Freedom Score

Emigrating from Australia to Italy: tax and cost of living

How does Italy score against Australia? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€4,735
Per year vs. Australia+€6,976

Impatriati 50% exemption · EU · Schengen

Tax

87/100

Residency

87/100

Cost of living

58/100

Living environment

73/100

Mobility

93/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Australia income of €64,800 gross per year, you keep €56,820 net in Italy: a difference of €6,976 per year compared with Australia.

  • Tax: on this income Italy lands at an effective rate of about 12%, against 23% in Australia.
  • Passport and mobility: from Italy you travel visa-free to 190 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Italy scores 87 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Italy a living-environment score of 73 out of 100.

The tax regime in Italy

Italy has four progressive brackets up to 43% plus regional and municipal surcharges of up to around 2.5%. The Impatriati regime was reformed effective 1 January 2024 by Decreto Legislativo 209/2023: 50% exemption on employment and self-employment income for five years, capped at EUR 600,000 annual income. Increased to 60% with a minor child or relocation with a child. The previous 70% rate applies only to those registered before 1-1-2024.

Residency and visas in Italy

EU citizens may settle freely. Non-EU nationals can use standard residence permits, the Elective Residency visa or the Investor visa. Naturalisation is possible after ten years.

  • EU Freedom of Movement (EU/EEA citizens) · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Visto per Residenza Elettiva (Elective Residency Visa) · €31,000/year · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Visto per Investitori (Investor Visa) · €250,000 · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Visto per Lavoro Autonomo (Self-Employment Visa) · €8,500/year · 5 years to permanent residency
  • Digital Nomad Visa (D.L. 48/2023) · €28,000/year · 5 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to ItalyTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Australia and Italy?
On an average Australia income it differs by roughly €6,976 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources