The barrier of diploma revalidation, historically the biggest obstacle for Brazilian healthcare professionals who dream of a career in Europe, has just suffered an unprecedented setback.
The new Italy's Budget Law for 2026 It has officially extended the deadline that allows doctors and nurses trained outside the European Union to practice their profession in the country without the need for prior certification.
The new limit, set at December 31, 2029This offers a window of almost four years of legal security for those wishing to immigrate. The measure is a drastic response to the "shortage" of professionals in the Italian National Health Service (SSN), which currently operates with an estimated deficit of 20 doctors and 65 nurses.
The bureaucratic "free pass"
In practice, the law allows professionals to be hired by public and private hospitals while the process of definitive recognition is underway at the Ministry of Health in Rome. Before this exception, Brazilian doctors could wait up to two years just to have the right to practice their profession in Italy.
The major advantage for Brazilians is the nature of the contract. Unlike other immigration methods, this authorization allows for immediate work, with salaries in euros and full labor rights, requiring only the legalization of documents and, in many cases, temporary registration with regional health authorities.
Why now? The collapse of the system.
Italy is facing a demographic and structural collapse in its healthcare system. With one of the world's oldest populations and a brain drain of its own doctors to countries like Germany and Switzerland, the government has had to ease border restrictions to ensure the continued functioning of emergency rooms and intensive care units.
What Brazilian professionals need to know:
Language: Although the law facilitates entry, fluency in Italian remains the decisive factor for hiring by regional health authorities.
Institutional affiliation: The exemption from revalidation is valid for professional practice in healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes). It does not, for the time being, authorize the opening of independent private practices without the completion of the homologation process.
Documentation: It is still necessary to present the certified translation of the diplomas and the "Declaration of Value" issued by the Italian consulates in Brazil.
Here is the "Path of Stones" for the application:
ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) Portals
The most common form of hiring is through ASLs, which are the units that manage healthcare in each province.
- Where to search: The professional should go to the ASL website for the region where they wish to live and look for the section. “Concorsi” ou “Avvisi Pubblici”.
- Tip: With the new law, many ASLs publish specific notices for "non-EU doctors/nurses".
The "InPA" Portal (national recruitment portal)
This is the official portal for public sector jobs in Italy.
- Website: inpa.gov.it
- How to use: Simply filter by "Sanità" and the region of interest. Almost all public hospital job postings are listed here.
Specialized recruitment agencies
Due to the urgency, the Italian government authorized private agencies to seek doctors abroad. Some of the best-known in the healthcare field are:
These agencies often help with the paperwork for work visas (Clearance).
Direct application to private and affiliated hospitals
Unlike the public sector, private hospitals and rehabilitation centers (RSAs) can hire through "Self-application".
The professional can send their CV directly to the HR department of these institutions, mentioning the “Derogates from Article 13 of Decree-Legge 34/2023”which allows hiring without prior approval until 2029.
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Maurizio Marchetti
January 22, 2026 at 23:20 am
Does this include dentists?
Andreia Katia
January 23, 2026 at 13:55 am
And what about nursing technicians, is that also valid?
Francisco Galdino
January 26, 2026 at 02:09 am
And what about physiotherapists and osteopaths?
Carlos
January 28, 2026 at 11:10 am
Who would want to work as a doctor in Italy for the miserable salary they pay?