Italy attracts many Germans who wish not only to spend their holidays there but also to live and work. Anyone planning this step would do well to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the job market . The prospects for permanent employment vary considerably between regions. In 2025, Italy's economy is showing greater stability than it did a few years ago. According to the national statistics office ISTAT , the unemployment rate stood at 6.3 per cent in June 2025, its lowest level in roughly two decades. Even so, the labour market remains divided: while the north benefits from industrial growth , the south continues to grapple with structural difficulties.
In-demand professions across several sectors
According to the European employment portal EURES , there is a marked skills shortagein several sectors. Particularly sought after are tradespeople, technicians, engineers and specialists in logistics, healthcare and the hospitality industry. Professional drivers also feature prominently on the recruitment lists of many companies.
Roles in the digital sector are also growing in importance. Companies are looking for specialists in data analysis, programming and IT security. According to the training platform Edstellar , digital competence ranks among the most sought-after qualifications in Italy.
The north remains the economic heartland...
Northern Italy is where the majority of new jobs are being created. Regions such as Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna are highly industrialised and export-oriented. This is where mechanical engineering, chemical and technology companies are based, regularly recruiting engineers, technicians and skilled tradespeople.
Lombardy, with its capital Milan, is regarded as the country's most important economic hub. It generates around one fifth of Italy's gross domestic product, as Eurostat regularly reports. Those working in northern Italy tend to have better prospects for permanent employment and higher earnings. International companies are also well represented there, opening up additional opportunities for those moving to Italy with strong language skills.
...and the south is slowly catching up
The situation in the south is more complex. Regions such as Calabria, Puglia and Sicily lag considerably behind the north economically. Yet according to EURES , the number of advertised positions in the south and on the islands recently grew by around 69,000 roles, more than in the north.
One factor behind this is investment from the European recovery plan NextGenerationEU. Major projects such as the new high-speed rail line between Naples 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 in which many had moved north. Nevertheless, wage levels in the south remain lower and fixed-term contracts are more prevalent there. Those wishing to work in the south should expect a longer job search and lower earnings.
Requirements for those moving from Germany
For citizens of the European Union, access to the Italian labour market is straightforward. No work permit is required. Anyone living in the country for more than three months must register with the local registry office and apply for an Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale) .
A good command of Italian is an essential requirement. English is generally sufficient only in international companies or tourist regions. In addition, those moving to Italy are advised to find out early about the recognition of their professional qualifications. Engineers, doctors and nursing professionals are in some cases subject to specific registration procedures.
Professions with real opportunities by sector
Skilled trades such as construction, electrical installation and plumbing offer solid prospects, particularly in the north. In healthcare and education, the Italian employment agency Unioncamere–ANPAL expects more than 700,000 new positions in the coming years, driven primarily by retirements in the public sector.
Demand in the IT and digital economy remains stable. The low level of digital adoption among many businesses, with only around eight per cent of companies using advanced AI technologies according to ISTAT, presents additional opportunities for professionals with up-to-date expertise. Tourism also remains a central 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 their decision solely on the climate or cultural appeal. The labour market, income levels and social security provisions differ considerably from German standards.
Solid language preparation, realistic salary expectations and an understanding of regional differences are all important. Wages are typically 20 to 40 per cent below German levels, while the cost of living, particularly in the south, is considerably lower. A helpful starting point is EURES, LinkedIn Italia,regional chambers of commerce or German-Italian business associations, all of which offer job boards and advisory services.
Italy: 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. Roles across a wide range of sectors 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 themselves there professionally. The key is to understand the dynamics of the labour market and to choose a location with care. Moving to Italy means recognising opportunities where they arise, whether in the factories of Lombardy or in the new construction and energy projects of southern Italy.
Information box: which professions are sought where in Italy
North (Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna)
- Industry and engineering: mechanical engineering, metalworking, mechatronics, electrical engineering, chemicals
- Skilled trades: electricians, fitters, welders
- Logistics and transport: professional drivers, freight coordination
- IT and data-driven roles: software, data analysis, cybersecurity
Centre (Lazio, Tuscany, Marche, Umbria)
- Services and administration: public administration, education, healthcare
- Media, creative industries and consultancy in metropolitan areas such as Roma
- Tourism and cultural industries in cities and regions with World Heritage status
South and Islands (Campania, Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata, Sicilia, Sardegna)
- Construction and infrastructure: building construction, rail, energy projects
- Renewable energy: planning, operations, maintenance
- Tourism and hospitality: hotels, catering, seasonal workers with language skills
- Food processing and agriculture-related professions
In high demand nationwide
- Healthcare and nursing professions
- Professional 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, Developments in the South,
Unioncamere–ANPAL, Excelsior
