2021 holiday bonus in Italy
2021 holiday bonus in Italy / Photo by Urban Sanden on Unsplash

Italy's holiday bonus was introduced in 2020 to help Italy’s tourism industry and it's back again for summer 2021. This much talked about Italian holiday bonus has undergone a double extension, firstly extended to 31st December 2021 by the 'milleproroghe' decree and then to 30th June 2022 by an amendment to the 'Sostegni' decree, meaning that this holiday tax credit of up to 500 euros can be used to stay in participating establishments for the foreseeable future. Let's see how the 2021 holiday bonus works and whether it can be requested again if you already took advantage in 2020.

Holiday bonus extension and reapplying

The most important news regarding the extension of the holiday bonus or "bonus vacanze" concerns households that already applied for the bonus in 2020. If this is the case, it is not possible to apply for the holiday bonus again in 2021. If you applied before 31st December 2020 and are yet to take advantage of the credit received, you can however still do so until 30th June 2022. 

How much is the holiday bonus worth in Italy?

The holiday bonus is a voucher with a variable amount depending on the number of family members. Up to 500 euros is available for families with three or more members, 300 euros for couples and 150 euros for those travelling alone. 

Who can apply for the holiday bonus in Italy?

To apply for the holiday bonus you must have an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) not exceeding 40,000 euros, as the bonus is aimed at lower income households. The scheme is open to families, couples and individuals, but take note that only residents can apply, not tourists from abroad. If you live in Italy and pay your taxes there, then you are welcome to apply if you meet the other criteria.  

How to apply for the Italian holiday bonus

To apply for the bonus you need to download the government's IO application and follow the instructions to register, wither with your electronic ID or SPID.

Travelling to Italy this summer 2021

While Italy has not made the green travel list of several countries, it is unclear how much international tourism will be allowed this summer 2021, if any. For this reason, the Italian government is stressing the importance of domestic tourism and keeping local businesses alive.