Since March 2022, Italy Digital Nomad Visa has welcomed non-EU remote workers and freelancers, providing a great opportunity for digital nomads to live in Italy and become taxpayers. The program, also called the remote work visa for Italy, initially gives you a 1-year residency with an option to renew as long as you meet the requirements.
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.
Italy: Quality of Life Attributes
- Cost of living: 58.73 (Low)
- Property Price-Income Ratio: 8.89 (Moderate)
- Internet Speed: 117 Mbps (High)
- Healthcare: 64.93 (High Quality)
- Climate: 89.99 (Very High)
- Safety: 52.76 (Moderate)
Quick Italian Digital Nomad Visa Facts for 2025
- Duration of Visa: Valid for up to 12 months
- Extension Available: It can be extended
- Eligible Applicants: Non-EU/EEA citizens
- Minimum Income Threshold: €28,000 per year
- Processing Time: Typically processed within 30 to 60 days
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 apply to you.
- 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.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Definition of Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
- What is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?
- Benefits of the Italian Visa for Digital Nomads
- Eligibility Criteria for Italy’s Remote Work Visa
- Italy Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for 2025
- How to Apply for Italy Digital Nomad Visa?
- Italy Digital Nomad Visa Cost in 2025
- Processing Time: Italy Remote Work Visa
- Taxes for Italy Digital Nomad Visa
- Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
- 3 Best Places To Live in Italy as a Digital Nomad
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 they may need to stay within a city, country, or continent. This is mostly about the insurance that 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 for being a digital nomad within their borders, while companies can do the same for their employees who work remotely.
What is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?
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 digital nomad countries are introducing visa programs to attract digital nomads, grant them rights, and collect taxes.
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.
In 2022, Italy launched its visa program for non-EU digital nomads. Thus, it aims to attract especially reliable, professional, and highly skilled individuals. In other words, applicants must be qualified in specific professions.
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 note that you will prove your expertise in these fields with at least a three-year university diploma during the application.
Benefits of the Italian Visa for Digital Nomads
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)
- A great destination for families
- 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 requirements and tailor the application to the size of your family. We will discuss these details shortly.
Eligibility Criteria for Italy’s Remote Work Visa
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.
The Main Applicant
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 (monthly €2,006)
- Have no serious criminal convictions in the last 5 years, especially immigration violations.
- Have valid health insurance.
Once you meet these eligibility criteria, you’ll need to proceed with steps such as submitting the required documents, completing the application, and paying the associated fees.
Family Members
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa provides you with an opportunity to include your family members in your application:
- The Spouse
- Children under 18 years of age
- Your spouse’s child from his/her previous marriage
- Children, out of wedlock
Unfortunately, you cannot include your children over 18 or your parents in your application. Plus, you should be aware that the monthly minimum income requirement for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa will increase €780 per adult in your family and €130 per child.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for 2025
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 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.
Required Documents for Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Here are the other documents you will need:
- A visa application form
- An employment contract for 6 months or 1 year
- Evidence of qualifications
- Proof of work experience (You can show tax returns, client invoices, pay slips, bank statements, or a letter from your employer)
- Proof of legal income
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation in Italy (lease, rental, deed)
- A valid passport
- Two passport photos
- Travel health insurance
- Flight information
- A letter of motivation
- Payment of a nonrefundable visa application fee
- A letter from your employer saying you have not been convicted in the last 5 years of certain crimes (like helping illegal immigration, exploiting minors for work, breaking labor laws, etc.). The letter must include a copy of that person’s photo ID and signature of your boss.
Make sure all documents are official, certified, and up-to-date. Presenting them accurately will greatly improve your chances of visa approval.
Health Insurance
To be eligible to apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa, you are required to have health insurance before moving to Italy. The coverage of your insurance must be at least 30,000 Euro ( $50,000). Note that many applicants get denied because of the inadequate health insurance coverage.
If you do not already have the needed declaration or any health insurance, you must either:
- Show you bought Italian health insurance, or
- Sign a paper promising you will buy Italian health insurance when you arrive, before you register with the police in Italy (Questura)
Clean Criminal Record
A criminal record is one of the most important documents that you will provide during your Italy Digital Nomad Visa application. It proves you have not committed crimes that could prevent you from entering or staying in Italy.
Proof of Address
During your application process, you are required to submit proof of address. At this step, you can rent or buy a property in Italy. You must provide a lease, rental agreement, or deed in the name of the main applicant. It must be valid until your visa expires.
If you rent or lease a property, you must provide a “Contratto di Locazione ad Uso Abitativo”. Plus, you must also ask your landlord for a registration proof to Agenzia delle Entrate, which is the Italian Tax Authority.
Note that temporary reservations are not accepted and can cause you to get denied.
During your stay, if you change your address, you must declare it to the police station headquarters that issued your residence permit.
How to Apply for Italy Digital Nomad Visa?
Step 1: Collect your documents
Start by collecting all your documents before 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 form 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.
Step 2: Get Your Appointment for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
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.
