By Valeria Zega – Global Mobility Department
In the first six months of 2023, 1,700 employees in the healthcare sector expressed their intention to leave Italy to work in the Gulf countries, in search of better salaries and a higher quality of life.
According to an estimate by Amsi, the Association of Foreign Doctors in Italy, published in Il Sole 24Ore, between September and October requests in this regard increased by 65%.
But what are the tax consequences for doctors, nurses, and health workers in general, who move to a foreign country? How is the employment income taxed?
Firstly, it must be ascertained in which country the health worker is tax resident. If the healthcare worker maintains his tax residence in Italy, all his income, wherever produced, will be taxed in Italy, including the employment income received for work performed abroad.
Such income may also be taxed in the foreign country, if provided for by local legislation, thus giving rise to double taxation.
If, on the other hand, the healthcare worker loses his tax residence in Italy and acquires tax residence in the foreign country, the employment income will not be subject to taxation in Italy, removing any double taxation problems on this income.
Considering the growing interest in Gulf countries, it should be noted that several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, are on the ‘Black List’ of states considered to be privileged for IRPEF purposes.
Consequently, taxpayers who delete themselves from the Italian resident population registry and move to a State on the ‘Black List’ continue to be considered tax resident in Italy by the Revenue Agency, unless proven otherwise.
In such cases, it is up to the taxpayer to prove that his actual tax residence is in the foreign country, and no longer in Italy.
In addition to the tax consequences, workers wishing to relocate abroad must also assess the possible implications in terms of immigration, labour, social security and welfare.
On this topic, our professionals of the Global Mobility Department can provide you with any necessary advice.