Tax Atlas

Italy vs United Kingdom: tax comparison for expats & nomads

On income tax alone, United Kingdom comes out lower at a typical $100,000 income — but it depends on your income and regime. Here is the head-to-head on residency rules, rates, special regimes and nomad visas, each figure sourced.

Effective income tax by income

Gross annual incomeItalyUnited Kingdom
$50,00026.9%13.6%
$100,00034.5%24.1%
$200,00038.8%36.3%

Effective rate = total income tax ÷ gross income, run through each country’s full statutory scale (standard resident regime). Income tax only — excludes social security, deductions and sub-national taxes; cross-currency incomes use an indicative FX snapshot dated 2026-08-20. Try your own income and toggle special regimes →

Italy vs United Kingdom, side by side

 ItalyUnited Kingdom
Top income tax rate43%PwC Tax Summaries“28,001 to 50,000 33% Over 50,000 43%”View source · accessed 2026-08-2145%HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)“Additional rate over £125,140 45%”View source · accessed 2026-08-20
Tax-residency day threshold183 daysPwC Tax Summaries“an individual is considered Italian resident for tax purposes if, for the greater part of the fiscal year, i.e. for more than 183 days, considering even fractions of days, one of the following conditions is met”View source · accessed 2026-08-21183 daysHM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)“you spent 183 or more days in the UK in the tax year”View source · accessed 2026-08-20
Signature tax regimeFlat-tax for new residents: EUR 300,000 / yearPwC Tax Summaries“For individuals transferring their legal residency to Italy from 1 January 2026, the flat tax is increased to EUR 300,000.”View source · accessed 2026-08-21FIG regime (ex-non-dom): 4 yearsHM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)“On 6 April 2025 the 4-year foreign income and gains regime replaced the remittance basis”View source · accessed 2026-08-20
Digital nomad visaYes — Italy Digital Nomad VisaFragomen“Effective April 4, 2024, the Italian government has introduced a digital nomad visa”View source · accessed 2026-08-21No
Nomad-visa income requirementEUR 28,000 / yearGlobal Citizen Solutions“The minimum income is €28,000 per year (€2,333.34 per month).”View source · accessed 2026-08-21—

Every figure links to its source and verification date. Full guides: Italy · United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Is Italy or United Kingdom better for tax?

On income tax alone, United Kingdom has the lower effective rate at a $100,000 income (24.1% vs 34.5%). But the right answer depends on your income level, which special regime you qualify for, social security, and treaty relief — see the full comparison below.

Which has the lower tax-residency threshold, Italy or United Kingdom?

Italy treats you as tax resident after 183 days, and United Kingdom after 183 days. But ties like a home, family or economic centre can trigger residency on fewer days — never rely on a day count alone.

Does Italy or United Kingdom have a digital nomad visa?

Italy has a dedicated nomad/remote-work visa (income requirement around EUR 28,000 / year); United Kingdom has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. See the "Digital nomad visa" row below for the sourced detail.

Related comparisons