This article is part of the tax cluster
Forfettario 2026: 5% tax - preferential regime for the self-employed
Double taxation Russia-Italy - DTT and what to do
INPS and pension 2026 - social security contributions
Crypto taxes 2026 - cryptocurrency and investments
Partita IVA: how to open - setting up a sole proprietor (Partita IVA)
Contents
- What is the Impatriati regime and how it works in 2026
- Who is eligible for the Impatriati regime in Italy
- Old vs new rules: what changed since 2024
- Tax calculation with examples: 50k, 80k, 100k EUR
- Impatriati vs Forfettario: when each is better
- How to apply for Impatriati
- INPS with Impatriati - the main catch
- Double taxation and Impatriati
- Remote work and Impatriati 2026
- Conclusions
What is the Impatriati regime: taxes in Italy for expats 2026
How to pay IRPEF on only 30–50% of your income and legally save tens of thousands of euros a year?
The Impatriati regime (Regime degli Impatriati) is a special tax relief for those who move to Italy and become tax residents. Essentially, it’s one of the most generous tax incentives in Europe. Taxes in Italy for expats under this regime are radically reduced: you pay IRPEF not on your full income, but only on a part of it.
Under the old rules (before 2024) only 30% of income was taxed — i.e., 70% was exempt from income tax. For those who moved to southern Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Apulia, Molise, Abruzzo), the relief was even stronger — only 10% of income was taxable.
The Impatriati regime in Italy does not replace IRPEF; it reduces the taxable base. You still pay according to the progressive scale of 23–43%, but on a much smaller amount. With an income of 100,000 EUR and a 70% exemption, tax is calculated only on 30,000 EUR.
Community member
"The Impatriati regime is when 50% of income is taxed for 5 years. You can extend another 5 years if you have a child or buy property. Usually a university degree or relevant work experience is enough to qualify."
From discussion on tax regimes in the community
The relief lasts 5 years from the moment you transfer tax residency. An extension for another 5 years is possible if during that time you bought a home in Italy or a child was born (or adopted). Conditions change slightly on extension — but the essence remains: you continue to pay Italy tax for expats on a preferential base.
Impatriati is available for both employees and the self-employed
Unlike Forfettario, which works only with a Partita IVA, the Impatriati regime applies to any type of earned income — both employment (lavoro dipendente) and self-employment (lavoro autonomo). This is a key advantage for those working on contract.
Who is eligible for the Impatriati regime in Italy: requirements 2026
What conditions must be met to get 50–70% tax exemption when moving to Italy?
The Impatriati regime is not available to everyone. There is a clear set of requirements, and they differ depending on whether you apply under the old rules (pre-2024) or the new ones (D.Lgs. 209/2023).
Basic requirements (common to all)
-
✓Not been an Italian tax resident
At least 2 years before moving (under the old rules). Under the new rules — 6–7 years abroad.
-
✓Plan to stay at least 2 years
Commitment to reside in Italy for at least 2 tax years. If you leave earlier — the relief is cancelled and you may have to pay the difference.
-
✓Employed or self-employed
The relief applies to employment and entrepreneurial income. It does NOT apply to passive income (dividends, interest, rental income).
-
✓Transferred tax residency to Italy
Registration in the Anagrafe (residence registration in the municipality) is required — this automatically creates tax residency.
New rules from 2024 (D.Lgs. 209/2023)
From 1 January 2024 D.Lgs. 209/2023 came into force, significantly tightening conditions. Now for new applicants:
- The exemption was reduced from 70% to 50% (you are taxed on 50% of income instead of 30%)
- A cap was introduced — maximum 600,000 EUR per year of eligible income
- The requirement of prior residence abroad increased to 6–7 years (instead of 2)
- Economic activity in Italy must be predominantly carried out on Italian territory
Tax advisor
"The new Impatriati rules 2026 are a completely different story compared to what existed before 2024. Previously you moved, registered, waited 2 years — and that was it. Now you need to prove 6–7 years outside Italy, and the exemption is only 50%, not 70%."
Specialist in Italian taxation
Impatriati does not apply to capital income
Dividends, interest on deposits, rental income, capital gains from the sale of shares and cryptocurrency — all of these are taxed at standard rates on the full amount. The relief works only for earned income.
Community member
"Impatriati doesn’t apply to capital income — those are taxed at the standard rate on the full amount. Don’t confuse earned income with investment income — for the tax office they are fundamentally different."
From discussion on taxes in Italy for expats
Old vs new Impatriati rules: what changed since 2024
If I applied before 2024 — do I keep the old conditions? And what if I moved in 2025–2026?
