How to Get an Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

You can easily see yourself sipping espresso in a cozy café while working remotely from one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. It’s now possible with an Italy Digital Nomad Visa! This visa is a great opportunity for remote workers from non-EU countries who want to live and work in Italy for a year—or even longer if you renew the visa. Let’s dive into all the details you need to know about how to apply for this visa!

Does Italy Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, Italy does offer a Digital Nomad Visa to attract highly skilled professionals who use technology to work remotely. It was introduced in April 2024 to cater to remote workers who want to live in Italy while working from a distance. This visa allows non-EU citizens to stay for up to one year, with the ability to renew it. So, if you’re a digital nomad with an itch for Italy, you’re in luck!

Benefits of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa

• Live and work in Italy for up to one year.
• Option to extend your stay.
• Access to Italy’s healthcare system.
• Work in one of the world’s most beautiful places—while enjoying its rich culture and history.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Taxes

If you live in Italy for more than 183 days in a year, you’ll be considered a tax resident. This means you’ll need to pay Italian income tax on your worldwide earnings. The tax rates can range from 23% to 43%, depending on how much you earn.

Italy also has a special tax program for digital nomads called the “flat tax” option. Under this Italy visa plan, if you qualify, you can pay a flat rate of €100,000 per year on your income, regardless of how much you earn. This can be a big money-saver if you’re making a high income.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa?

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa isn’t just for anyone looking to move to Italy. You need to meet certain criteria. Here’s who can apply:

• You must work remotely for a company or clients outside of Italy. If you are a freelancer and self-employed, you need to provide proof of work agreements. You cannot be employed by an Italian company. Your job must continue for 6 months or 1 year.
• In terms of Italy digital nomad visa income requirements, you must earn at least €28,000 per year. This is about three times the amount needed for basic healthcare exemption. You will need to provide bank statements, client invoices, contracts, or other financial documents that prove you earn this amount or more.
• Freelancers and consultants should have at least six months of remote work experience to strengthen their application.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To have a successful Italy digital nomad visa application, you need to gather these documents:

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave Italy. If you’re planning on staying for a year, your passport must be valid for at least 15 months.
• You’ll need to fill out the visa application form. This is standard for any type of visa, so make sure you complete it accurately.
• You’ll need two passport-sized photos that meet the international standards.
• You have to prove that you are working remotely. If you are employed, ask your employer for a letter stating that you work remotely and that your job doesn’t require you to be physically present in Italy. If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, show tax returns, invoices, or contracts with your clients. This helps prove that you are financially independent while working abroad.
• You must show that you meet the income requirement of €28,000 annually.
• You need valid health insurance that covers you for the entire time you’ll be in Italy. It can be a private policy or an international plan that includes Italy. The insurance must cover you for the entire duration of your stay. So, if you’re planning on staying for one year, the insurance should last for that year.
• You must show proof of where you’ll stay in Italy. This could be a rental agreement or an invitation from a host.
• You must have a clean criminal record from the last five years. This ensures you’re entering Italy without any legal issues.
• If you’re a freelancer or consultant, providing proof that you’ve been working remotely for at least six months can help your application.

Qualifying Professions

As mentioned, Italy Digital Nomad Visa plans to attract skilled professionals. The visa is available to those in professions that require a high level of education or experience. Some common qualifying jobs include:

• IT specialists
• Software developers
• Digital marketers
• Graphic designers
• Writers and content creators
• Consultants and remote professionals in various fields

Dependent Family Members

Good news! If you have a spouse or children under 18, you can bring them with you. Family reunification is allowed, but you must prove that you can financially support them and that they have health insurance coverage. You’ll apply for their visa separately once you’ve obtained yours. Here are two points to remember:

• You need an extra monthly income of €780 for each family member.
• You need an extra monthly income of €130 for each child.

How to Apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa?

Applying for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa involves a few simple steps:

1. Before you do anything else, you need to get your paperwork together. We mentioned them in the previous section.
2. Look up the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in your country.
3. Go to the consulate’s official website for appointment info (Italy digital nomad visa official website​).
4. Create an account or log in to their appointment system.
5. Pick an appointment time. Get and save your appointment confirmation (printed or digital).
6. Double-check that you have all your documents and the application fee ready.
7. Arrive at the consulate a little early. It’s always better to be early than to rush at the last minute!
8. Once you’re called up, hand over all your documents, including your passport, application form, photos, proof of income, and more; you’ll also need to pay the visa application fee. The fee usually falls between €100 and €150, depending on where you’re applying.
9. After submitting your papers, you may be invited for a short interview. This is just a formality to ensure everything is in order.
10. After the interview, the consulate may tell you when you can expect to hear back. Processing can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload and the time of year.

Once you land in Italy, don’t relax just yet—you have 8 working days to apply for your residency permit. Head straight to the Questura, which is the local police station in the area where you’ll be staying. When you arrive, make sure to bring your passport, visa, and proof of where you’re staying (like your rental agreement or host’s letter). The staff at the Questura will help you with the process. They’ll ask for your documents and may take your fingerprints. It’s a simple step, but don’t miss it! If you wait too long, you could face a fine or other delays. Once your residency permit is ready, you’re all set to live and work in Italy.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Countries

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is open to residents of non-EU countries. If you live outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can apply for this visa. Countries worldwide can send their residents to Italy, but the process may differ based on where you’re from. It’s always best to check with the nearest Italian consulate to make sure you’re following the right steps.

So, no matter where you are, if you’re eligible and meet the requirements, Italy is waiting for you to bring your remote work to its beautiful shores!

Can You Live in Italy without a Digital Nomad Visa while Working Remotely?

Technically, yes, you can live in Italy without the Digital Nomad Visa if you’re working remotely. But here’s the catch—you’ll still need to follow the rules for long stays. If you’re from a non-EU country, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa or stay under the 90-day rule. This allows you to stay in Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, working remotely on a tourist visa isn’t officially allowed, and you could run into problems if you stay too long or get caught working without the right visa. After 90 days, you’d need to leave the country or apply for a visa extension. So, while it’s possible to live in Italy without an Italy work visa (e.g., a nomad visa), it’s definitely safer and smarter to go through the official channels.

Digital Nomad Visa Italy: The Bottom Line

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is a fantastic opportunity for remote workers who want to experience life in Italy while continuing their careers. With a clear application process and a few essential requirements, you can be sipping coffee in Rome or strolling through Florence in no time! If you have any questions about the process of requirements, use our FREE consultation services to make Italy your home base.

FAQs about Italy Digital Nomad Visa