Working in Italy for a foreign company
A company abroad wants to hire you, but it has no office or entity in Italy. You do not have to open a VAT number or accept a foreign contract. With an Employer of Record (EOR) you get a normal Italian employment contract, with INPS contributions, paid holiday and TFR, while you work for the company that chose you.
- The company asks for a quoteSend them our one-page brief. They tell us your role, gross annual salary and start date.
- The company signs with usOne services agreement between the company and the EOR. The company does not need to register in Italy.
- You sign an Italian contractWith us as legal employer, under the national collective agreement (CCNL) that fits your role.
- You work for the companyThey set your goals, team and tools. We run payroll, pay you every month, and file taxes and contributions.
What you get as an employee
- An Italian employment contract (permanent or fixed-term) under a CCNL, with its pay tables, notice periods and sick pay rules.
- INPS pension contributions paid by the employer, as for any employee in Italy.
- 13th month in December, and a 14th where the CCNL provides it.
- TFR: about 6.91% of yearly pay set aside and paid when the job ends, or paid into a pension fund if you choose.
- Paid holiday: at least 4 weeks a year plus public holidays, and sick and parental leave under Italian law.
- A monthly payslip (busta paga) and a yearly Certificazione Unica for your tax records.
Your net pay
Income tax (IRPEF) is withheld from your salary every month, so you usually do not need to file a return. Employee INPS contributions are about 9-10% of gross pay. Regional and municipal surcharges depend on where you live. Use the net pay calculator for an estimate.
How long it takes
Usually one to two weeks from the company's go-ahead to your first day. The hire is notified to the labour office the day before you start. If you are not an EU citizen and do not yet have a permit that allows work, the permit comes first and takes longer: see visas.
What to ask the company
- Gross annual salary (RAL) in euros, and whether it includes the 13th and 14th month.
- Contract type, start date and probation length.
- Bonus, equity and equipment: what is paid through Italian payroll and what is not.
- Working hours and remote work arrangement.
- Who pays the EOR fee (always the company, never you).
VAT number or employee?
A VAT number (partita IVA) can suit real freelancers with several clients. If you work only for one company, on its schedule and with its tools, Italian authorities may see it as disguised employment, and you pay your own contributions. An EOR contract gives you the protection of an employee. INPS and the Agenzia delle Entrate publish the official rules.
Information for orientation, not legal or tax advice. In Italian: lavoro da remoto per un'azienda estera.