The world is moving to a much more relaxed work culture and as a result the number of freelancers are growing. Italy has a total of 5.5 million freelancers or liberi professionisti as they are known as in Italian. They account for 16% of the total Italian GDP and their percentage is just growing with each passing year. 25% of Italy’s working professionals are freelancers and this percentage includes doctors, lawyers, real estate’s agents and many other professionals.
The practice of freelancing is becoming popular because it is less risky and requires less investment to run. Many expats have discovered the joys of working remotely from Italy so it is no surprise that they prefer freelancing.
Stepping into The Italian Market If You Own A Business in Your Home Country
If you want to work in Italy and have an established business in your country then it will be easy for you. If you are from the Schengen area in Europe then you can stay and be self employed in Italy for as long as you like.
But if you are not a European citizen then you can get a tourist visa to stay in Italy. A tourist visa lets you stay in Italy for 90 days and after this period you can get an authorization and a working visa if you want to continue staying in Italy.
Moreover, make sure that your visa is renewed in time. Living and working in Italy as an expat is quite easy but you might face some fiscal problems if most of your revenue comes from Italian markets. In this case, you should consider setting up an individual business in Italy. Read on to find out how you can be self-employed in Italy and not face any legal or fiscal issues.
Advantages of Becoming A Freelancer in Italy
- Italy provides cheaper internet than other countries in Europe. So, if you want to work remotely then it is one of the best places to live and work in.
- There is an abundance of networking events in Italy. If you make your way into such events you can make good business relations that can last you a lifetime.
- You have to pay taxes only after a year of running a business in Italy.
- Italy is full of nice co-working spaces, cafes with working WIFI’s and other facilities that make running a business very easy.
How to Become A Freelancer Legally in Italy?
You need a sole proprietorship of your company to be a legal freelancer in Italy. This sole proprietorship is known as a ditta individuale. After opening a ditta individuale, you will be given your pratita iva which is a mandatory tax number that allows you to make registered business transactions in Italy.
You can get this at the local Chamber of Commerce in the Italian city you are residing in and also at the local INPS which is the National Institute of Social Security. You can apply online but it is better to get in touch with a legal consultant while carrying out this process. This process should cost you about 150 euros.
Things to Keep in Mind While Setting Up A Business in Italy
- There are specific codes for every money-making activity in Italy. Before a business starts functioning the codes for every money-making venture of the business must be communicated to the Revenue Agency or Agenzia delle Entrate. Consult your accountant on this.
- If you have any money-making ventures back home then you must declare your income in both countries.
