Contents
- What is INPS and why should an immigrant know about it
- Which pension fund is yours: Gestione Separata, Artigiani, Commercianti
- Contribution rates 2026 - how much you actually pay
- When and how to pay: F24, advances, deadlines
- How much you will receive in pension - an honest calculation for an immigrant
- The forfettario pension trap - 7 months instead of 12
- How to legally reduce INPS contributions
- Digital Nomad and INPS - to pay or not
- Assegno sociale - pension without contribution history
- Russia and Italy - service years are not aggregated
- TFR - severance pay for employees
- INPS personal account and useful apps
- Conclusions
What is INPS and why should an immigrant know about it
Main article on the topic: Forfettario 2026
Navigation through all guides - knowledge base.
Where does a quarter of your income in Italy go — and can you influence that?
INPS contributions in 2026 amount to 26.07% of income for Gestione Separata (freelancers with Partita IVA (VAT number)) and about 24% for Artigiani/Commercianti with a fixed minimum around 4,200 EUR per year. Under the forfettario regime you can get a 35% reduction, but this reduces pensionable service to 7 months instead of 12.
INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale) is the Italian social security and pension institute. Everyone who works in Italy — as an employee, as a freelancer with a Partita IVA (VAT number) or as an entrepreneur — must pay contributions to it. This money goes to future pensions, sick pay and maternity benefits.
For immigrants INPS often comes as a surprise. You prepare for a 5% tax under forfettario — and then find out there’s an additional ~26% to the pension fund on top. It is INPS, not income tax, that makes up the main part of the tax burden for the self-employed in Italy.
Community member
"INPS contributions really hurt, but well. Taxes are taxes. INPS is the same."
From a discussion about tax burden in Italy
Important for residence permit renewal
The questura when renewing a residence permit looks not only at income but also at INPS contributions paid. If contributions are unpaid or insufficient — problems may arise with renewing the permesso.
Immigrant’s experience
"At the questura they check not how much you earned but how much tax and INPS contributions you paid. So ‘promised income’ sounds strange to them."
From the experience of renewing a permesso for Lavoro Autonomo
When you pay INPS contributions you receive the tessera sanitaria (health card) — access to the public healthcare system. Without INPS — only private insurance.
Community member
"Insurance is needed only for the visa. When you pay contributions they will issue the tessera sanitaria."
Private insurance vs INPS
Which pension fund is yours: Gestione Separata, Artigiani, Commercianti
Why two freelancers with the same income can have different INPS — and how it depends on the ATECO code?
There is not a single pension fund in Italy but several. Which one you belong to depends on your ATECO code and type of activity.
For freelancers and the self-employed (libero professionista). Most immigrants with a P.IVA (Partita IVA / VAT number) fall here. No fixed minimum — you pay a percentage of your actual income.
For certain ATECO codes (manufacturing, repair, construction). There is a fixed minimum contribution of around 4,500 EUR/year — you pay even with zero income. In exchange you can get a 35% reduction.
For commercial/trading activities. Requires registration with the Camera di Commercio. The fixed minimum is similar to Artigiani.
For regulated professions (lawyers, architects, engineers). If your profession has its own pension fund (cassa), INPS Gestione Separata does not apply.
How to find out your fund
The fund is determined when opening a Partita IVA (VAT number) via the Communicazione Unica. Usually the commercialista files it for you. Ask for confirmation — in which fund you are registered.
Community member
"For the activity Pianificazione e progettazione di sistemi informatici there is no obligation to register with the Camera di Commercio. My commercialista filed the Communicazione Unica for me — and I suspect it was limited to registration with the Agenzia delle Entrate and INPS Gestione Separata."
IT specialist on forfettario, Lavoro Autonomo
Multiple funds — a problem at pension time
If during your career you changed activities and paid into different INPS funds, combining contributions later is a separate bureaucratic procedure (ricongiunzione). Service years are usually combined without loss, but there can be nuances with contribution amounts.
Contribution rates 2026 - how much you actually pay
26% of income — is that of turnover? Of profit? And can it be reduced?
A key nuance for forfettario: the contribution is calculated not on turnover but on income — i.e., after applying the profitability coefficient (coefficiente di redditività).
Example calculation for forfettario (ATECO code with a 78% coefficient):
| Indicator | Amount |
|---|---|
| Turnover (invoices) | 50 000 EUR |
| Profitability coefficient | 78% |
| Taxable income | 39 000 EUR |
| INPS Gestione Separata (26.07%) | 10 167 EUR |
| Forfettario tax (5% for the first 5 years) | 1 950 EUR |
| Total contributions | 12 117 EUR |
Community member
"Income is taxed, first 5 years at 5%, then at 15%. Plus contributions to INPS are paid on it at about 24% or 26%, depending on the pension fund and ATECO code."
