europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Italy: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Italy for US/EU companies. Visa options, tax implications, best cities, and practical tips for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Italy, and it’s increasingly popular thanks to Italy’s new digital nomad visa launched in 2024. EU citizens can work freely, while non-EU remote workers can now obtain a dedicated visa for up to one year. With world-class food, rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and relatively affordable living costs outside major tourist areas, Italy offers an exceptional lifestyle for remote workers.
Visa Options
For EU/EEA Citizens
EU/EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement and can live and work in Italy without visa requirements. Register with the local registry office (Anagrafe) within 90 days of arrival, obtain your residence certificate (Certificato di Residenza), and apply for your tax code (Codice Fiscale).
For Non-EU Citizens
90-Day Schengen Tourist Visa Citizens of 60+ countries (including US, Canada, Australia, UK) can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You can work remotely for non-Italian employers during this time.
Digital Nomad Visa (2024) Italy’s newly launched digital nomad visa allows non-EU remote workers to live in Italy for up to one year (renewable). Requirements include:
- Employment with a foreign company OR self-employment with foreign clients
- Minimum annual income of €28,000
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Accommodation in Italy
This visa doesn’t lead to permanent residence but provides legal status for remote work.
Self-Employment Visa (Lavoro Autonomo) For freelancers and independent professionals planning to work with Italian or international clients. You’ll need:
- Proof of professional qualifications
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of sufficient funds (typically €8,500-10,000+)
- Registered address in Italy
This is more complex than the digital nomad visa but can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
Elective Residency Visa For those with substantial passive income who won’t work in Italy. Requires demonstrating annual income of €31,000+ (higher for couples and families) from non-employment sources like investments, pensions, or rental income. Popular with retirees and wealthy digital nomads.
Student Visa If you’re learning Italian or pursuing a degree, a student visa allows up to 20 hours/week of remote work for foreign employers.
Tax Implications
Tax Residency
You become an Italian tax resident if you:
- Spend more than 183 days in Italy during a tax year, OR
- Have your primary residence in Italy, OR
- Have your center of vital interests in Italy
Tax residents pay Italian tax on worldwide income, while non-residents only on Italian-sourced income.
Income Tax Rates
Italy has progressive national income tax (IRPEF) plus regional and municipal taxes:
National Income Tax (IRPEF):
- Up to €28,000: 23%
- €28,001-€50,000: 35%
- Above €50,000: 43%
Add approximately 1.5-3% for regional and municipal taxes, bringing effective rates to 25-46%.
Special Tax Regimes
7% Flat Tax for New Residents If you move to Southern Italy (Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sardinia, or Sicily) and haven’t been tax resident in Italy for the previous 9 years, you can pay just 7% tax on foreign income for up to 10 years. This is one of Europe’s most attractive tax programs for remote workers.
Impatriati Regime (70% Tax Exemption) For highly skilled workers moving to Italy, 70% of employment income can be tax-exempt for 5 years (extendable to 10 with conditions). Requires:
- Haven’t been Italian tax resident for 2 of the past 5 years
- Moving to work for an Italian employer or starting an Italian business
- Minimum qualification level or previous work experience abroad
Self-Employment Tax
Self-employed individuals pay IRPEF on net income plus social security contributions (approximately 25-30% of net income). Forfettario regime allows small businesses (under €85,000 revenue) to pay flat 15% tax on revenue (5% for first 5 years).
VAT
Standard VAT rate is 22%. If you’re self-employed with Italian clients, you’ll need to register for VAT and charge it on services to Italian businesses.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Milan
Italy’s business and financial capital with the strongest tech ecosystem and startup scene. Most international of Italian cities with excellent coworking spaces, English-speaking professionals, and modern infrastructure. Fast internet, efficient public transport, and proximity to the Alps. However, it’s Italy’s most expensive city (€1,200-2,000/month for 1-bedroom) with less of the traditional Italian charm. Best for those prioritizing professional networking and urban amenities over la dolce vita.
Rome
The capital offers incredible history and culture alongside a growing digital nomad community. Neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio balance authentic Roman life with good cafes and coworking spaces. More affordable than Milan (€900-1,500/month for 1-bedroom) but with notorious bureaucracy and less efficient public services. Perfect for those who want to live among ancient ruins and world-class art while working remotely.
