article 2 of Decree-Law No. 145/2024 provides for the issuance of work authorizations, entry visas, and residence permits for employed workers in the domestic or social-healthcare assistance sector for individuals with disabilities and elderly persons.
The law defines a “person with disabilities” as someone with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in different aspects of life on an equal basis with others
(Article 3, Paragraph 1, Law No. 104/1992). The term “elderly persons” refers to individuals over the age of eighty (Article 2, Paragraph 1, Letter b), Legislative Decree No. 29/2024).
2. When Can Applications for the Work Authorization Be Submitted?
The application period opened on February 7, 2025, and applications may be submitted throughout the year.
3. Are Quotas Still Available for Domestic and Care Assistants?
Yes, there are still many available entry slots for domestic and care assistants under the Decreto flussi 2025. According to the latest data on pre-filled applications received by the Ministry of the Interior, only 734 applications have been submitted so far. Therefore, applications can continue to be submitted throughout 2025, up to the limit of 10,000 applications
4. How to Apply for the Work Authorization?
An employer wishing to hire a foreign worker for these roles, on a fixed-term or indefinite-term basis, must contact employment agencies (APL) registered in the official registry or one of the employer associations that signed the current national collective labor agreement for the domestic sector.
The agency or association, acting as an intermediary, will then submit the work authorization request to the competent Single Immigration Desk. The authorization will be issued only after the National Labor Inspectorate verifies compliance with the legal requirements and procedures.
5. Who Can Submit the Application?
The work authorization request may be submitted on behalf of the person requiring assistance or their spouse, relative, or in-law up to the second degree.
If the assisted person has a severe disability requiring intensive support, meaning their impairment has significantly reduced their personal autonomy, necessitating continuous and comprehensive intervention in their personal and social life (Article 3, Paragraph 3, Law No. 104/1992), the request may also be submitted by a third-degree relative of the employer residing in Italy, even if they do not live with the assisted person.
However, hiring a spouse, a relative, or an in-law up to the third degree of the assisted person is not allowed.
6. Are There Any Limitations or Conditions for Foreign Workers Entering Through This Procedure?
Foreign workers entering Italy under a work authorization for the first 12 months of legal employment in the country may only engage in domestic and social-healthcare assistance for individuals with disabilities or elderly persons. Changing employers within the first 12 months is subject to prior authorization from the relevant Territorial Labor Inspectorate.
After 12 months, if the worker receives an offer for a different fixed-term or indefinite-term employment contract, a new work authorization must be requested from the Single Immigration Desk, within the limits of the quotas set by future Flow Decrees.
7. Why Consult an Immigration Lawyer in Bologna?
If you intend to apply for work authorization to hire a foreign worker, an immigration law expert can provide legal advice and assistance in gathering the necessary documents and submitting the application. Consulting a professional can help avoid issues such as documentation deficiencies or application errors and ensure compliance with legal deadlines set by the Prefecture and Embassy.
Integra – Immigration, Work, and Rights offers a wide range of services and is located in Bologna, at Via Cesare Battisti No. 33, and in Pesaro at Viale della Vittoria No 161 .