Detailed explanation of tax burden
INPS contributions reduce the tax base
Contributions paid to INPS in the current year are deducted from income when calculating tax. For the ordinary regime (IRPEF) this is a direct deduction from the base. For forfettario paid contributions reduce the taxable income in the next period. Consider this when calculating the minimum income for residence permit renewal.
Tip from an experienced member
"Be careful — paid pension contributions reduce net income. You must pay 100% for the previous year and 80% advance for the current — the reduction can be significant. I recommend estimating in advance and bringing more income into December, so there’s no problem with the minimum income for the residence permit."
From a discussion on INPS impact on residence permit renewal
For Artigiani and Commercianti there is a fixed minimum contribution — about 4,500 EUR per year (up to an income threshold of around 18,415 EUR), paid quarterly. Above that threshold — an additional payment at 24% on the excess.
Community member
"From the first year up to 18,415 euros contributions are fixed — paid 4 times a year. In 2024 I paid 742.15 euros each (with a 35% reduction). Above 18,415 euros we pay INPS 24% on the excess in addition to the fixed amount."
Real contribution figures for an Artigiano on forfettario
When and how to pay: F24, advances, deadlines
Why in the very first year they will ask you to pay for one and a half years in advance?
INPS operates on an advance system — you pay not only for the previous year but also an advance for the current year.
June - main payment
Supplement for the previous year (saldo) + first advance for the current year. Usually the largest payment. Coincides with payment of income tax.
November - second advance
The second advance payment for the current year. The amount is determined based on last year’s income.
For Artigiani/Commercianti - 4 times a year
Fixed contributions are paid quarterly: May 16, August 20, November 16 and February 16 of the following year.
Payment is made via the F24 form — it can be filled out and sent via a banking app.
Community member
"You can pay the F24 form in the banking app. I used to pay in cash at the bank; now I’m not in Italy and the comune sent me the payment."
About paying contributions
First year — be prepared for a double payment
In the first full tax year expect a surprise: you pay for the previous period and an advance for the current. If the P.IVA was opened in 2025, then in June 2026 a payment will come for 2025 + an advance for 2026. Keep a financial cushion.
How much you will receive in pension - an honest calculation for an immigrant
Is it realistic to get a decent pension if you started working in Italy at 30-40 years old?
Here is the most painful truth for immigrants. The Italian pension is calculated under the contributory system — the more contributions you accumulate and the longer they are indexed, the higher the pension.
Community member
"If you didn’t start working here at 20-25, don’t count on a good pension — at least over 1000 euros/month — even if you earn well now and continue to pay contributions for 20 years. An Italian with a very average salary will by retirement have 40-45 years of contributions, and these are indexed more often."
Realistic assessment of prospects
Minimum requirements for a pension in Italy:
-
✓20 years of contributions
Minimum 20 years of INPS contributions. For an immigrant arriving at 35 — that means working until at least 55.
-
✓Retirement age 67
According to current data for 2026. May increase.
-
✓Minimum contribution amount
The pension must be at least 1.5x of the assegno sociale (~780 EUR/month). If you accumulate less over 20 years — you will have to work longer.
-
✓Minimum 5 years of contributions
For those who started working after 1996 (most immigrants).
-
✓Age 71
Later than the standard pension. But there is no minimum amount requirement.
-
✓The pension will be minimal
With 5 years of contributions — about 300-360 EUR/month.
Community member
"Here the amount of paid contributions matters much more than years of service. 20 years of contributions in Italy is enough for a contributions-based pension that may be above the minimum — roughly from 600 EUR. There is an option with 5 years and stricter age requirements — then they will give a super-minimal pension, about 300-360 EUR."
From a detailed discussion of pension prospects
Strategy for an immigrant
Many experienced immigrants view INPS contributions as a mandatory tax rather than a pension investment. They simultaneously invest privately — ETFs, real estate, private pension funds. As one member wrote: "By managing these funds myself, I can achieve more by investing one way or another. The main thing is money now, and its value is significantly higher."
The forfettario pension trap - 7 months instead of 12
Why does an immigration consultant say that under forfettario you will receive pension payments only 7 months a year?
This is one of the most shocking facts that no one mentions when opening a P.IVA.
Immigration consultant, 6+ years in Italy
"If you are in Italy under the forfettario regime, when you retire in Italy you will be paid only 7 months of the year. ‘You didn’t earn the rest’ — that’s what INPS will tell you. That’s why we changed our tax statuses long ago. After recalculation it turned out to be beneficial."
