Almost one in five of Italy’s workers are self-employed – more than almost any other EU country – due to a combination of high payroll taxes and the country's history of economic fragmentation.
We recently asked self-employed readers of The Local to share with us the pros and cons of working from Italy, as well as aspects of freelance life that have surprised them.
READ ALSO: Why are so many people self-employed in Italy?
We received a range of answers, with readers sharing their perspectives and experiences on issues ranging from taxes and invoices to building a client base.
Many respondents also offered up their top tips for those thinking of setting up as a self-employed worker in Italy. Here’s what they told us.
‘Plan ahead’
“Plan ahead, and understand the hurdles beforehand,” was the advice from 68-year-old Stephen Scotti, who is looking into launching his own business from Sicily after relocating from the US last year.
Emond, a 55-year-old software engineer who moved to Lucca in Tuscany four years ago, warned freelancers: “Do not expect it to be easy to find clients after moving, there is just too much to do.”
Helen, a Lazio-based management consultant and trainer from the UK, offered a top tip.
“Do your homework. Be very clear what your USP is and who your target client is,” she said.
Trying to make it as an entrepreneur in Italy is not for the faint-hearted, readers stressed, with one anonymous tour operator in Venice advising against it altogether.
“I have started similar businesses in other European countries and Italy is by far the most difficult and time wise it takes way too long,” they said.
‘Find a good commercialista’
The majority of respondents highlighted the importance of hiring a reliable accountant, known in Italy as a commercialista, to take care of your finances.
“Do your research and find a good commercialista,” counselled Rebecca, who works for UK-based clients from Siena.
READ ALSO: What is an Italian commercialista and do you really need one?
Word-of-mouth recommendations are the best way to go about this, said consultant Helen – and because you’ll be entrusting them with your livelihood, it’s important to track down someone “you really like.”
Software engineer Emond advised seeking out an accountant who you can regularly meet with in person.
“That is the way you do business here, face to face,” he said.
“Listen to the commercialista, there are many unexpected rules and laws that can bite you but can also be to your advantage,” he added.
‘Learn the language and customs’
Readers emphasised the importance of familiarising yourself with Italian language and culture and building personal connections, particularly if you want to work with local clients.
“If you are planning to work with or for Italians, learn the language and customs now,” said Emond.
Alexander Gillan, 72, who lives in northern Tuscany as has worked as a translator for 20 years, agreed.
“It’s essential to have a good knowledge of the language and culture," he said.
“In Italy it’s all about “who you know” from working to buying a house and forging relationships (romantic or otherwise),” he added.
Helen in Lazio said she found it “surprising how much business is through personal recommendation” in Italy.
If you want to build an Italian client base, “consider having a local partner” who can make personal introductions, she suggested.
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