Italy’s Regime degli Impatriati (“Impatriate regime”) is a targeted tax incentive designed to attract highly qualified professionals and workers who relocate their tax residence to Italy. Following a significant overhaul that took effect on January 1, 2024, the regime now features stricter eligibility, an income cap, and clarified benefit periods, making it more focused and structured than in the past.
Who Qualifies under the 2024–2025 Reform?
- Eligibility is limited to individuals meeting high qualification or specialization requirements as defined by Italian legislative decrees and ISTAT (Italian statistics institute) professional classifications (levels 1–3).
- Applicants must not have been Italian tax residents for the three tax years preceding their move.
- The regime is open to both foreign citizens and returning Italians.
- Employment status is flexible: Employees and self-employed professionals (including those on a partita IVA) can qualify, as long as new work begins in Italy. Some remote workers may qualify, provided their eligible work starts after they become Italian residents.
- If moving with a minor child—or you have or adopt a child during the benefit period—you may be entitled to enhanced tax relief.
What Income is Eligible?
- Only income from employment, income assimilated to employment, and self-employment income (such as arts or freelance professions) produced in Italy is covered.
- Business income is excluded under the new regime.
- Annual cap: The regime applies to eligible income up to €600,000 per year.
Benefit Duration
- Standard benefit duration: Five years, counted from the tax year in which you become an Italian tax resident.
- No pro-rata for partial years: Moving mid-year still counts as a full benefit year.
- Possible extension: If you transfer residence in 2024 and owned/purchased an Italian primary residence by December 31, 2023, you may qualify for an additional three years (this applies only to 2024 arrivals).
Amount and Nature of Tax Relief
- 50% exemption: Half of your qualifying income (up to €600,000 per year) is tax-free.
- 60% exemption: If you move with a minor child or have/adopt a child during the benefit period, only 40% of income is taxed.
- No extension or enhanced benefit for Southern Italy: The former 90% exemption for southern regions has been abolished.
Comparison: New vs. Previous Regimes
Italy’s 2024 updates mark a clear shift from the old, broader impatriate system to a narrower, more defined scope. Here’s how the new rules compare:
- Exemption rate: Was 70% (sometimes 90% in the south); now 50% (or 60% with a minor child).
- Income cap: No cap previously; now capped at €600,000 per year.
- Duration: Still five years, with possible three-year extension only for 2024 arrivals who purchased their main home before end 2023.
- Qualification: Minimum three years abroad and stricter skill/profession requirements versus two years and broader acceptance before.
- Eligible income: Now limited to employment and self-employment (not business profits).
- Southern Italy bonus: No longer available.
- Extension rules: Based on home purchase for 2024 arrivals only, not automatically linked to dependent children or new real estate purchases.
Practical Examples
Remote Worker Moving to Italy:
An American software engineer relocates to Milan in July 2025 and obtains Italian tax residency. By starting employment with an Italian company after relocating, their Italian employment income can enjoy a 50% exemption for five years, starting with the first tax year as a resident.
Professional with Minor Children:
A French manager with two minor children transfers residence to Rome. They meet all qualification criteria and gain from the enhanced 60% exemption on eligible income for five years.
Self-Employed Consultant:
An Australian marketing consultant registers as a resident in January 2024 and starts work as a freelancer (lavoratore autonomo) for Italian businesses. Their arts/professional self-employment income receives the 50% exemption (up to €600,000) for five years.
Additional Considerations
- Clawback provision: If you cease to be a tax resident in Italy before completing five years, all relief received must be paid back with interest.
- Anti-abuse rules: New safeguards are designed to stop “artificial” moves abroad—such as intra-group transfers—used simply to trigger eligibility.
Is the New Regime Right for You?
Italy’s 2024–2025 impatriate regime is a compelling yet more selective tax incentive for highly skilled professionals, remote workers, and freelancers relocating to Italy. If you meet the professional, residency, and income requirements, the tax savings can be substantial.
Ready to take advantage of Italy’s new impatriate regime and streamline your tax filing? With ItalianTaxes.com, you can file your Italian tax return fully online, easily, and securely. Our technology-powered platform ensures compliance with the latest tax laws, helping expats, remote workers, and new residents benefit from every eligible incentive—without the paperwork.
Get started with ItalianTaxes.com now and make your Italian tax move simple and stress-free!
