Italy attracts many Germans who want not just to vacation there, but to live and work as well. Anyone planning this step should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the job market . The prospects for steady employment vary considerably from region to region. In 2025, Italy's economy appears more stable than it did a few years ago. According to the national statistics office ISTAT , the unemployment rate stood at 6.3 percent in June 2025, its lowest level in roughly two decades. Even so, the labor market remains divided: while the north benefits from industrial growth , the south continues to struggle with structural problems.
In-demand professions across multiple sectors
According to the European job portal EURES, several industries are experiencing a pronounced shortage of skilled workers. Particularly sought after are tradespeople, technicians, engineers, and specialists in logistics, healthcare , and hospitality. Professional drivers also rank high on the hiring lists of many companies. Professions in the digital sector are also growing in importance. Companies are looking for experts in data analysis, programming, and IT security. According to the training platform Edstellar , digital skills rank among the most sought-after qualifications in Italy.
The north remains the economic hub...
Northern Italy is where most new jobs are being created. Regions such as Lombardia, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna are highly industrialized and export-oriented. Mechanical engineering, chemical, and technology companies based there regularly hire engineers, technicians , and skilled tradespeople. Lombardia, with its capital Milano, is considered the country's most important economic hub. It generates roughly one-fifth of Italy's gross domestic product, as Eurostat regularly reports. Those who work in northern Italy generally have better prospects for permanent employment and higher incomes. International companies are also present there, opening up additional opportunities for expats with strong language skills.
...and the south is slowly catching up
In the south, the situation is more complex. Regions such as Calabria, Puglia, and Sicilia lag considerably behind the north economically. Yet according to EURES , the number of advertised positions in the south and on the islands grew by around 69,000 recently, more than in the north. One reason for this is investment from the European recovery plan NextGenerationEU. Major projects such as the new high-speed rail line between Napoli and Bari are expected to create thousands of jobs by 2028. Reuters reported in October 2025 on the beginnings of a return of skilled workers to southern regions, after years of migration to the north. That said, wage levels in the south remain lower and fixed-term contracts are more widespread there. Those looking to work in the region should expect a longer job search and lower earnings.
Requirements for expats from Germany
For citizens of the European Union, accessing the Italian job market is straightforward. A work permit is not required. Anyone living in the country for more than three months must register with the local residents' registration office and apply for an Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale) . A solid command of Italian is an essential requirement. English is usually sufficient only at international companies or in tourist regions. In addition, expats should look into the recognition of their professional qualifications early on. For engineers, physicians , and nursing professionals, special registration procedures may apply.
Professions with real prospects by sector
Trade occupations such as construction, electrical installation, and plumbing offer solid prospects, particularly in the north. In the healthcare and education sectors, the Italian employment agency Unioncamere-ANPAL anticipates more than 700,000 new positions in the coming years, driven primarily by retirements in the public sector. In the IT and digital economy, demand remains stable. The limited digital adoption among many businesses, with only around eight percent of companies equipped with advanced AI technologies according to ISTAT , creates additional opportunities for professionals with up-to-date expertise. The Tourism remains a key employment sector. Demand is concentrated seasonally in the summer months, but regularly offers entry-level opportunities for German speakers.
Realistic preparation is essential
Those considering moving to Italy should not base the decision solely on the climate or cultural appeal. The labor market, income levels, and social security systems differ significantly from German standards. Solid language preparation, realistic salary expectations, and an understanding of regional differences are all important. Wages are typically 20 to 40 percent below German levels, while the cost of living, particularly in the south, is considerably lower. Helpful starting points include EURES, LinkedIn Italia, regional chambers of commerce, and German-Italian business associations that offer job boards and advisory services.
Italy as an interesting destination for skilled professionals from Germany
Italy is not an easy destination, but it is an interesting one for skilled professionals from Germany. Positions across a wide variety of industries are in demand. The north offers stable industries and solid incomes, while the south is gradually benefiting from investment and new projects. Those who bring professional experience, language skills, and flexibility can establish a career there. The key is to understand the dynamics of the labor market and choose a location deliberately. Moving to Italy means recognizing opportunities where they arise, whether in the factories of Lombardy or in the new construction and energy projects of southern Italy.
Info box: Which professions are in demand where in Italy
North (Lombardia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna)
- Industry and technology: mechanical engineering, metals, mechatronics, electrical engineering, chemistry
- Skilled trades: electricians, plumbers, welders
- Logistics and transportation: truck drivers, dispatching
- IT and data-driven roles: software, data analysis, cybersecurity
Center (Lazio, Toscana, Marche, Umbria)
- Services and administration: public administration, education, healthcare
- Media, creative industries, and consulting in metropolitan areas such as Roma
- Tourism and cultural economy in cities and regions with World Heritage sites
South & islands (Campania, Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata, Sicilia, Sardegna)
- Construction and infrastructure: building construction, rail, energy projects
- Renewable energy: planning, operations, maintenance
- Tourism and hospitality: hotels, restaurants, seasonal staff with language skills
- Food processing and agriculture-related professions
In high demand nationwide
- Healthcare and nursing professions
- Truck drivers
- Skilled trades in installation, electrical, and plumbing
- Digital profiles: data analysis, cybersecurity, software development
Sources (selection):EURES – Labour Market Information Italy, ISTAT – Digitalisation indicators, Edstellar – Skills in demand in Italy, Reuters – Entwicklungen im Süden, Unioncamere–ANPAL – Excelsior