Babysitting Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship

Picture yourself living in Italy in 2026: morning walks through historic streets, shared family meals, and a lifestyle that values balance over burnout. Now imagine earning a legal income while doing meaningful work with children.

For many foreigners, babysitting jobs in Italy with visa sponsorship are not just employment; they’re a gateway to Europe. With monthly salaries ranging from €1,200 to €1,800 for full-time live-in nannies and hourly rates of €8 to €15 for part-time roles, childcare work offers stability without requiring a university degree.

More importantly, sponsored babysitting jobs come with something priceless: a legal residence permit, access to Italy’s healthcare system, and the chance to truly integrate into Italian life. While the process requires patience and the right employer, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most realistic years yet for foreigners to enter Italy through domestic and childcare work.

Why Babysitting in Italy Is a Real Opportunity

Babysitting in Italy is part of a broader domestic work sector that includes roles like colf (household helpers), caregivers for elderly or disabled people, and live-in domestic staff. Families and agencies in major cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples, and Florence often seek foreign nannies, especially those who speak English or have international childcare experience

The Demand

• Italy has tens of thousands of babysitting or nanny listings across job platforms,, from part-time to full-time roles.
• Demand is higher in urban and expat-heavy areas, where English-speaking babysitters are especially valued.
• Many parents also look for babysitters who can tutor or introduce children to English or other languages.

However, unlike some countries where babysitting can be casual or informal, working legally in Italy requires proper authorization, especially for non-EU nationals.

Understanding Visa Sponsorship: How It Really Works

Before a non-EU national can work as a babysitter in Italy with visa sponsorship, the employer (family or agency) must secure a work authorization called the Nulla Osta from Italian immigration authorities. Once this is granted, the employee can apply for a work visa at their local Italian consulate.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

1. Job Offer A family or agency offers you a legitimate employment contract (with pay, hours, duties, etc.).
2. Nulla Osta Request The employer submits a sponsorship application to the Italian Ministry of the Interior.
3. Quota System / Special Channels Traditionally, Italy’s Decreto Flussi controlled how many work permits could be issued each year for domestic workers like babysitters and caregivers
   • Recent reforms (2025–2028) are making room for additional “out-of-quota” slots for domestic roles, expanding opportunities for babysitter visas outside the standard limits.
4. Visa Application Once approved, you apply for a long-term work visa (Type D) at the Italian consulate in your home country.
5. Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) After entering Italy, you must register with local authorities to get a residence permit tied to your job.

Note: Italy makes it quite clear that non-EU citizens must have proper authorization to work even for common roles like babysitting. Working informally without a visa can have legal consequences.

Babysitting vs. Au Pair: Clear Differences

It’s important to distinguish babysitting with sponsorship from being an au pair.

• Babysitting with visa sponsorship is a legally employed position with a real work contract, salary, and immigration process.
• An au pair is typically a cultural exchange program, considered more like cultural immersion or pocket money work, and often does not include formal immigration support.

This means a sponsored babysitting job is more stable, formal, and legally recognized but also harder to secure.

Requirements & Eligibility

To qualify for a babysitting job with visa sponsorship, you generally need:

For Applicants

• Valid passport
• Clean criminal record
• Health certificate
• Employment contract from an Italian family/agency
• Ability to communicate in Italian or English
• Willingness to relocate and register in Italy

For Employers

• Must apply for Nulla Osta on your behalf
• Must prove they earn enough to support hiring a foreign worker
• Must offer a job contract aligned with Italian labor laws

One major requirement is that employers need to justify the job and meet income criteria set by Italian immigration law.

Typical Salaries & Work Conditions

Babysitting wages in Italy vary widely:

• Hourly Babysitting (casual): €8–€15/hour depending on experience and city.
• Full-time Live-in Nannies: €1,200–€1,800 per month (sometimes including room and board).
• Live-in roles pulled via agencies or direct family employment may include meals and accommodation in addition to pay.

Keep in mind that childcare roles with visa sponsorship are often treated as domestic worker jobs, which means you’ll be covered under Italian employment regulations, including social security, health insurance, and paid leave.

Benefits of Babysitting/Au Pair Jobs in Italy

1. Legal Residence Permit: The primary benefit is the ability to live and work legally in Italy through a properly sponsored “au pair” visa and permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno).
2. Cultural Immersion: You become part of an Italian family, offering an authentic experience of daily life, language, and traditions far beyond tourism.
3. Language Acquisition: Total immersion is the fastest way to learn or improve your Italian skills through daily conversation.
4. Managed Work-Life Balance: Au pair contracts regulated by Italian/EU agreements stipulate maximum working hours (usually 25-30/week), paid weekly time off, and at least one full free day per week.
5. Financial Support with Lower Costs: You receive pocket money (paghetta), and your room and board are fully covered by the host family, minimizing your living expenses.
6. Time for Travel: Having scheduled free time and at least two weeks of paid vacation (standard in contracts) allows you to explore Italy and Europe.
7. Personal Growth: Living independently in a supportive family environment builds resilience, childcare skills, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability.

Websites to Find Babysitting/Au Pair Jobs in Italy

1. Aupair.com (and its sister site Aupairworld.com)
   • Why it’s top: The largest and most recognized global platform. Families here are generally knowledgeable about the visa process. Profiles clearly state if the family is willing to assist with visa procedures. Extensive filters and resources.
2. GreatAuPair
   • Why it’s good: Another major international site with a significant number of Italian family listings. It has tools for background checks and secure communication, adding a layer of safety and professionalism.
3. AuPair.com
   • Why it’s good: Similar to the above, it has a strong European user base. The platform allows for detailed agreements on duties, hours, and pocket money, which is crucial for the documents required for the visa application.
4. SmartAuPair
   • Why it’s included:  A reputable platform that vets both families and au pairs. They provide guidance on the process, which increases the likelihood of finding families prepared for sponsorship.

How to Find Babysitting Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Here are practical ways to find opportunities:

1. Job Portals & Nanny Agencies

Websites like Sitly, Babysits, and nanny agencies list babysitting roles with full contracts
Reach out to families who express interest in hiring foreign babysitters.

2. Domestic Work Agencies

Some agencies specialize in placing nannies and domestic helpers and help manage visa paperwork on behalf of families.

3. International Recruitment Portals

Some global job boards and immigration consultants list babysitting or domestic worker jobs that offer sponsorship.

4. Networking

In expat communities, families sometimes offer sponsored roles directly, especially if you speak multiple languages or have specialized childcare skills.

The Application Timeline

Conclusion

Babysitting jobs in Italy with visa sponsorship in 2026 are a genuine opportunity but only for those who approach the process legally and strategically. Unlike informal babysitting, sponsored roles require a real employer, a formal contract, and approval through Italy’s immigration system.

For non-EU nationals, the process may feel complex, but the rewards are substantial: legal residency, stable income, social security coverage, and long-term prospects in Europe. Whether you pursue a live-in nanny role or a contracted babysitting position through an agency, success depends on finding an employer willing to sponsor you and meeting Italian legal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners work as babysitters in Italy

Yes. Foreigners can work legally as babysitters or nannies in Italy in 2026 if they secure a job offer and visa sponsorship from an Italian family or agency.

How much do babysitters earn in Italy?

Part-time babysitters typically earn €8–€15 per hour, depending on the city and experience. Full-time live-in nannies usually earn €1,200–€1,800 per month, sometimes with accommodation and meals included.