How to Become a Freelance – Find out more

What is a freelancer

Becoming a freelancer requires you to work on your own without being tied to a company. To become a freelancer, you need to have experience in the field in which you intend to operate, specific skills and a solid network of contacts.
A freelancer is a self-employed worker who offers professional services to various companies or clients without being tied to a full-time employment contract. Freelancers work on specific projects and are responsible for their own work planning and financial management.

Where does the word “freelance” come from?

The term “freelance” derives from the French “frilaunce” and originally indicated a “free soldier” or a “mercenary”. Over time, the meaning of the term has changed and taken on the meaning of a self-employed person.

What does it take to become a freelancer in Italy

To become a freelancer in Italy, you need to open a VAT number and register in the Company Register at the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, it’s important to manage your taxes accurately and keep track of your income and expenses.
Currently, in Italy there is no professional register for freelancers. However, there are several trade associations and unions that provide support services to self-employed workers.

You can work abroad as a freelancer

Freelancers can work abroad, but it is essential to check the tax regulations and self-employment laws of the destination country. The phenomenon of remote working, combined with the increasingly widespread practice in the world of work smart workhas given rise to a real trend of professionals, especially in the new online work areas, defining the figure of the «digital nomad».
Digital nomads are freelancers who work remotely and constantly travel. Thanks to digital technology, they can work wherever there is an internet connection.

How much does a freelancer earn

A freelancer’s earnings depend on the type of service offered, the skills they possess and the level of experience. Typically, freelancers earn an hourly rate or a fixed price for projects. Furthermore, the element to consider is related to tax legislation, which provides for maximum turnover limits and expenses to be deducted.

What is the taxation applied to a freelancer

The tax rate for freelancers in Italy varies depending on the type of service offered and the tax regime chosen. For example, freelancers can opt for the flat rate regime which imposes a fixed tax on gross income. The flat-rate scheme has undergone notable changes in recent years, revolutionizing the world of work for the self-employed. In fact, higher turnover thresholds have been introduced, making it much easier to start and maintain the fixed tax regime which often does not go beyond a range of 5-15% of gross income. Furthermore, it is possible to deduct some expenses, even for any collaborations, thus defining a new reality for the self-employed, much closer to a real business.

What forms of insurance exist for freelancers

There are several forms of insurance for freelancers, including professional liability insurance, health insurance and work accident insurance. On Lokky you will find a wide range of dedicated solutions.

Mandatory insurance for freelancers

There is no legislation in Italy that specifically obliges a self-employed freelancer to have insurance, unless they are registered in a special register or hold positions which, by their nature, require compulsory insurance. In any case, it is useful to remember that a freelancer who carries out high-risk activities should have insurance against accidents at work or liability insurance against damages to third parties; Likewise, freelancers who work with personal data should have insurance that covers possible cyber risks, hacker attacks, loss of sensitive and valuable data, business secrets and unauthorized disclosure of personal data.