Expert, mentioned this fact several times in different publications
Why this happens? Under forfettario the profitability coefficient (67-78%) automatically reduces your “official” income. From the reduced income you pay less INPS. Less contributions = fewer pension points = the pension doesn’t reach the threshold for 12 months of payments.
This is not an urban legend
The expert who lives and works in Italy as a registered consultant for over 6 years mentioned this fact at least three times in different publications. She herself changed tax regime for this reason.
What to do:
- If you plan to live in Italy until retirement — discuss with your commercialista switching to the ordinary regime (IRPEF) after 5 years of preferential forfettario
- If forfettario is a temporary stage (5-10 years) and you will return to your country — this fact is less critical
- Simultaneously invest in private pension funds (fondo pensione) — up to 5,164 EUR/year are tax-exempt from income tax
How to legally reduce INPS contributions
Are there legal ways to pay less — and is it worth doing?
35% reduction for Artigiani/Commercianti on forfettario
If you are registered as an artisan or trader and apply the forfettario regime, you can request a 35% reduction in contributions. This reduces both the fixed minimum and the percentage part. Downside: your future pension is proportionally reduced.
Community member
"If there are legal ways to lower the INPS burden — for example, requesting a 35% reduction for an artigiano — it is worth doing, and invest the freed funds; that will be more useful."
From a discussion on optimization strategy
Gestione Separata with other pension coverage
If you also have an employment contract (lavoro subordinato) or already pay into another pension fund, the rate decreases from 26.07% to 24%.
Choosing an ATECO code with a lower coefficient
A profitability coefficient of 67% instead of 78% means the base for INPS calculation will be 14% lower. Discuss with your commercialista before opening a P.IVA which ATECO best describes your activity and at the same time gives a better coefficient.
Community member
"My commercialista says I must pay INPS only on the income actually received."
Libero professionista on Gestione Separata
Less INPS = less pension = potential problem with residence permit
Reducing contributions lowers the “official” income seen by the questura. If after deducting INPS your net income falls below the threshold for residence permit renewal (about 9,814 EUR for 1 person, 13,085 EUR for 2) — you will have problems. Calculate in advance.
Digital Nomad and INPS - to pay or not
If you work remotely under a contract with a foreign company — do you need to pay INPS in Italy?
One of the most debated questions in the community. There is no single answer — it depends on the situation.
Question from the community
"Guys, do you pay INPS on income as a Digital Nomad with a foreign employment contract (employee, not contractor)? Or did you manage to avoid / not pay INPS, limiting yourself to income tax only? If you don’t pay — on what basis?"
A question that had no clear answer in the chat
| Situation | INPS in Italy |
|---|---|
| Contractor/freelancer with an Italian P.IVA | Yes, mandatory (Gestione Separata) |
| Employee of an Italian company | Yes, paid by the employer |
| DN with a contract in a country that has a social security agreement with Italy (EU, Switzerland) | Usually no — you pay in the employer’s country (A1 certificate required) |
| DN with a contract in Russia / a country without an agreement | Grey area — depends on the accountant’s interpretation |
| DN-employee without a P.IVA | Formally INPS may not apply, but you need a certificate from the employer’s country |
Practical advice
If you are a DN with a foreign contract — discuss INPS with an Italian commercialista BEFORE submitting your first declaration. A wrong decision can cost thousands of euros — in either direction (overpayment or fines for underpayment).
Community member
"Opening a business in Italy and paying 5% (preferential first 5 years) + 26% social contribution makes sense if I want public insurance, a pension, etc. A nomad simply won’t get a visa if they show a tiny income. And if it’s large — then the tax is huge."
Comparison of strategies DN vs LA
Assegno sociale - pension without contribution history
Can you receive a pension in Italy if you didn’t work here for 20 years?
For immigrants who will not reach 20 years of contributions there is the assegno sociale — a social allowance for elderly people with low income. This is not a pension but an allowance — about 534 EUR/month in 2026.
-
✓Age from 67
Current retirement age in Italy
-
✓10 years of residence in Italy
With official registration (residenza anagrafica). INPS verifies actual residence, utility bills, medical service usage.
-
✓Income below threshold
Personal income not exceeding ~6,900 EUR/year (for a single person). The family threshold is different — check with INPS.
-
✓Do not travel abroad for long
You cannot leave Italy for more than 29 consecutive days — otherwise payments are suspended.
