Guide to Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU professionals to live and work remotely from Italy. It also offers employers a way to attract and retain top global talent while promoting flexibility and work-life balance to independent professionals.

For employers, supporting remote work from Italy can boost employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity while aligning with flexible global work trends. Italy also has a growing community of digital nomads and expats, which means plenty of networking opportunities, co-working spaces, and social events to connect with like-minded individuals.

This guide covers what digital workers and employers need to know about Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa, including eligibility, application steps, and tips for working remotely in the country.

Overview

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non–European Union (EU) citizens to live in Italy while working remotely for clients or employers abroad. It is reserved for highly skilled professionals, such as those with post-secondary degrees or at least three years of relevant experience. Applicants fall into two groups:

• Digital nomads: freelancers, consultants, or independent specialists.
• Remote workers: employees of foreign companies who can perform their work fully online.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Freelancers and self-employed professionals
• Employees of foreign companies who work remotely using digital tools
• Minimum annual income requirement: €28,000
• Proof of employment or freelance work with clients or organizations outside Italy (such as contracts or invoices) is required
• Applicants must maintain comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay

Remote workers must also show:

• An employment contract meeting Italy’s national salary standards.
• A statement from their employer confirming legal compliance and no labor-related convictions.

The Digital Nomad Visa usually lasts for one year and can be renewed. Since requirements can vary, it’s a good idea to check with an Italian embassy or consulate for the latest details before applying

Application Process

Applicants must schedule an appointment with their Italian consulate and bring:

• A passport valid at least 15 months beyond travel dates.
• Proof of residence in the jurisdiction where they apply.
• A completed visa form (national visa if staying over 90 days).
• Recent passport photo and visa fee payment (amount varies quarterly).
• Proof of income, professional qualifications, and work experience.
• Travel health insurance or proof they will buy Italian coverage upon arrival.
• Prepaid envelope for return of the passport.

After arrival in Italy, visa holders must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the local Questurawithin eight days.

Required Documents 

Because the Italian Digital Nomad Visa involves multiple steps and variable processing times, it’s best to start planning three to six months before your intended arrival. The high demand of this visa may cause delays, so beginning early helps ensure you have time to address any application issues. Here are the documents you’ll need:

• Visa application form: Available on the website of the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. Complete the National Visa form if you intend to stay in Italy more than 90 days, or Schengen visa form if you intend to stay in Italy 90 days or less.
• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
• Proof of income: Documentation such as contracts, invoices, bank statements, or tax returns showing stable income that meets the minimum threshold.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage valid in Italy for your entire stay, including medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Proof of accommodation: A rental agreement, hotel booking, or letter of invitation from a host.
• Criminal background check: A recent record from your home country confirming no criminal history.
• Proof of remote work: Evidence such as an employment contract or freelance agreements demonstrating your ability to work remotely.

Can Employees Work Remotely from Italy Without a Digital Nomad Visa?

Visa requirements for remote work in Italy depend on nationality and length of stay. Citizens of visa-waiver countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Japan) can enter Italy without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Citizens of visa-required countries must obtain a short-stay (Schengen) visa for stays up to 90 days.

For stays longer than 90 days or for remote work beyond the short-stay limits, all non-EU nationals, regardless of visa-waiver status, are required to obtain a long-stay visa, such as a National Visa (type D) or the Digital Nomad Visa, if they meet eligibility criteria.

Paying and Filing Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Italy

Holding a Digital Nomad Visa makes you a tax resident in Italy, meaning you are subject to Italian income tax and social security contributions on your worldwide income. Tax rates and obligations vary depending on income and type of work, so consulting a professional familiar with Italian tax law is recommended. 

To comply with Italian tax obligations, a visa holder is required to file an annual tax return (“Modello Redditi”), usually due in June or July of the following year. Your return should include all income, deductions, and credits. After processing, you will receive a tax assessment outlining the amount owed, which can be paid online or through authorized channels.

In addition to income tax, you are liable for social security contributions, typically calculated as a percentage of your income. These contributions fund benefits such as healthcare and pensions.

Does the Italian Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Citizenship?

The Italian Digital Nomad Visa does not directly lead to citizenship, but it can be a stepping stone towards permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.

After five years of continuous legal residency in Italy, you can apply for permanent residency. Then, after an additional five years as a permanent resident, you become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization. While the journey to Italian citizenship may be lengthy, the digital nomad visa provides a legitimate pathway to live and work in Italy for an extended period, offering the opportunity to establish roots and pursue citizenship.

Other Visas for Digital Nomads to Consider

While the digital nomad/remote worker visa is an excellent option for remote workers, there are a few other visa pathways that to consider:

• Self-Employment Visa: For freelancers and self-employed individuals who want to establish a business in Italy. It requires demonstrating your professional qualifications and a business plan.
• Elective Residence Visa: For individuals with sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Italy without working. While not explicitly for digital nomads, it can be an option if you have passive income or savings.
• Golden Visa for Investors: For high-net-worth individuals willing to invest significantly in Italian businesses. It offers a fast track to residency and potential citizenship.
• Family Reunion Visa: For spouses or eligible partners. For example, a spouse or partner is an EU citizen or holds an Italian residence permit. In that case, they might qualify for a family reunion visa, allowing them to live and work in Italy.

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Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa provides a flexible solution for employers seeking global talent and for professionals who want to experience Italian culture while working remotely. By understanding eligibility, financial requirements, and application procedures, employers and employees can take full advantage of Italy’s growing digital nomad ecosystem.

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