This is the most common question in the community. The answer depends on when you became an Italian tax resident.
| Parameter | Old rules (before 2024) | New rules (from 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| IRPEF exemption | 70% (you pay on 30%) | 50% (you pay on 50%) |
| Southern Italy | 90% (you pay on 10%) | 50% (no southern bonus) |
| Income cap | No cap | 600 000 EUR/year |
| Years abroad | 2 years | 6–7 years |
| Extension | +5 years (home purchase/child) | +3 years if a child is born |
| Base duration | 5 years | 5 years |
| Law | D.Lgs. 147/2015 | D.Lgs. 209/2023 |
Key rule: if you became an Italian tax resident before 31 December 2023 and have already applied for Impatriati — you keep the old, more favorable conditions for the entire term of the relief.
Community experience
"Those who managed to move and register before the end of 2023 are on the old rules. 70% exemption, no income cap, southern bonus. That’s a huge difference compared to what’s offered now."
Discussion on taxes in Italy for expats, 2026
If you moved in 2024–2026 — the new rules apply. Exemption 50%, cap 600k, and you need to prove 6–7 years living outside Italy.
Transition period
Those who applied under the old rules and are now extending for a second 5 years continue under the old conditions. The new law is not retroactive for already benefiting taxpayers.
Impatriati tax calculation 2026 with real examples
How much does Impatriati actually save at incomes of 50,000, 80,000 and 100,000 EUR?
Let’s go through concrete figures. We use the IRPEF scale for 2026:
- up to 28,000 EUR — 23%
- 28,001–50,000 EUR — 35%
- over 50,000 EUR — 43%
Income 50,000 EUR/year
| Indicator | No relief (IRPEF) | Impatriati 50% (new) | Impatriati 70% (old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxable base | 50 000 EUR | 25 000 EUR | 15 000 EUR |
| IRPEF | ~14 400 EUR | ~5 750 EUR | ~3 450 EUR |
| Regional + municipal | ~1 500 EUR | ~750 EUR | ~450 EUR |
| Total tax | ~15 900 EUR | ~6 500 EUR | ~3 900 EUR |
| Savings vs regular | - | 9 400 EUR/year | 12 000 EUR/year |
Income 80,000 EUR/year
| Indicator | No relief (IRPEF) | Impatriati 50% (new) | Impatriati 70% (old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxable base | 80 000 EUR | 40 000 EUR | 24 000 EUR |
| IRPEF | ~27 300 EUR | ~10 600 EUR | ~5 520 EUR |
| Regional + municipal | ~2 400 EUR | ~1 200 EUR | ~720 EUR |
| Total tax | ~29 700 EUR | ~11 800 EUR | ~6 240 EUR |
| Savings vs regular | - | 17 900 EUR/year | 23 460 EUR/year |
Income 100,000 EUR/year
| Indicator | No relief (IRPEF) | Impatriati 50% (new) | Impatriati 70% (old) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxable base | 100 000 EUR | 50 000 EUR | 30 000 EUR |
| IRPEF | ~35 900 EUR | ~14 400 EUR | ~6 440 EUR |
| Regional + municipal | ~3 000 EUR | ~1 500 EUR | ~900 EUR |
| Total tax | ~38 900 EUR | ~15 900 EUR | ~7 340 EUR |
| Savings vs regular | - | 23 000 EUR/year | 31 560 EUR/year |
Author of calculations
"The article includes calculations for turnovers of 30k / 50k / 85k / 100k euros, separately showing taxes and INPS. I made corrections — the INPS calculation under Impatriati was revised and it became more advantageous than Forfettario in all scenarios."
From a detailed analysis of tax regimes
This is only IRPEF — INPS not included!
The calculations shown are only for income tax. INPS contributions are paid separately and on the FULL income. More — see the INPS with Impatriati section.
Community member
"Final figures depend on the region, family tax credits, actual expenses, the type of INPS coverage, residency nuances and the contract with the client. There is no universal answer — only an individual calculation."
Disclaimer to the tax calculations
Impatriati vs Forfettario: when each is better for expats
What to choose when moving to Italy — Forfettario 5% or the Impatriati regime? Can they be combined?
This is the main question for self-employed expats with a Partita IVA. Both regimes give significant savings, but work completely differently.
| Parameter | Forfettario | Impatriati (new rules) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rate | 5% (first 5 years) / 15% | IRPEF 23–43%, but on 50% of income |
| INPS | 26% of the coefficient-based base | 26% of the FULL income |
| Turnover cap | 85 000 EUR/year | 600 000 EUR/year |
| Who it's for | Only self-employed (P.IVA) | Employees + self-employed |
| VAT | Not paid | Paid |
| Combination | Cannot be combined with Impatriati | Cannot be combined with Forfettario |
| Expense deductions | No (fixed coefficient) | Yes — actual expenses |
| Duration | Indefinite (while under the cap) | 5 years (+3–5 extension) |
Comparison at income 50,000 EUR (self-employed, IT sector)
| Indicator | Forfettario 5% | Impatriati 50% |
|---|---|---|
| Tax base | 50 000 x 78% = 39 000 | 50 000 x 50% = 25 000 |
| Income tax | 39 000 x 5% = 1 950 | 25 000 x 23% = 5 750 |
| INPS | 39 000 x 26% = 10 140 | 50 000 x 26% = 13 000 |
| Total | 12 090 EUR | 18 750 EUR |
At 50k Forfettario is more advantageous. But the situation changes at higher incomes.
