Planning a workation in Florence? Or a business trip to Milan or Rome? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Italy, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Rome
Telephone code
+39
Official language
Italian
Currency
Euro
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly.
As part of the European Union, Italy follows regulations that coordinate social security among EU/EEA member states and Switzerland. One key regulation is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, which ensures that social security systems operate smoothly across borders.
Additionally, Italy has entered into numerous social security treaties with other countries to avoid dual contributions, available here.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid A1 certificate (if traveling from another EU country to Italy) or a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) (if traveling from a country outside the EU).
Tax compliance
As a member of the OECD, many of the Italian tax treaties are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. This framework provides guidelines for structuring tax treaties and covers various types of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, and employment income. In addition to these guidelines, Italy has signed tax treaties with numerous countries, available here.
Despite the existence of many tax treaties and the adoption of the OECD Model Tax Convention, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Italy, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
PWD notification obligations for business trips
Under European law, employers are generally required to register their employees’ postings with local labour authorities in the destination country, i.e. to submit a PWD notification. This notification serves several important purposes, including balancing worker mobility with the protection of their rights. PWD notification obligations apply in Italy.
As a consequence, to stay compliant with the PWD obligations, employees traveling to Italy must comply with several local working conditions, notably must receive at least the same pay as local employees in similar roles. Learn more about the posted worker notifications in Italy here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Italy, here’s a quick overview:
- Short-term stay: If you’re a citizen or residence permit holder from a Schengen Zone country, you can enjoy a stay in the Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. If you're coming from a non-Schengen country, you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays of up to 90 days.
- Long-term stay: Planning to stay longer than 90 days? In that case, you’ll probably need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa.
For those planning business trips to Italy, here’s what you need to know:
- Short-term trip: If you’re a citizen or a residence permit holder of a Schengen country, you can enter Italy for short business trips without needing a visa, and you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For travelers from non-Schengen countries, you’ll likely need a Schengen Business Visa. This visa allows you to move freely throughout the Schengen Area for your business activities.
- Long-stay visa: If your business plans involve staying longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a specific long-stay visa. The requirements can vary based on the nature of your business activities, so it's a good idea to check the specifics in advance.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Italy work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 40 hours. The workday is usually from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break of about 1 to 2 hours typically occurring between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- January 6: Epiphany
- Easter Sunday: Varied date
- Easter Monday: Varied date
- April 25: Liberation Day
- May 1: Labor Day
- June 2: Republic Day
- August 15: Assumption of Mary
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen's Day
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. In addition to adhering to your home country's regulations, it’s important to note that since Italy is a member of the EU, the GDPR will be applicable during your trip.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to your company's internal data policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use secure network connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be aware of phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep your devices in a secure location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock your screen whenever applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Italy for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it’s essential to have adequate health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, responsibility can sometimes be less clear. Regardless of whether insurance is provided by the employer or purchased by the employee, international coverage is crucial for a safe and secure trip.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to public healthcare services within the Italy’s national health system, covering essential services like doctor visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medications (urgent or necessary medical care to the same extent as for local residents). The EHIC is valid only at public healthcare facilities, so check your private health insurance policy to confirm whether additional coverage is provided for private healthcare services.
- Citizens of other countries: Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
Italian security authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential threat of terrorist attacks and have reinforced security measures throughout the country. There is an increased risk of terrorism, particularly at religious sites.
To ensure your safety, please keep the following in mind:
- Be especially vigilant in crowded places and during special events.
- Stay informed by paying attention to the global security advisory.
Crime
In Italy, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are particularly common in tourist centers and on beaches. Tourists may be distracted by tactics such as claims of a supposed flat tire, damage to mirrors, or being bumped into, sometimes involving being smeared with ice cream or pizza. These distractions can lead to theft by accomplices.
Vigilance is especially important in major cities at central tourist locations.
Car break-ins are also common, with vehicles and motorhomes sometimes stolen along with their contents. Exercise special caution when parking near beaches, as well as in poorly secured parking garages and unattended spots. In larger cities like Naples, Rome, Milan, and Turin, valuables such as bags, cameras, and watches are often snatched from passing motorized two-wheelers.
