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If you’re a foreign resident living in Italy, remote work can be a key solution to achieve the flexibility you’ve always looked for in your work life.
Furthermore, Italy’s vibrant culture and slower pace of life make it an ideal place for those seeking remote or freelance work opportunities.
The good news here is that many companies and platforms around the world cater to remote workers, and there are plenty of ways to find meaningful lavoro da remoto while living in Italy.
One of the easiest ways to find remote work is by looking for international companies that embrace remote-first or hybrid work models.
Many global firms have adopted these policies in recent years and this trend is seemingly continuing to grow.
Companies like GitLab, Automattic, Buffer and Toptal are great examples of remote-first employers, regularly hiring remote workers from all across Europe, including Italy, for roles in engineering, sales, customer support, IT, marketing and design.
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These firms value international experience and remote collaboration, making them a great fit for foreign residents already accustomed to working from home.
Sofia Ventura, a marketing professional in Milan, told The Local: “When I moved to Italy, I was nervous about finding remote work, but I quickly joined a global company with a strong remote culture. Now I work for GitLab in marketing and appreciate the flexibility it offers.
“The beauty of remote work is that you’re not bound to your country of residence – you can work anywhere in the world as long as you have the right skills and a good internet connection.”
For those looking to work as freelancers or entrepreneurs, the internet offers a wealth of platforms to find remote jobs.
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Whether you’re skilled in writing, design, programming or consulting, platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer and We Work Remotely allow you to easily tap into the global market, providing a wide variety of opportunities across many industries.
These platforms are also ideal for building a portfolio and creating a sustainable freelance career while adapting to the Italian lifestyle.
READ ALSO: ‘Talk with everybody’ – Five key tips for building up freelance clients in Italy
Lucas Rimova, a freelance graphic designer in Florence, told The Local: “I’ve been freelancing for five years now, and platforms are crucial for me to find clients – whether they’re based in the US, UK or other parts of Europe.
“I particularly love that I can take on projects at my own pace. Italy is the perfect place for creativity, and I find inspiration in every corner of Florence. Working remotely allows me to strike a balance between my career and living how I want to.”
While global platforms are a great starting point, there are also Italy-specific networks and communities that can help foreign residents find remote opportunities.
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Many cities, especially in regions like Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Sardinia, have vibrant digital nomad and remote worker communities.
Co-working spaces are a great place to network with other remote workers, and they often offer a mix of local and international opportunities.
Spaces like The Impact Hub, Cowo and various Nomad List-recommended locations provide not only a place to work but also an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects and share resources.
Megan Sampson, a digital nomad based in Sardinia, told The Local: “I discovered a whole community of remote workers here in Sardinia through coworking spaces like Cowo. It’s not just about the work; it’s the connections you make.
“I met fellow freelancers, and we often collaborate on projects. Plus, it’s incredible to work with a view of the sea during the day and enjoy a sunset aperitivo with colleagues in the evening.”
In addition to co-working spaces, there are several local job boards and websites that list remote job openings for Italian companies or companies hiring in Italy.
Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed Italy, Jobrapido and Glassdoor Italy regularly post remote positions in fields such as customer service, sales, programming and marketing.
As Italy slowly shifts to more flexible work models, particularly in the tech, design and content creation sectors, it’s increasingly common to find remote roles offered by Italian companies looking to hire international talent.
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Find the right balance
Once you’ve secured remote work, the next step will be balancing it with Italian ways of life.
International residents who’ve successfully made this transition often recommend setting a clear work routine to ensure productivity.
Italy’s slower pace of life is tempting, and finding a balance between work and leisure is key.
It’s important to carve out a schedule that allows for both focused work hours and the ability to enjoy your surroundings – whether that’s a long lunch break, an afternoon at the beach or a weekend getaway to explore new regions.
Another tip for settling into Italian life while working remotely is to embrace ‘Italian time’.
The ‘cultural rhythm’ in Italy is different from that of many other countries. For example, the afternoon riposo (siesta) is a common practice in many regions, and social events tend to start later in the evening.
Use the quieter moments of the day to rest, recharge or explore the local area. Italy’s slower pace offers the perfect opportunity to break free from the hustle and bustle and focus on the things that matter most to you, whether that’s work, family or leisure.
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Building a social network as a foreign resident in Italy can often be a challenge, even more so if you’re working from home.
To overcome this, it’s helpful to join local networks or communities of remote workers and expats. These groups can provide not only friendship but also professional opportunities.
Many co-working spaces, for example, host regular events, from networking nights to skill-sharing sessions, where you can meet other remote workers and learn more about local job opportunities.
Additionally, getting involved in Italian cultural activities or local groups can help you feel more connected to the community, fostering a sense of belonging beyond your work.
Lastly, learning the language can significantly improve your remote working experience in Italy.
While many Italians speak English, especially in larger cities, knowing some Italian will help you navigate daily life more smoothly and even open up additional freelance or remote job opportunities with local businesses. It’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and build stronger relationships with locals.
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Living in Italy while working remotely offers a unique opportunity to blend the charm of Italian culture with a flexible career.
Whether you choose to work for an international company, freelance through global platforms, or tap into local networks, there are countless ways to support your stay in Italy while enjoying the benefits of remote work.
The key is to strike a balance between maintaining productivity, enjoying the Italian lifestyle and building meaningful connections.
Embrace the freedom of remote work and Italy’s beauty, and you’ll find that the combination is a recipe for a fulfilling and enriching life. Buona fortuna!