Italy’s hospitality sector is desperate for housekeeping, dishwasher, and cleaning staff. These entry-level positions are among the most accessible for visa sponsorship in 2026. Tourists cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan have year-round demand, while coastal areas have peak seasonal demand .
Job Types and Salary Ranges
| Job Title | Monthly Salary (EUR) | Hourly Wage (EUR) | Setting | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | €1,200 – €1,800 | €10 – €15 | Restaurants, hotels | None |
| Hotel Housekeeper | €1,200 – €1,600 | €9 – €13 | Hotels, resorts | None |
| Cleaner (General) | €1,200 – €1,600 | €9 – €12 | Offices, public buildings | None |
| Laundry Attendant | €1,200 – €1,500 | €9 – €12 | Hotels, laundries | None |
| Kitchen Assistant | €1,300 – €1,700 | €10 – €14 | Restaurants, catering | None |
Why These Jobs Are in High Demand
Italy’s tourism industry broke records in 2025 and continues growing in 2026. Hotels and restaurants cannot find enough local staff for cleaning positions. The Decreto Flussi has allocated 88,000 seasonal permits for tourism/hospitality .
Benefits of Cleaning Jobs in Italy
- Visa Sponsorship: Employers provide full legal support for residence and work permits
- Free or Low-Cost Housing: Many employers provide accommodation
- Free Meals: Most restaurants and hotels provide meals during shifts
- No Degree Required: Basic education is sufficient
- No Experience Needed: Training provided on the job
- Cultural Immersion: Work in Italy’s most beautiful cities
Job Responsibilities
Dishwasher:
- Washing dishes, utensils, pots, and pans
- Operating dishwashing machines
- Keeping kitchen areas clean
- Proper waste disposal
- Assisting kitchen staff as needed
Housekeeper:
- Cleaning guest rooms
- Changing linens and towels
- Restocking toiletries
- Vacuuming and dusting
- Reporting maintenance issues
Top Cities Hiring Cleaning Staff
| City | Demand Level | Peak Season | Average Monthly Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | Very High | Year-round | €1,400 – €1,800 |
| Milan | Very High | Year-round | €1,500 – €1,900 |
| Florence | Very High | March – October | €1,400 – €1,800 |
| Venice | Very High | April – October | €1,400 – €1,800 |
| Naples | High | April – October | €1,300 – €1,700 |
| Lake Como | High | May – September | €1,400 – €1,800 |
Requirements for Cleaning Jobs
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Basic education (no degree needed)
- Physically fit for manual work
- Clean criminal record
- Medical fitness certificate
- Basic English or Italian (helpful but not required)
How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in Italy
- Register on EURES – The official EU job portal and only authorized platform for visa-sponsored jobs
- Search for “cameriera ai piani” (housekeeper), “lavapiatti” (dishwasher), or “addetto alle pulizie” (cleaner)
- Target tourist-heavy cities – Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan
- Prepare your CV – Highlight reliability, physical fitness, and willingness to work
- Apply directly to hotels and restaurant chains
- Secure a job offer from an Italian employer
- Your employer applies for Nulla Osta during Click Day (seasonal tourism: February 9, 2026)
- Apply for work visa at Italian embassy in your country
The Click Day System – Critical Information
The Decreto Flussi operates on a “Click Day” system where employers submit applications online. Quotas fill within minutes.
- Seasonal Tourism (Housekeeping, Dishwasher, Cleaner): February 9, 2026, 9:00 AM Italian time
- Quota: 88,000 seasonal permits for tourism/hospitality
- Eligible Nationalities: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Morocco, Tunisia, and 35+ other countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to work as a dishwasher or housekeeper?
No. Most employers accept beginners and provide on-the-job training. Physical fitness and a good attitude are more important .
Do employers provide accommodation?
Yes, many hotels and restaurants offer free or low-cost staff accommodation, especially in tourist areas .
Do I need to speak Italian?
Not necessarily. Basic English is often sufficient in tourist areas. Learning basic Italian is helpful but not required .
Can I transition to a higher-paying role?
Yes. Many people start as dishwashers and advance to kitchen assistant, line cook, or waiter positions.
What is the application process timeline?
From Click Day to arrival, approximately 2-4 months. The employer applies in February, work permit processing takes 2-6 weeks, then visa application at embassy .