Community member
"Assegno sociale is governmental assistance for elderly people with low income; it’s a social allowance, not a pension. 534 euros per month. Requires age from 67 and continuous residence in Italy for at least 10 years. If you don’t meet the conditions now — you can start taking actions so that in 7-10 years all criteria are met."
Detailed analysis for a person with Italian citizenship without work history
Citizenship and assegno sociale
To receive the assegno sociale you need Italian citizenship OR a long-term EU residence permit (permesso di soggiorno CE). A normal residence permit (permesso) does not grant the right to this allowance.
Russia and Italy - service years are not aggregated
Will years worked in Russia be counted when retiring in Italy?
Short answer — no.
Community member
"Pension service years in Italy and the RF are two different histories that are not summed or cross-credited."
Answer to a frequent question
There is no active agreement between Russia and Italy to aggregate pension service years (as exists within the EU). This means:
- Service years in Russia are not counted towards the Italian pension
- Contributions paid to the Russian Pension Fund (PFR) are not transferred to INPS
- For achieving 20 years of contributions in Italy the count starts from zero
- Russian pension is assigned separately, under Russian rules
Can you receive both pensions?
Theoretically yes — a Russian pension (for service in the RF) and an Italian pension (for service in Italy). In practice getting a Russian pension as a non-resident is more difficult but possible if you have the required service years.
Community member
"I don’t count on the Russian pension. Those voluntary contributions are better invested. Moreover, in Italy you have access to various instruments."
A practical approach
For citizens of EU countries the situation is better — pension periods within the European Union are aggregated under Regulation (EC) 883/2004.
TFR - severance pay for employees
What is TFR and why should you transfer it to a pension fund?
If you work as an employee (lavoro subordinato), the employer sets aside each month part of your salary into the TFR (Trattamento di Fine Rapporto) — roughly one month’s salary for each year of work.
TFR is paid at termination, end of contract or retirement. It can be requested early in special cases (home purchase, medical expenses) — but no more than twice during employment.
Community member
"After you make a job offer, you can ask to withdraw accrued TFR for a mortgage. It’s not much, roughly one salary per year of work. TFR can be taken in special cases but no more than twice during employment and again at dismissal or retirement. When TFR is paid it’s subject to income tax — it’s beneficial to take it while the income tax is preferential."
On early use of TFR
Two storage options for TFR:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| With the employer | Simpler, automatic | Depends on the company’s solvency |
| In a pension fund (fondo pensione) | Better returns, tax benefits | You must arrange it yourself, harder to withdraw early |
INPS personal account and useful apps
How to view your contributions and check that the commercialista paid everything?
INPS has an online portal and a mobile app where you can:
- See all contributions paid
- Check which fund you are registered with
- Simulate your future pension
- Download certificates for the questura
Login is via CIE (electronic identity card) or SPID (digital identity).
Community member
"When you need to go to official sites — for example INPS, to check your data or book a doctor — click ‘login with CIE’. On the phone the app will show a popup, you press OK and access the account."
Instructions for login via CieID
Get access to your INPS personal account
Go to inps.it and authenticate via CIE or SPID. If you have neither — you can get a PIN code in person at an INPS office.
Download the INPS Mobile app
The app is available for iOS and Android. It contains main functions: view contributions, pension simulator, statements.
Useful apps for an immigrant
Community members recommend having on your phone: CieID, INPS app, IO (public services). All three work via CIE.
Conclusions
For the self-employed on forfettario INPS contributions (26%) are many times larger than the tax itself (5-15%). Include INPS in your budget from day one.
If you arrived after 30 years old, don’t rely on the Italian pension as your main income. Invest in parallel.
In this regime pension may be paid only 7 months a year. If you plan to age in Italy — consider changing regime after 5 preferential years.
Pension service years in Russia and Italy are two separate worlds. The count starts from zero.
The questura checks paid contributions when renewing a permesso. INPS contributions give the right to the tessera sanitaria and public healthcare.
Don’t rely only on the accountant. Log in to inps.it via CIE and make sure contributions are paid and recorded correctly.
Related articles
- Forfettario 2026: 5% tax for freelancers in Italy - how the main tax regime works and INPS calculation
- Partita IVA 2026: how to open a business in Italy - step-by-step instructions including INPS registration
- Lavoro Autonomo 2026: complete guide to residence permits for freelancers - what minimum income is required taking INPS into account
- Double taxation Russia-Italy 2026 - what happens with the agreement and how it affects pension
- SSN Healthcare 2026: how to get free insurance - connection between INPS and tessera sanitaria
- Crypto taxes Italy 2026 - INPS for crypto traders on P.IVA