Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Spain to Italy
Both countries have aggressive expat tax incentives. Spain's Beckham Law gives 24% flat rate for 6 years (employees only). Italy offers THREE regimes: 7% flat tax for retirees (southern regions), €100,000 flat tax for HNW individuals, and 70% income exemption for returning workers. At €100,000: standard Spain ~€34,000, standard Italy ~€36,000 (similar). BUT with regimes: Spain Beckham = €24,000, Italy returning worker = €10,800 (70% exempt!). Choose Spain if: you're employed by a Spanish company. Choose Italy if: you're returning to work after 2+ years abroad, a retiree, or high-net-worth with complex income.
Top Rate
Beckham Law: 24% flat
Top Rate
Flat tax: 7% for retirees
At €100,000 (Italy regime vs Spain Beckham) income:
That is €1,100/month back in your pocket!
| Income | ES Tax | IT Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €50,000 (standard) | €15,000 | €15,500 | Spain saves €500 | €5,000 |
| €80,000 (standard) | €27,000 | €28,000 | Spain saves €1,000 | €10,000 |
| €100,000 (Beckham Law) | €24,000 (24% flat) | N/A | Spain saves €12,000 vs standard | €60,000 (5 years) |
| €100,000 (Italy impatriati) | N/A | €10,800 (70% exempt!) | Italy saves €25,200 vs standard | €126,000 (5 years) |
| €50,000 pension (Italy 7% regime) | €15,000 (standard) | €3,500 (7% flat!) | Italy saves €11,500/year | €115,000 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →Spain's Beckham Law is simpler: 24% flat on €600,000 max, no questions asked if you're hired by a Spanish company. Italy's impatriati requires you've been non-resident for 2+ years. If you qualify for Italy's regime, it's more generous (70-90% exempt vs 24% flat), but Beckham Law has fewer eligibility hoops.
Foreign pension recipients can pay just 7% flat tax for 10 years—but must relocate to a qualifying southern municipality (population under 20,000). Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Puglia, and other southern regions qualify. A €50,000/year pension pays €3,500 tax instead of ~€15,000+. Enormously popular with UK and Nordic retirees.
Beckham Law: No, employees only (must be recruited by a Spanish company). Italy's impatriati: Yes! Self-employed, freelancers, and business owners can qualify for 70% income exemption if they've been abroad 2+ years and commit to 2+ years in Italy. Italy wins decisively for entrepreneurs.
Spain: Yes, 0.2-3.5% on net assets over €700,000 in most regions (Madrid exempts). Italy: No general wealth tax, but 0.2% IVAFE on foreign financial assets and 0.76% IMU on property. For wealthy individuals, Spain's wealth tax makes Italy more attractive—unless you live in Madrid.
Spain Beckham: 6 years (was 5, extended). Italy impatriati: 5 years base, extendable to 10 if buying property or having children. Italy 7% retiree: 10 years. Italy €100K HNWI: 15 years, with €25K option for family members. Italy offers longer runway overall.