Italy, with its stunning coastlines, ancient cities, and la dolce vita lifestyle, has approved a residence permit for digital nomads. This long-awaited visa is now available, offering remote workers the opportunity to live and work in Italy for up to one year. Here’s everything you need to know about the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.
The Digital Nomad Visa for Italy allows qualified foreigners to legally live and work remotely in Italy for up to one year. According to the Italian government, a digital nomad is a “foreigner who carries out self-employed work through the use of technological tools that allow remote working,” and a remote worker is a “foreigner who, through the use of technological tools that allow remote working, carries out subordinate work or collaboration activities.”
The visa is open to non-EU citizens who perform highly qualified work activities remotely, either as self-employed (freelance digital nomads) or as employees (corporate remote workers), as long as the company is not based in Italy.
Applicants for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa must provide documentation to demonstrate the following points, as outlined in the Official Gazzette states in the Decree of February 29th:
Minimum Annual Income: Applicants must show a minimum yearly income of around $30,000 USD or $2,500 USD monthly from lawful sources.
Health Insurance: Private health insurance valid in Italy for the duration of stay, covering health and hospitalization emergencies and applicable in all Schengen member states.
Accommodation Documentation: Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy during the period of stay (e.g., lease or similar document).
Professional Experience: At least six months of prior professional experience as a digital nomad/remote worker in the relevant field.
Educational or Professional Experience: If you do not have a university degree, at least five years of experience in your field is required.
Employment Contract: Remote employees need an employment contract for highly skilled work.
Proof of Freelance/Remote Work: Self-employed digital nomads must provide proof of freelance/remote work.
Employer’s Criminal Record: For employees, the visa may be refused if the employer has recent criminal convictions related to immigration violations in Italy. Consulates might require a declaration from your employer confirming no criminal implications in Italy and possibly a clear criminal record from your country of residence.
Application Form and Passport: Complete an application form at the Consulate and present a valid passport.
Proof of meeting income, insurance, and accommodation requirements
Documentation of six months prior remote work experience
An employment contract or binding job offer (for employees)
Signed declaration from employer regarding the absence of a criminal record
A visa fee payment of approximately 116 EUROS
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is issued for a maximum period of one year. You can extend your immigration permit if you continue to meet all the qualifying requirements. It is important to apply for the extension at least two months before the expiration date.
If you obtain the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, you must consider the following tax obligations:
Obtain a VAT number and Italian Tax ID code.
The permit issuance will be shared with tax authorities to verify fiscal compliance.
Employment contracts will be shared with labor agencies to confirm proper contributions/insurance.
Yes, you can bring immediate family members, such as spouses and children, via Italy's Family Reunification policies (Article 29). Your dependents will receive a renewable permit matching the duration of the remote worker's permit.
Italy aims to attract globally mobile professionals and skilled remote workers to live and legally work from within the country for extended stays. If you meet the qualifications and are looking for a vibrant place to work remotely, Italy might be the perfect destination for you.
Prepared on the information from visadb.io