Italy Digital Nomad Visa welcomes remote workers and freelancers, providing a great opportunity for digital nomads to live in Italy and become taxpayers.
There are currently 35 million digital nomads around the world. So, as the popularity of digital nomadism continues to grow, it is important that many countries, like Italy, adapt to this evolving way of working.
In this article, we will walk you through what it takes to get a digital nomad visa in Italy and help you decide if Italy is the right place for your next adventure.
Definition of Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
While “digital nomad” and “remote worker” may seem like similar concepts, they represent different lifestyles.
- Digital nomads primarily work while traveling as a way of life. They have no set routine or permanent home and tend to operate outside of traditional work structures. Digital nomads can be freelancers or remote workers. As long as they travel while still working, they are considered digital nomads.
- Remote workers work out of offices. They are employed by a company and receive a regular salary. In that sense, they are different from freelancers. Depending on the company regulations, they may be independent and travel the world while working or may need to stay within a city, country, or continent. This is mostly about the insurance the companies provide.
Most importantly, these two groups face different obligations when it comes to taxes, benefits, and government regulations. Each country can set different rules to be a digital nomad within their lands while companies can do the same for their employees who work remotely.
Accordingly, Italy also has certain requirements to qualify for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa.
First, it’s important to understand that this visa is intended for experienced, educated, and reliable individuals who wish to work in Italy on a short-term or long-term basis. Before applying, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- An accredited university or college degree of at least 3 years.
- Demonstrated high achievement in your professional field.
- At least 6 months of documented experience in telecommuting fields such as writing, advertising, or design.
- Proof of housing (leases, long-term reservations, or property ownership).
These are essential to qualify as a digital nomad in Italy. In addition, check out these Italy digital nomad visa requirements:
- Be a non-EU citizen.
- Have an annual income of at least €28,000.
- Have no serious criminal convictions in the last 5 years, especially immigration violations.
- Have valid health insurance.
Once you meet these requirements, you’ll need to proceed with steps such as submitting the required documents, completing the application, and paying the associated fees.
Overview of the Rise of Digital Nomadism
Digital nomadism began in the early 1990s with the advent of computers and digital networks and has continued to grow ever since.
In response to this trend, many countries are introducing visa programs to attract digital nomads, grant them rights, and collect taxes.
In 2022, Italy launched its own visa program for non-EU digital nomads, welcoming more people to the country. This was a significant step forward for digital nomadism, which continues to gain momentum.
With an Italy Digital Nomad Visa, you will have the following rights:
- The opportunity to live in Italy with your family
- The right to reside in Italy
- Visa-free access to the Schengen area
- Eligibility for renewal after one year
- Access to the Italian social security system
- The ability to open a bank account and obtain a tax code (codice fiscale)
Italy is a great destination for families. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and flavors of Italy, one of the most inspiring countries in Europe.
However, it’s important to meet the necessary requirements and tailor the application to the size of your family. We will discuss these details shortly.
Understanding the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
As a digital nomad, you don’t just teleport into the city of your choice. There are important rules and responsibilities to understand.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, the rules for the digital nomad visa Italy offers are different.
Let’s explore these details and find the answers you need.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Briefly, a Digital Nomad Visa is a type of visa that allows you to work remotely in a foreign country.
A Digital Nomad Visa offers an opportunity for non-EU citizens who wish to work remotely while residing in Italy. This visa can be your key if you’re interested in experiencing Italian culture while maintaining your professional career.
Italy is one of the countries welcoming remote workers from outside the EU in an effort to boost tourism and position itself as an attractive destination for digital nomads. Italy wants to attract especially reliable, professional, and highly skilled individuals. In other words, applicants must be qualified in specific professions.
People with expertise in fields such as healthcare, finance, technology, or artificial intelligence are more likely to be approved.
To speak more specifically, if you are working in one of these fields, your chances of getting a digital nomad visa will increase:
- IT Professionals: Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts
- Freelancers: Writers, designers, translators, artists
- Online Entrepreneurs: E-commerce owners, digital marketers, online course creators
Please notice that you will prove your expertise in these fields with at least three years of university diploma during the application.
If you are a remote worker or freelancer, you can take the next step by following the current application process for the Italy 2024 Digital Nomad Visa.
We will explore these steps in detail shortly.
Key Features of the Italian Digital Nomad Visa
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to work legally in the country for up to one year. At the end of this period, you can reapply for an extension, which can be granted for up to two additional years.
One of the biggest benefits of this visa is that you can bring your family with you. However, if you apply with family members, higher income requirements will wait for you.
