The Italian Digital Nomad Visa

Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Are you a digital nomad looking for a new adventure as Digital Nomad in Italy?
Italy recently unveiled an exciting new visa program tailored to digital nomads.
The Italian Digital Nomad Visa, officially launched in 2024, presents a unique opportunity for remote workers and freelancers to immerse themselves in the charm of one of the world’s most beautiful countries while continuing their professional journey.

We deal with the application for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa and have extensive experience and expertise in assisting clients throughout the application process for various Italian Visas.
If you have any additional questions about the new Italian Digital Nomad Visa, please visit our website’s FAQ section or contact us directly for a consultation.

Looking for Italy Digital Nomad Visa updates?
Keep following the page for any news about the program.

Learn more about the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

What is the Italian Digital Nomad Visa?

Does Italy have a Digital Nomad Visa?

We can say it: Italy finally launched the Italian Digital Nomad Visa.

In 2022, the Italian Government approved a law introducing the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy – but they delegated a few Ministerial authorities to release the regulations and the guidelines for the new Italian Digital Nomad Visa.

Indeed, with those guidelines, the Visa was yet to be operative.

Finally, more than two years after the initial legislation, the government issued the long-awaited regulations.

Since April 5, 2024, applying for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa is possible.

This new Visa is indicated for freelancers, self-employed digital nomads, and remote employees on a company payroll.

In some ways, it’s the best way to proceed for working in Italy.

With this visa, you can stay in Italy for up to one year and be free to work remotely anywhere.

This means you can enjoy all the benefits of living in Italy while still being able to work and earn a living. You’ll have access to all the cultural experiences, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery Italy offers.

To be eligible for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa, you must be a self-employed remote worker or freelancer.

You’ll need to provide proof of income and have a minimum annual income of €30,000. You’ll also need to have health insurance and a clean criminal record.

Applying for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa is not as easy and straightforward as it may appear from reading information online.

The Law itself is not very clear and pretty generic (so it is subjected to interpretations by the Italian Consulates, which means the application may be handled differently from Consulate to Consulate), so getting assistance from qualified Italian Immigration Attorneys is certainly the best way to proceed.

Once approved, you’ll be able to stay in Italy for up to one year and enjoy the many benefits of living in this beautiful country.

Let’s go more in-depth aboyut the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa process.

What is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa program?

The “Italy Digital Nomad Visa” program is a new Immigration program launched by the Italian Government in 2024 and will be formally approved by the Italian Parliament in 2022 (That’s why it’s widely known as Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2024).
It allows you to obtain the right to residency in Italy and live there long-term by working remotely as a high-skilled worker in your field.

Requirements of the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Who is eligible for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa? In other words, who is a “Digital Nomad”?

The Ministerial decree defines a digital nomad as a citizen of non-EU states who carries out a highly qualified work activity using technological tools capable of allowing them to work remotely, either as a self-employed worker or as a collaborator or employee of a company, even if they are not residents of Italy.

To carry out the activity in our country, entry and stay for periods exceeding ninety days are permitted outside the annual quotas for non-EU workers.
For entry and stay for periods of less than ninety days, it will still be necessary to issue an entry visa and a residence permit renamed “Digital Nomads.”

Italian-digital-nomad-visa-2024-bersani-law — *If you want to work and live as Digital Nomads in Italy, you need a long-term Visa.*

No temporary authorization is required for entry as a digital nomad (professional or self-employed worker) or for entry as a remote worker (collaborator or employee of a company).
Most importantly, you are not subject to Annual Quota limits for entering and working here (a benefit recognized by only a few Italian Visas, like the Golden Visa for Italy).

What does it mean “high-skilled workers” for the purposes of the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy?

The Law refers to the requirements already in place for the Blue Card.

So, let’s list in particular all the various requirements for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

For the Italy Digital Nomad Visa application, you need to have a higher education qualification (University Diploma) that certifies the successful completion of a course lasting at least three years.

The university degree can be replaced by a professional qualification attested by 5 years of professional experience in the same field.

With a Memorandum of March 28th, 2024, the authorities have clarified that such professional experience must be demonstrated through a work contract and/or pay slips relevant to the previous work experience.

These documents must indicate the activity sector and the work duration. An experience letter drafted by a foreign employer is also possible (and we recommend it).

