Hiring remote talent in Italy can be a smart move for international companies. Italian professionals are highly skilled, especially in engineering, tech, design, and operations. But before your new hire can get to work, it’s important to understand what a compliant, smooth onboarding process looks like under Italian law.
Below are key points to consider when onboarding remote employees based in Italy — whether you’re hiring directly or through an Employer of Record (EOR) like Peoitaly.
1. Contract Type and Employment Classification
In Italy, all employment must be formalized through a written contract before the employee starts working. This isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement.
Contracts should clearly outline:
- Employment type (permanent, fixed-term, or part-time)
- Salary and benefits
- Working hours and overtime rules
- Notice period and probationary terms
Misclassifying a worker as a freelancer when they function as an employee can trigger audits, fines, and retroactive taxes.
If you don’t have a local entity, using a licensed Employer of Record (EOR) ensures the contract meets all local legal requirements.
2. Payroll and Tax Registration
Every employee in Italy must be registered with:
- INPS (National Social Security Institute)
- INAIL (Workplace Accident Insurance)
- Agenzia delle Entrate (Tax Authority)
This must happen before their first day of work. Remote employees are still subject to Italian payroll and income tax, even if they work from home.
An EOR partner handles all these registrations and manages monthly payroll, ensuring accurate contributions and compliance with Italy’s evolving labor laws.
3. Equipment, Data Security, and Work Setup
For remote workers, Italian law expects employers to provide:
- Proper equipment (e.g., laptop, software licenses)
- Training on data privacy and cybersecurity
- A safe home-working environment
You’re responsible for ensuring occupational safety, even when employees work from home.
A compliant onboarding checklist should include signed declarations for remote work setup and GDPR training completion.
4. Benefits and Mandatory Contributions
Italian employment law guarantees certain statutory benefits, including:
- Paid vacation (minimum 4 weeks per year)
- Sick leave
- Maternity/paternity leave
- TFR (end-of-service severance fund)
You can also offer additional benefits (meal vouchers, health insurance, flexible hours) to attract top talent in competitive sectors.
An EOR partner like Peoitaly ensures all statutory benefits are correctly managed and recorded.
5. Cultural and Communication Factors
Italian employees appreciate clarity, trust, and personal connection, even in remote settings. Consider:
- Conducting a video onboarding session in Italian or with translation
- Sharing a company culture guide or welcome kit
- Encouraging regular check-ins and feedback during the first months
A thoughtful onboarding experience reduces turnover risk and builds long-term engagement.
Simplify Compliance with Peoitaly
Peoitaly acts as your local Employer of Record in Italy, handling every compliance step — from contracts and payroll to social security, taxes, and benefits.
You maintain full control over your team’s day-to-day work, while we manage all the legal and HR obligations on your behalf.
Hire in Italy confidently — without opening a local entity. Book a consultation to learn how Peoitaly can simplify your onboarding process.