Comparison at income 100,000 EUR
| Indicator | Forfettario 15% | Impatriati 50% |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | No (85k cap) | Yes |
| Income tax | - | ~14 400 |
| INPS | - | ~26 000 |
| Total | Unavailable | ~40 400 EUR |
Community member
"The reduced tax base is subject to IRPEF (23–43% instead of 5–15%). Accounting services will cost more — I heard around 1,500 on average per year instead of 500. Keep that in mind."
From regime comparisons on the forum
When Impatriati is clearly better
1) Income above 85 000 EUR — Forfettario is unavailable. 2) You are an employee — Forfettario is unavailable. 3) You have high actual expenses — Impatriati allows deductions. 4) You want to charge VAT and work with large Italian companies.
Combination is impossible
You cannot be on Forfettario and Impatriati at the same time. You must choose one regime. If you are already on Forfettario, you can switch to the ordinary regime + Impatriati, but this decision must be calculated with an accountant.
How to apply for the Impatriati regime in 2026
What documents are needed and where to apply — procedure for employees and the self-employed?
The application procedure depends on the type of employment.
For employees (lavoro dipendente)
Transfer tax residency
Register your residence with the municipality (iscrizione anagrafica). This creates tax residency automatically. Make sure you deregister in your country of origin.
Request to the employer
Submit a written request to your employer asking to apply the Impatriati regime. The employer will start withholding tax on the reduced base already in current payslips (busta paga).
Confirmation in the tax return
Indicate the application of the regime in your annual tax return (Modello 730 or Redditi PF). If the employer did not apply the relief in payroll — you can claim it when filing the return and get a refund.
For the self-employed (lavoro autonomo / P.IVA)
Transfer residency
Similarly — register with the municipality and obtain a codice fiscale (if you don't already have one).
Open a Partita IVA on the ordinary regime
Impatriati works with the ordinary (not Forfettario) tax regime. Open a Partita IVA on the regime ordinario. More: Partita IVA: how to open.
Claim in the tax return
The relief is claimed directly in the annual return Redditi PF. You will need an accountant here.
Required documents
-
✓Proof of residence abroad
Certificates of tax residency (certificato di residenza fiscale) for the last 2 years (old rules) or 6–7 years (new rules).
-
✓Registration in the Anagrafe
Proof of registration in the Italian municipality.
-
✓Codice fiscale
The Italian tax code. More: Codice Fiscale 2026.
-
✓Employment contract or P.IVA
Proof of working activity in Italy.
-
✓Request to the employer
Only for employees — a written request to apply the relief.
Tax specialist
"Don't try to apply for Impatriati on your own — find an accountant who has already worked with this regime. A mistake in the return can cost you the entire relief. And yes, accountants charge more for Impatriati support."
Recommendation from practice
Deadlines are critical
The relief begins from the first tax year of residency. If you registered in Italy in November 2025 — the first relief year is 2025, and you file the return for it in 2026. Don’t delay registration.
INPS with Impatriati — the main catch for expats
Why does IRPEF saving get partially eaten by INPS contributions — and how to calculate it?
This is the most unpleasant surprise of the Impatriati regime that many learn too late. INPS is paid on the full income, not on the reduced taxable base.
Impatriati reduces only the IRPEF base. Pension contributions (INPS Gestione Separata — 26.07% for the self-employed) are calculated on the entire earnings amount.
Example: income 80,000 EUR, self-employed
| Payment | Impatriati 50% | Regular IRPEF |
|---|---|---|
| IRPEF | ~10 600 EUR (on 40 000) | ~27 300 EUR (on 80 000) |
| INPS (26% of 80 000) | 20 800 EUR | 20 800 EUR |
| Regional + municipal | ~1 200 EUR | ~2 400 EUR |
| Total burden | ~32 600 EUR (41%) | ~50 500 EUR (63%) |
The saving is substantial — about 18,000 EUR per year. But note: INPS makes up the main part of the burden and is not reduced under Impatriati.
Community member
"Many look only at IRPEF and think Impatriati is a fairy tale. Then the INPS bill on the full amount arrives — and the fairy tale ends. INPS is not reduced by any regime."
From discussion on real tax burden
INPS is deductible from the IRPEF base
There is good news: paid INPS contributions are deductible from the IRPEF taxable base (deduzione). Under Impatriati the deduction applies to the reduced base. Details on INPS contributions: INPS and pension 2026.
