Engel & Völkers
  • 2 min read

Understanding Italy's Flat Tax for High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)

Italy's picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine have long attracted high net worth individuals from everywhere.

An aerial view of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, showing the deep blue waters surrounded by green mountains. In the foreground are terracotta-roofed buildings and homes with yellow and white facades nestled among trees on the shoreline. Several small sailboats are visible on the lake. The middle ground shows the shoreline with lush vegetation and more residential areas. The background features a panoramic vista of the Italian Alps with layers of mountains in varying shades of blue and purple, some with snow-capped peaks partially covered by clouds. The scene is captured on a clear day with bright blue skies, offering a picturesque view of this famous Italian lake region.

To make the prospect of relocating to Italy even more enticing, the Country has introduced a flat tax scheme tailored to HNWI. In this article, we'll explore the details of this tax program, including eligibility criteria, costs, and benefits.

Table of Content

  1. Who is eligible for the Flat Tax?

  2. How much do you pay?

  3. What about your family members?

Who is eligible for the Flat Tax?

The flat tax scheme in Italy is designed to attract foreign immigrants who meet specific requirements. To be eligible for this program, individuals must:

  1. Transfer tax residence to Italy from abroad: This means that you must relocate your tax residence to Italy from another country. This relocation signifies your commitment to becoming an Italian resident for tax purposes.

  2. Never have been resident in Italy for nine tax periods: You should not have been a tax resident in Italy for a total of nine tax periods during the ten preceding the beginning of the validity of the flat tax option. This requirement ensures that the scheme is targeted at newcomers to the Italian tax system.

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How much do you pay?

The core attraction of the flat tax scheme for HNWI is the simplicity and affordability it offers. The flat-rate substitute tax for eligible individuals is fixed at €100,000 for each tax period in which the scheme is valid.

To put this into perspective, if an individual applying for this regime receives a foreign income of €2,000,000, they would only have to pay Italian taxation of €100,000. This is a significant benefit for HNWI looking for a favorable tax environment.

What about your family members?

Italy's flat tax scheme for HNWI extends its benefits to immediate family members as well. Each family member as referred to in Article 433 of the Italian Civil Code pays a flat lump sum of €25,000 for each tax period.

This provision ensures that the entire family can enjoy the advantages of Italy's flat tax program. It's a family-friendly policy that supports a smooth transition for HNWI and their loved ones as they relocate to the beautiful Italian peninsula.

In conclusion, Italy's flat tax scheme for HNWI offers an attractive proposition for high-net-worth individuals seeking to relocate to this stunning Mediterranean Country. With a straightforward tax structure and the opportunity to enjoy Italy's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this program is a win-win for those looking to make Italy their new home.

Before embarking on this journey, you can definitely consult with one of our real estate agents from Engel&Völkers who can guide you through the application process and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria. We will be very happy to help you!

Italy is not just a place to invest – it's a place to live, thrive, and create unforgettable memories!

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