In numbers: Italy expects you to earn a minimum monthly income of €2,080, with an additional €780 for each adult in your family and €130 for each child.
You can submit a certified payslip translated into English or Italian to prove your income. If you don’t have a payslip, a bank statement can be used as proof of income.
Here are the other documents you will need:
- An employment contract for 6 months or 1 year
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation in Italy (lease or reservation)
- A valid passport
- Travel health insurance
- Flight information
- A letter of motivation
Make sure all documents are official, certified, and up-to-date. Presenting them accurately will greatly improve your chances of visa approval.
Eligibility Criteria for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa
Professional experience and income thresholds are key factors in meeting the digital nomad visa Italy requirements.
Below are the necessary professional qualifications and the minimum monthly or annual earnings you must meet to be eligible for this visa.
Professional Experience Requirements
Italy requires digital nomad visa applicants to have at least 6 months of work experience, which they must verify through official documents.
You can supply various documents such as proof of employment, an employment contract, pay slips, or reference letters. Each of these documents should clearly reflect the details of your work history and the time you’ve spent in your role.
When submitting these documents, ensure that both you and your employer or client sign the papers. This official approval is a crucial part of the application process, as unsigned documents may be considered invalid or incomplete.
Finally, remember to have all your documents translated into Italian by a sworn translator. Before translating, make sure that your work experience and contract details are carefully outlined so that nothing gets lost in translation.
Annual Income Thresholds
You must pass the annual income threshold for the digital nomad tax. Otherwise, the Italian government may refuse you a visa.
The annual income thresholds are as follows:
- Your annual income must be at least €28.000.
- You must be able to afford your health insurance.
- You must have an extra monthly income of €780 per family member.
- You must have an extra monthly income of €130 per child in the family.
And all this must be documented.
Let’s move on to the application process.
Application Process for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa
So, you collected all your documents and looking forward to applying for your visa.
At this step, have your documents translated into Italian and, if necessary, have them apostilled before your appointment. If possible, have them checked by a consular counselor and attend the appointment together.
Find the application that you’ll need to fill out before your appointment. The form is different for different countries. So ensure that you have the correct one. Here is the application form for New York as an example.
If you have all your documents ready and meet the annual income threshold, you are ready to make an appointment with the consulate.
If you can’t reach the consulate by phone to make an appointment, consider using their email facilities.
Also, make sure that the consulate you choose is the one closest to where you live.
Please be aware that the visa appointment date and processing time may change from time to time. You can expect to wait between 1 and 3 months. Due to high demand, we highly recommend you book early to avoid possible delays.
You will deliver all your documents at the appointment. In some cases, they may invite you to an in-person interview to get to know you better.
Then, all you need to do is to wait for the answer from the consulate. When your visa is approved, you become a taxpayer and start paying Italy digital nomad visa tax.
Other Visa Options
If you’ve decided to travel to Italy, the good news is that digital nomadism isn’t your only option.
There’s another option worth exploring: Italy Golden Visa.
Let us briefly explain this alternative.
Italy Golden Visa
The Italy Golden Visa is a residence permit granted through an investment that has been in force since 2017. It allows you to stay in Italy for between 2 and 5 years.
It also allows you to travel with your family. However, the investment requirements can vary and include some important details. Learn more about Italy Golden Visa: The Ultimate Guide.
Conclusion
Italy, as one of the digital nomad visa countries, offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a country renowned for its culture and history. With benefits for both individuals and families, it’s an attractive option for remote workers.
As digital nomadism grows, Italy’s forward-thinking visa program positions it as a prime destination. For those who meet the criteria, it offers not only flexibility but also a deeper connection to the Italian lifestyle.
However, the process requires attention to detail, from proof of income to proper documentation. Planning ahead will ensure a smooth application and approval process.
Ultimately, Italy digital nomad visa offers a life of exploration and rich experiences—the blend of work and adventure in addition to a residence permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa?
If you are not an EU citizen and intend to work remotely while living in Italy as a digital nomad or a remote worker, you can be eligible to apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa. You need to be a highly specialized individual working in one of the careers that require or exceed the requirements stated to get this visa type. Remember that the Italy digital nomad visa does not give you permanent residency. However, your digital nomad visa application grants a residence permit in Italy.
What is the minimum income for a digital nomad visa in Italy?
As of 2024, the minimum income requirement to apply for the Italian digital nomad visa is €28,000 annually.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Italy?
You will be considered a tax resident and be subject to Italian income tax and social security contributions when you receive your Italy digital nomad visa. You will also have a residency permit in Italy.