What Are the Requirements for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

To qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa in Italy, You need the following:
1. Highly qualified work activity means the activity carried out by a foreigner possessing almost one of the requirements set out in art. 27-quater, paragraph 1, of the TUI (see the requirements for the Blue Card in Italy);
2. A digital nomad is defined as a foreigner who carries out self-employed work through the use of technological tools that allow you to work remotely;
3. A remote worker is defined as a foreigner who, through the use of technological tools that allow working remotely, carries out subordinate work or collaboration activities by the methods set out in the art. 2, paragraph 1, of Legislative Decree 81/2015.

The digital nomad must also have:

A minimum annual income from legal sources that is not less than three times the minimum level required to be exempt from participation in healthcare costs;
health insurance that covers medical treatment and hospitalisation, valid throughout the national territory and for the entire period of the stay (minimum 60,000€);

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements: The income requested for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa is as follows:

Applicants must prove to have an annual income of EUR 30,000 or more (like it’s for the Elective Residence Visa for Italy). The law does not require the applicant to prove that such income is generated through his/her freelance or remote employment. Therefore, it can be income from any source, such as rental income, corporate dividends, royalties, etc.

However, given our vast expertise in dealing with the Italian Consulates, we are aware that each consulate might apply its interpretation about qualifying sources of income and might require a higher amount as well. We will assist you with that, of course.

What Kind of Health Insurance do I need?

The Italian government provides a universal healthcare system that covers Italian residents, regardless of nationality.
However, Italy Digital Nomad Visa applicants must provide evidence that they have medical treatment and hospitalization coverage for the duration of their stay in the form of medical insurance or by signing up with the Italian National Health Service (EUR 2,000 per year). The minimum medical insurance coverage requirements for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa, according to the general regulations for the Schengen Visas:
Minimum Events to be covered: medical expenses (e.g., prescriptions, doctor visits, hospitalization, ambulance transportation);
Coverage Amount: at least EUR 60,000 per person per year;
Territory: applicable in all European Union member States;
Duration: 1 year.

Do I Have to have an accommodation in Italy?

Housing: Applicants must provide evidence of a place to stay in Italy.

For example, you can provide a certified copy of your property purchase contract, property gift transfer, life interest entitlement (usufrutto), or lease agreement.

Please remember that an accepted purchase offer, preliminary purchase contract is not sufficient to meet the housing requirement.

We are confident you cannot use temporary rent, short-terms (i.e., Airbnb or Hotel bookings), as it’s for the application for most Italian long-term Visas.

Interested in the new Italian Digital Nomad Visa application?

Overview of the Italian Digital Nomad Visa

The Italian Digital Nomad Visa is a national visa that opens the door for remote workers and digital nomads to live and work in Italy for up to one year. Tailored for highly skilled professionals who can perform their jobs using technological tools, this visa offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Italian culture and lifestyle while continuing your remote work. Whether you’re a freelancer, self-employed, or a remote employee, this visa allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—working efficiently while savoring the beauty and charm of Italy.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet several specific criteria.

Firstly, you must be a non-EU citizen with a valid passport. Additionally, you need to demonstrate a minimum annual income of €28,000 and have health insurance that covers your entire stay in Italy. A clean criminal record is essential, along with a declaration signed by your employer if applicable. Proof of accommodation in Italy for the duration of your stay is also required. Importantly, you must show that you have been working remotely for at least six months prior to applying for the visa. Meeting these requirements ensures that you are well-prepared to live and work in Italy as a digital nomad.

Benefits of Living in Italy as a Digital Nomad

Italy is a dream destination for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The country is renowned for its world-class cuisine, exquisite wine, and rich artistic heritage. Living in Italy means you can enjoy a relaxed pace of life and a strong sense of community. The growing digital nomad community in Italy provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, with numerous coworking spaces available across the country. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savoring a cappuccino in a charming piazza, or connecting with fellow digital nomads, Italy offers an unparalleled lifestyle for remote workers.

Application Process

Applying for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa involves several key steps. First, you need to fill out an application form and book an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate or embassy. Prepare the required documents, including your valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, and a police certificate. Once you have all your documents ready, submit your application and attend an interview if required. The processing time for the visa typically ranges from 30 to 60 days from the date of submission. By following these steps, you can navigate the application process smoothly and start your journey as a digital nomad in Italy.

Financial Considerations

Taxation

As a digital nomad residing in Italy, you will be considered a tax resident and subject to Italian income tax and social security contributions. This means you will need to file an annual tax return (Modello Redditi) in Italy, detailing your income, deductions, and tax credits. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for various tax reliefs and deductions. To ensure you meet your tax obligations and take advantage of any available benefits, it is advisable to consult with a tax expert or accountant. Staying informed and compliant with Italian tax laws will help you enjoy your time in Italy without any financial worries.