Bologna
Underrated gem in northern Italy with excellent quality of life. Medieval architecture, prestigious university, fantastic food scene (it’s the birthplace of ragù and tortellini), and a young, intellectual vibe. Affordable compared to Milan and Rome (€700-1,200/month for 1-bedroom), with great train connections to Florence, Venice, and Milan (all under 90 minutes). Growing remote worker community with several coworking spaces. Ideal for those seeking authentic Italian culture without the tourist crowds or high prices.
Timezone Overlap
Italy operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer, changing in late March and late October.
Working with US Companies
- East Coast: When it’s 9 AM in New York, it’s 3 PM in Rome (CET) or 4 PM (CEST). You get 4-5 hours of afternoon overlap if you work standard EU hours.
- West Coast: When it’s 9 AM in San Francisco, it’s 6 PM in Rome (CET) or 7 PM (CEST). Challenging overlap requires early mornings (6-8 AM Italy time) or late evenings.
- Central Time: Manageable with 5-6 hour overlap window if you’re flexible.
Working with European Companies
Perfect alignment. Italy is in sync with most EU countries (±1 hour), making collaboration seamless.
Working with Asian Companies
Limited overlap. When it’s 9 AM in Singapore, it’s 2 AM in Rome. You’ll need very early morning calls (6-8 AM) to catch afternoon hours in Asia.
Moving to Italy Checklist
- 1 Apply for appropriate visa at Italian consulate in your country (3-4 months before move)
- 2 Secure accommodation (essential before arrival)
- 3 Obtain Codice Fiscale (tax code) - can be done at consulate or in Italy
- 4 Register with local Anagrafe within 90 days of arrival
- 5 Open Italian bank account (required for many services)
- 6 Purchase health insurance (mandatory for non-EU visa holders)
- 7 Register with ASL for healthcare (EU citizens) or find private GP
- 8 Apply for permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days if non-EU
- 9 Register with Agenzia delle Entrate (tax authority) if working/earning in Italy
- 10 Get Italian SIM card for banking and services
- 11 Consider hiring a commercialista (accountant) for tax compliance
- 12 Learn basic Italian phrases - essential for daily life and bureaucracy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Italian to work remotely from Italy?
Basic Italian is highly recommended for daily life, even in tourist areas. While English works in major cities and tourist zones, most bureaucratic processes, contracts, and local interactions require Italian. Banking, healthcare, and dealing with landlords are challenging without Italian. Many remote workers take Italian classes upon arrival - it's part of the cultural experience and opens doors to deeper integration.
How complicated is Italian bureaucracy for remote workers?
Italian bureaucracy is notoriously complex and slow. Expect long waiting times for appointments, multiple visits to offices, and requests for extensive documentation. The permesso di soggiorno process can take 3-6 months. However, many remote workers successfully navigate it - the key is patience, hiring a commercialista (accountant) for tax matters, and connecting with expat communities who can guide you through processes. The lifestyle payoff makes it worthwhile for most.
Is the 7% flat tax regime really worth moving to Southern Italy?
For high earners with remote income, absolutely. Paying 7% vs 30-45% is substantial savings. Southern Italian cities like Cagliari, Palermo, Bari, and Lecce offer beautiful weather, low costs, beaches, and rich culture. The tradeoff is less developed infrastructure, fewer coworking spaces, and smaller international communities compared to Milan or Rome. Best for independent remote workers comfortable with slower pace and willing to learn Italian.
How reliable is internet in Italy for remote work?
Major cities (Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence, Naples) have reliable fiber internet with 100-300 Mbps commonly available. Rural areas and small towns can have slower, less reliable connections. Before renting, always verify internet speed at the specific location - ask for speed tests or check coverage maps. Most coworking spaces and cafes have good wifi. Overall, internet is sufficient for remote work in urban areas but research specific locations carefully.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Italy for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Italy for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Italy.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Italy?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Italy visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Italy?
The cost of living in Italy is moderate, with monthly budgets of $2,000-3,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Italy have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Italy's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Italy?
The best cities for remote workers in Italy typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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Get visa updates, tax tips, and remote work news for Italy and beyond.