Step 3: Get your approval
Then, all you need to do is wait for the answer from the consulate. When your application is approved, you will receive a one-year visa. Then, you are required to request a Nulla Osta for family reunification.
Step 4: Travel to Italy and Get Your Residence Permit
To obtain your temporary residence permit, you need to travel to Italy. Once you enter the country, you are supposed to go local police headquarters (Questura) and apply for “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residency permit) within 8 days.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa Cost in 2025
When it comes to the cost of Italy Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, you can see the related costs below:
- Application fee: €116
- Residence permit fee: €70–100
Note that fees can change; for the right information, always check out the official website.
Processing Time: Italy Remote Work Visa
The remote work visa for Italy can be expected to be issued within 30-60 days. However, it can change depending on applicant number.
Taxes for Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomad taxes can be a matter of question for many expats. You are considered a tax resident if you legally live in Italy for more than 183 days. This requires you to file tax returns between May and December.
However, Italy has double taxation agreements with several countries, which can help you avoid paying taxes on your foreign income. Some of these countries include the UK, the US, Panama, and Japan.
If you are liable to taxation, you are required to register with the Agenzia delle Entrate and get your tax ID. Then, you need to apply for a specific tax regime that is eligible for you. At this point, the most advantageous one is to opt for the regime forfettario, which gives you a 5%-15% flat tax rate on the income up to €85,000.
Apart from these, if you are self-employed, you have to pay for social security contributions too, which requires you to register Italian Social Security Institute.
Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
The Italian Digital Nomad Visa does not provide you with a direct route to Italian citizenship or permanent residency. However, if you stay more than 183 days per year, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
3 Best Places To Live in Italy as a Digital Nomad
Now that we have explained the Italy Digital Nomad Visa requirements for 2025, it is time to highlight which cities are preferred most by the digital nomad community.
1. Florence
Want to experience dolce la vita? Then, Florence might be the place for you to live in Italy as a Digital Nomad. It is surrounded by the historical remnants of the Renaissance. At every step you take, you will enjoy the harmony of the architecture.
Florence is also a very digital nomad-friendly city. There are many cafes in the city center where you can work remotely with good internet connections. Plus, there are digital nomad and expat community groups on social media accounts that you can easily integrate yourself into the life here.
2. Milan
If you are an entrepreneur or working in the fashion or finance sector, Milan is perfect for you. It is a hub for many sectors as it is the heart of the Italian economy. Moreover, it combines fashion, art, and historical places at once, giving you the pleasure of Italian aesthetics.
For digital nomads, the city has a good internet infrastructure, and it has the best coworking spaces. Thereby, it helps you work productively from any spot.
3. Bologna
Looking for a strong community and an affordable life? Then, go no more, Bologna can be the perfect option for you and your family. The city offers a friendly atmosphere and a low cost of living, compared to many major Italian cities.
You can easily walk everywhere and experience the Italian culture through its cafes, restaurants, and cultural spots. There are also many coworking spaces, such as The Social Hub, giving you a productive environment.
Alternative Routes to Italy DNV
If you’ve decided to move to Italy, the good news is that digital nomadism isn’t your only option.
Italy Golden Visa
The Italy Golden Visa is a residence permit granted through a qualifying investment starting at €250,000. Therefore, the program is for high-net-worth individuals who aim to invest capital and have a plan “B”. Once your residence permit is issued, it will help you get a 2-year residency, which is extendable as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
As an Italian Golden Visa holder, you will not need to stay in the country to keep your residency status, unlike a digital nomad visa. However, to obtain permanent residency or citizenship, you must reside in Italy for at least 183 days per year.
The permanent residence card will be granted after five years, and citizenship will be granted to you after ten years. Plus, you can benefit from the Italian dual citizenship opportunity if your home country is eligible.
Italian Elective Visa
If you have passive income, the Italian Elective Visa is the most suitable program for you. The program requires you to demonstrate a minimum annual income of €32,000 per month, which will increase by 20% per dependent.
The Italian Elective Visa mostly attracts people who want to retire in Italy. The relaxed lifestyle, scenic beauty, rich culture, and great food make it ideal for a peaceful retirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Italy DNV
What is the minimum income for a digital nomad visa in Italy?
As of 2025, 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.
Do I need a digital nomad visa to work remotely in Italy?
If you are coming from visa-free countries such as the US, Canada, or Japan, you will not need a residence visa for stays no longer than 90 days. If your stay exceeds the 90-day limit for 180 days, you have to apply for a digital nomad visa or any eligible resident visa.
Can Americans Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Italy?
Yes, they can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Italy. It is one of the popular residence types for Americans moving to Italy.
Is Italy a good place for digital nomads?
With its laid-back lifestyle, strong communities, and historical landscape, Italy has a lot to offer digital nomads. The country is quiete friendly with its coworking spaces that you can productively work.
Can a digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency in Italy?
Although the Italian visa for digital nomads does not provide a direct path to residency in Italy, you can be eligible if you stay more than 183 days per year for 5 years.
Which European Countries offer digital nomad visas?
Apart from Italy, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, and Iceland provide digital nomad visas for remote workers.