To help ensure your safety, consider the following tips:
- Keep your money, identification, driver’s license, and other important documents secure. If possible, store electronic copies or photos to facilitate replacements in case of theft or loss.
- Remain vigilant in heavily trafficked tourist areas, at airports, train stations, and on public transportation. Always keep an eye on your belongings.
- Carry important documents (like your flight ticket and passport) only in photocopy form and store the originals in your hotel safe.
- Due to increasing drug issues, do not agree to transport anything for third parties.
- Approach requests for help from strangers with skepticism; verify their credibility in person if possible, or contact the police if needed.
- Be cautious of unusual emails, phone calls, prize notifications, offers, and requests for assistance from supposed acquaintances.
Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Turin)
- Climate: Humid subtropical climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
- Temperature Range: Winter (0°C to 6°C / 32°F to 43°F) and Summer (20°C to 30°C / 68°F to 86°F).
Central Italy (Florence, Rome):
- Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- Temperature Range: Winter (3°C to 12°C / 37°F to 54°F) and Summer (18°C to 30°C / 64°F to 86°F).
Southern Italy (Naples, Palermo):
- Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
- Temperature Range: Winter (5°C to 15°C / 41°F to 59°F) and Summer (22°C to 35°C / 72°F to 95°F).
Potential threats
Earthquakes
Italy is located in a seismically very active zone, which means that there are frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes.
Volcanic eruptions
Several volcanoes in Italy are periodically active. The Phlegraean Fields in Campania are classified as a supervolcano and exhibit changes that have previously led to evacuation measures. Mount Vesuvius, located near Naples, last erupted in 1944 and is under observation. Mount Etna in Sicily is the most active volcano in Europe and has recently shown, along with the Stromboli volcano on the island of the same name, minor eruptions that have partially disrupted air traffic.
Flooding, avalanches, and storms
The northern regions experience a Central European climate, while the center and south have a Mediterranean climate. Year-round, especially during the summer months, northern Italy experiences flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall and severe weather, which can lead to traffic disruptions.
In the winter months, there is often a risk of avalanches and landslides in the northern Italian mountains.
During the thaw, there is a particular risk of flooding, especially in northern Italy. Venice is regularly affected by flooding during high tide (Acqua alta), making some squares and alleys impassable. Rome can also experience flooding after heavy rain.
In the Mediterranean, particularly from August to November, there can be isolated severe autumn storms, including so-called “Medicanes.” As a result, flooding and landslides, as well as significant traffic disruptions, are possible.
Bush and forest fires
Especially in the summer months, Italy frequently experiences bush and forest fires due to prevailing climatic conditions, leading to disruptions in traffic and air quality.
Drought in Central and Southern Italy
In the central and southern regions of Italy, particularly in Sicily, there has been a significant water shortage for several weeks due to the current weather conditions and lack of rainfall. The Italian authorities have therefore issued drought warnings for the affected regions of Italy, which are published on the ISPRA website.
Airports
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
- Location: Rome
- When to use: The main international airport for travelers heading to Rome and central Italy, offering numerous connections worldwide.
Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Location: Milan
- When to use: Ideal for reaching Milan and northern Italy, with extensive international connections.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
- Location: Venice
- When to use: Convenient for accessing Venice and the Veneto region, with several international flights.
Naples International Airport (NAP)
- Location: Naples
- When to use: Best for reaching Naples and the Amalfi Coast, with both domestic and international options.
Train stations
Roma Termini
The main railway station in Rome, providing access to domestic and international trains.
International connections: France, Switzerland, Germany.
Milano Centrale
One of the largest and busiest train stations in Italy, connecting to various domestic and international destinations.
International connections: France, Switzerland, Germany.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella
The main train station in Florence, serving high-speed trains connecting to major cities.
International connections: Limited international connections, mostly to other Italian cities.
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Free Now
Public transportation
Trains
The Italian railway system (Trenitalia) is efficient and connects major cities across the country. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) make travel quick and comfortable.
Buses
Local and regional bus services complement train travel, providing access to towns and rural areas.
Metro
Major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples have metro systems that are convenient for navigating the city.
Trams
Cities like Milan and Turin have extensive tram networks, offering additional options for urban travel.