For employees INPS is less painful
If you are employed, the employer pays the bulk of INPS contributions (~24%). Your share is about 9–10%. Therefore, for employees Impatriati is especially profitable — big IRPEF savings and no additional INPS expense.
Double taxation and Impatriati: taxes in Italy for expats from Russia
How does the Impatriati regime interact with a Double Taxation Treaty (DTT) — and what to do if the treaty is suspended?
The Impatriati regime is an internal Italian relief. It works independently of whether Italy has a double taxation agreement (DTT) with your country.
How it works when a DTT is in force
If Italy has a valid treaty with your country (for example, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia), the scheme is as follows:
- Income is taxed in the source country at local rates
- In Italy IRPEF is calculated on the reduced base (Impatriati)
- Tax paid abroad is credited against Italian tax (credito d’imposta)
- You pay only the difference to Italy
Community member
"I mean the scheme: calculate Italian tax on 50% of income as I’m employed, and credit the tax already paid abroad. In the end pay the difference. With low foreign rates this can be very advantageous."
Discussion of Impatriati and DTTs
Russia — DTT suspended
For Russians the situation is more complicated. Russia has suspended the DTT with several countries, including Italy, from 2023. In practice this means:
- Russia withholds personal income tax (13–15% for residents, 30% for non-residents)
- Italy calculates IRPEF on the reduced base (Impatriati)
- Credit for tax paid in the Russian Federation — legally possible on the Italian side, but in practice unpredictable
Russia-Italy DTT: uncertainty
Italy formally treats the treaty as in force ("by default"). Russia treats it as suspended. This creates legal uncertainty. Each case of tax credit must be discussed individually with an accountant. More: Double taxation Russia-Italy.
Community experience
"Italy is more attractive for a pleasant retirement than for earning. With its taxes Italy becomes attractive for pensions, not for work. But Impatriati is an exception — it truly changes the numbers."
A philosophical view on Italian taxes
Remote work and Impatriati 2026: can you apply
I work remotely for a foreign employer from Italy — can I get Impatriati relief?
This is one of the hottest questions for digital nomads and remote workers. The answer depends on the form of the employment relationship.
Employed by a foreign employer
If you are employed by a company abroad but live and pay taxes in Italy — Impatriati is formally available. But there are nuances:
- The employer must be ready to put you on an Italian payroll (or use a PEO/EOR)
- Or you pay taxes yourself via the tax return Redditi PF
- The activity must be carried out predominantly on Italian territory
Digital Nomad + Impatriati
If you have a Digital Nomad visa and become an Italian tax resident — theoretically you can apply for Impatriati. But the DN visa implies work for a foreign employer, which complicates documentary proof. More about the DN visa: Digital Nomad visa 2026.
Partita IVA and foreign clients
If you opened a Partita IVA in Italy and work for foreign clients — this is the cleanest setup for Impatriati:
- You are a self-employed Italian resident
- Income from foreign clients is considered earned income
- Impatriati is applied when filing the tax return
- You must use the regime ordinario (not Forfettario)
Tax expert
"P.IVA + regime ordinario + Impatriati — that’s a working combination for those earning more than 85k. Yes, accounting is more complex and more expensive than Forfettario. But at high income the savings outweigh the costs."
Advice from a tax specialist for expats
What’s not allowed
- To work completely outside Italy but claim Impatriati — not allowed
- To apply Impatriati to freelance income without a Partita IVA (working "off the books") — not allowed and risky
- To combine Impatriati with Forfettario — not allowed
- To apply it to passive income (rent, dividends, crypto) — not allowed
Optimal scheme for an IT specialist in 2026
Move to Italy — register — open P.IVA (regime ordinario) — apply for Impatriati. With income of 100k+ the tax saving can be 20–30k EUR/year compared to the regular regime. Minus — INPS is paid on the full amount, and accounting costs about ~1,500 EUR/year.
Conclusions: Impatriati 2026 — who it suits
Is Impatriati worth it — and who is this regime optimal for?
Under the new rules (from 2024) — 50% exemption with a cap of 600k EUR. Under the old rules (pre-2024) — 70% with no cap. The relief lasts 5 years with possible extension.
This is the main catch. Impatriati does not reduce pension contributions. For the self-employed (26% INPS) the real saving is smaller than it first appears.
The employer pays most INPS contributions. The employee gets huge IRPEF savings without additional costs. This is the best scenario for Impatriati.
Forfettario is unavailable above 85k turnover. Impatriati works up to 600k. For high-earning specialists this is the only option for significant savings.
Impatriati requires competent support. Mistakes are costly. Budget for 1 000–2 000 EUR/year for accounting services.
At 100k income the saving is 20–30k EUR annually. Over 5 years that’s 100–150k EUR. The regime is worth it if you meet the requirements.
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Working in Italy 2026 - employment and salaries
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