Thinking about freelancing in Italy? Whether you are an EU citizen looking to move or an expat dreaming of la dolce vita, Italy offers a wealth of opportunities for freelancers in tech, design, marketing, coaching, and many other fields.

In this guide, you will learn:

• The benefits of freelancing in Italy
• The legal and administrative steps to register as a freelancer
• The difference between Regime Forfettario and Regime Semplificato
• Taxes, VAT, and compliance rules
• How Xolo can simplify freelancing in Italy
  
  

Why Freelancing in Italy is Worth It

Freelancing in Italy means freedom to:

• Choose your clients and projects
• Set your own rates and increase your income potential
• Design your lifestyle in a way that allows more flexibility and balance

Beyond flexibility, Italy’s freelancer tax regimes, Forfettario and Semplificato, provide simplified taxation and accounting that make it easier to manage your business compared to many other EU countries.

Step 1: Legal Requirements to Freelance in Italy

EU and Non-EU Citizens

• EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens can move and register as freelancers directly.
• Non-EU citizens need a self-employment visa. This requires:
  • Checking if your profession is regulated. For example, lawyers or architects need certification while translators or designers do not.
  • Applying for security clearance through the Decreto Flussi system. Application windows are limited.
  • Submitting your visa request through the Italian embassy in your country.
  • Applying for a residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno) once you arrive in Italy.

Step 2: Register as a Freelancer in Italy

Here is the typical sequence to legally start freelancing in Italy:

1. Get your Codice Fiscale (tax ID number)
   
   
2. Choose your tax regime (Forfettario or Semplificato explained below)
   
   
3. Open a VAT number (Partita IVA)
   
   
4. Register with INPS (social security) or professional bodies if required
   
   
5. Open a business bank account
   
   
6. Start invoicing clients and building your freelance business
   
   

Step 3: Tax Regimes for Freelancers in Italy

Regime Forfettario (Flat-Rate Scheme)

• Simplified accounting with fixed cost deductions
• Available for annual revenues up to €85,000
• Flat tax rate of 15 percent (5 percent for the first 5 years if eligible)
• No VAT applied to invoices

This regime is especially popular with new freelancers because it reduces administrative work. If you're curious and want to know more we've written a whole article about this scheme.

Regime Semplificato (Simplified Accounting Scheme)

• Designed for freelancers with revenues above €85,000 or those who prefer standard accounting
• Normal income tax rates apply, ranging from 23 percent to 43 percent, plus regional and municipal surcharges
• VAT applies at the standard 22 percent, with reduced rates for certain activities
• Requires more detailed bookkeeping and compliance
  
  

Xolo now supports both Forfettario and Semplificato, so whether you are just starting or scaling your freelance income, you are covered.

Taxes and Social Security Contributions

Freelancers in Italy pay:

• Income tax at progressive rates between 23 percent and 43 percent, unless under Forfettario
• Regional and municipal taxes between 1 percent and 3.33 percent depending on location
• Social security contributions (INPS) of around 25 to 27 percent of income, with lower rates under Forfettario

Benefits of Using Xolo in Italy

Setting up as a freelancer in Italy can feel overwhelming with paperwork, deadlines, and bureaucracy. With Xolo you can:

• Open your Partita IVA quickly and easily
• Choose and manage the right tax regime (Forfettario or Semplificato)
• Automate bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax returns
• Stay compliant without stress
  
  

This allows you to focus on your work and lifestyle while Xolo takes care of the administration.

Final Thoughts

Freelancing in Italy is both possible and rewarding if you take the right steps. Whether you are a designer, consultant, teacher, or digital nomad, Italy’s Forfettario and Semplificato regimes offer clear paths to legally live and work here.

Are you ready to start? Cut through the red tape with Xolo’s all-in-one freelancer service and build your dream life in Italy today.