Return of Talent to Italy: Benefits, Opportunities, and Solutions

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

Are you an Italian expat living and working abroad contemplating a return to Italy? Or maybe you’re close to someone who is? If so, this article is for you.

There’s no doubt moving back to Italy with its recovering economy and  growth of innovative sectors can bring a host of new and exciting opportunities. However, there are also some challenges to consider. 

Firstly, there are several fiscal and bureaucratic steps to keep in mind, such as adjusting your status and understanding any tax agreements between Italy and your home country. There may also be residency paperwork, plus the recognition of professional qualifications acquired abroad, to get in order. 

In this article, we will explore the challenges, along with the benefits and opportunities, of relocating back to Italy. We’ll also look at how a transition back to Italy can be simplified with the help of a management company like Hightekers, with a specific focus on the Employer of Record service. 

Let’s dig in. 

Opportunities in Italy

Italy isn’t just about its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes – it’s also a land of promising career opportunities across a variety of sectors. 

The country’s economic growth has been fueled by dynamic industries and a burgeoning startup scene, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals. 

Whether you’re looking to build your career here or start over with a move back, Italy presents a wealth of possibilities. 

Let’s explore some of them: 

The Italian Job Market

In recent years, the Italian job market has seen remarkable changes, with certain industries leading the charge. The technology sector is booming, with significant demand for professionals skilled in digital innovation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. 

Meanwhile, the green economy is flourishing as Italy makes strides in sustainability, with numerous projects focusing on energy transition and eco-friendly production. This is an exciting time for those passionate about environmental issues.

Tourism remains a stronghold of the Italian economy, offering diverse roles in hospitality, event planning, and tourist services. If you’re enthusiastic about providing unforgettable experiences, this sector has much to offer.

Lastly, the agri-food industry, celebrated for its excellence and the iconic ‘Made in Italy’ brand, continues to thrive, opening doors for those interested in quality produce and culinary traditions. 

Each sector is brimming with potential, making Italy a haven for career growth and innovation

Startups and Innovation

Italy’s startup scene is buzzing with energy and potential. In recent years, many Italian cities such as Milan, Rome, Turin, and Bologna have seen an exponential increase in business incubators and accelerators that support the development of innovative ideas. 

This surge has paved the way for talented professionals – engineers, developers, marketers, and creative thinkers – to dive into exciting roles in startups across fintech, healthtech, foodtech, and smart city solutions. Italy is also increasingly attracting international investments in the startup field, thanks to favourable government policies and a growing interest in innovation.

Quality of Life

Beyond job opportunities, Italy offers an enviable quality of life. The Mediterranean climate, world-famous cuisine, and unique cultural heritage make the country a desirable place to live. Italian cities offer a perfect balance between history and modernity, and the variety of landscapes, from mountains to coasts, allows for a rich and diverse lifestyle. Living in Italy also means enjoying a more relaxed pace of life, with a focus on personal wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance. 

The Challenges of Returning to Italy

Whilst the benefits are far-reaching, returning to Italy after living and working abroad can be challenging, particularly when it comes to paperwork, finding the right job, and the absence of personal networks.

These obstacles can discourage many Italians who, despite wishing to return, feel daunted by some of the hurdles.

Bureaucracy

One of the biggest challenges when relocating back to Italy is the complexity of Italian bureaucracy. For those used to faster and more streamlined systems abroad, the process can feel slow and frustrating. 

Returnees may struggle with handling residency paperwork, registering with AIRE, converting education credentials, and getting their work experience recognised. Even filing taxes can be tricky, despite incentives for some returning Italians. These hurdles can cause delays and stress, making it harder to settle back into Italian life.

Job Seeking

Another challenging aspect of returning to Italy is finding a job that truly aligns with the skills and experiences you’ve gained abroad. While job opportunities have improved in many sectors, some of the available positions may fall short of the standards and aspirations of professionals coming home. On top of this, Italy’s hiring processes tend to be slower and may not always prioritise merit. This can make it particularly tough for talented professionals who are hungry for rewarding, well-paid roles that feel like a good match.

Lack of Personal Networks

In Italy, who you know can be just as important as your skills when searching for a job. Personal and professional relationships often open doors to the best opportunities. For those coming back from overseas, not having these local connections can feel like a setback, making it tougher to dive into the job market. That’s why it’s crucial to start building new contacts and networks to help smooth the path.

Hightekers: The EOR Solution for a Smooth Return

Returning to work in Italy, while harnessing your international work experience, can feel like a challenge. Thankfully, partnering with Hightekers makes life easier. Through our Employer of Record (EOR) solution, we offer a seamless way for professionals to continue their international careers while relocating back to Italy. 

This innovative approach allows returning Italian expats to remain with their overseas employers – bridging the gap between global opportunities and local living. 

What is EOR?

An Employer of Record (EOR) is essentially a bridge that connects foreign companies to their employees in another country, without the need to set up a local office.

Hightekers makes this process smooth and hassle-free by officially employing returning Italian expats on behalf of their previous overseas employers.

In simple terms, this means you can stay working for your overseas employer while you relocate to Italy, with the added bonus of not getting tangled in legal and paperwork issues. 

Hightekers take care of all the legalities and contracts, allowing you to focus on your work and embrace your return to Italy.

More Advantages of the Hightekers Solution

Flexibility: Hightekers offers incredible flexibility to both employees and their employers. Employees can seamlessly continue working for a foreign company (or even transition to a new one), all without the need for the company to set up a legal office in Italy. This arrangement simplifies the employment process, making it easier for everyone involved and ensuring a smooth journey for professionals who wish to return to Italy. 

Compliance: Working in Italy means adhering to a series of local labour and tax regulations. Thanks to Hightekers, employees are always compliant with Italian legislation, avoiding compliance issues and ensuring full coverage.

Simplified Administration: Another key benefit is the streamlining of all paperwork. Employees don’t have to deal with complicated bureaucracy – the EOR service takes care of everything. This means not having to navigate Italy’s administrative systems. Hightekers handle all the details, making the transition smooth and allowing professionals to focus on their work and savour their move back to Italy. 

Personalised Support: Hightekers provides a dedicated point of contact to support employees at every stage. From personalised assistance to contract management and operational support. 

Conclusion

Returning to Italy after working abroad comes with a host of exciting opportunities, both personally and professionally. You can re-immerse yourself in Italy’s stunning landscapes, dive back into its rich culture, and delight in the mouth-watering cuisine once again. 

The country’s job market is thriving too, especially in tech, green economy, and startup sectors. What’s more, moving back gives you the chance to contribute to Italy’s continued growth. 

Though the transition can be tricky with a stack of paperwork and red tape,  partnering with a management company like Hightekers can take all the hassle out of a relocation back. Our Employer of Record (EOR) solution streamlines the entire process, making it straightforward for professionals to keep working for a foreign employer, without the upheaval of establishing a legal entity in Italy. 

Plus with tax and contract management taken care of by Hightekers, Italian expats can stay focused on work and crucially enjoy the process of settling back into their home country, without the burdens of bureaucracy and admin. 

Find out how Hightekers can support a stress-free move back to Italy

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!