Uncovering the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Like many countries worldwide, Italy is embracing the digital trend with its new digital nomad visa – the latest visa to join the ranks of those specifically dedicated to remote workers and nomads. The brand new Italy digital nomad visa allows eligible non-EU citizens to live and work in the country for a year.

Facing a demographic shift with an ageing population, as with many European nations, the Italy digital nomad visa allows the country to tap into the global resource of highly skilled, often young, professionals.

This guide dives into the nitty-gritty of the Italy digital nomad visa, explaining who qualifies, what documents are needed, and the application process. We’ll also cover practicalities like tax implications, the cost of living and popular digital nomad hotspots in Italy.

If working remotely from a beautiful European country sounds appealing, keep reading to see if the Italy digital nomad visa is the right fit for you.

Before we begin, here’s a run down of the key information that you need to know regarding this visa:

Validity: One year, with the possibility of renewal.

Target Audience: ‘Highly skilled workers’ who are non-EU and non-Swiss citizens and work remotely with employers/clients outside of Italy.

Fees: Approx. €116.00 (application processing costs may vary)

Travel: Allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

It is important to note that while this information was all correct at the time of writing, situations can change very quickly and without warning.

You should also be aware that I am writing from a UK perspective, and regulations and requirements vary from country to country.

You should make sure that you check with your own country’s advice and with your closest Italian consulate or embassy before you make your application.

What Is The Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

First announced in 2022, the Italy digital nomad visa was officially opened for applications on April 4th, two years after Italy began introducing new immigration procedures for remote workers.

The Italy digital nomad visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Italy for a year, rather than the typical 90 days given to tourists and travellers from most countries.

This development reflects Italy’s embrace of the growing remote work trend, allowing skilled professionals to contribute to their economy while enjoying the Italian lifestyle, and exploring the larger EU area.

As this visa is exceptionally new, we can expect lots of changes to the requirements and eligibility criteria as the Italian government iron out any kinks so ensure you check you are compliant with all regulations before making your application.

How long can you stay in Italy with the digital nomad visa?

The initial visa grants you a stay of one year. If you find yourself falling in love with “la dolce vita,” you can apply annually for a renewal to extend your time in Italy for another year.

Right now it’s unclear whether the Italy digital nomad visa can be used as a stepping stone to securing permanent citizenship.

Digital Nomad Visa Italy Eligibility

So, who gets to live the dream of working remotely from Italian vineyards? Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

Age: Minimum age requirement not specified, but applicants should be able to demonstrate financial independence.
Nationality: Open to non-EU and non-Swiss citizens.
Occupation: Freelancers or remote workers with demonstrably “highly qualified work activities.” This aligns with the EU Blue Card requirements for skilled professionals.
Financial Requirements: minimum annual income of €28,000 (roughly $30,400)
Health Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance valid for your entire stay in Italy is mandatory.
Clean Criminal Record: A background check proving a clean criminal record is necessary.

But let’s take a look in a bit more depth at what these requirements mean…

Financial requirements

As of March 2024, it’s been announced that to apply for the Italy digital nomad visa, you must have an annual income of at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs in Italy. That figure equals out at just under €28,000 annually.

Meeting the minimum income threshold is crucial. Freelancers can provide bank statements or contracts to show income, while remote employees can provide their contracts, payslips or even a letter from their employer confirming their salary.

Passports & Eligible Countries

As of now, applications for the Italy digital nomad visa are open to all non-EU and non-Swiss nationalities. Double-check with your embassy for any specific requirements for your country.

Citizens of the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia are all able to apply.

As EU citizens benefit from free movement, they do not need a visa to live and work in Estonia.

Language requirements?

I always recommend trying to learn some basics of the language of whatever country you are visiting. It is a small investment that can yield big rewards, making your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and safer.

Here are a few basic phrases in Italian to get you started:

Hello – Ciao or Salve
Goodbye – arrivederci
Please – per favore
Thank you – gracie

What do I need to apply for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

Below is a summary of the general documents that the majority of people will need to submit. There maybe slightly different requirements for citizens of differing countries so always double-check with the relevant consulate or embassy in your home country.

You can also check out this website from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see exactly what you need for your visa application.

In the meantime, here’s a checklist to get you started on your Italian remote work adventure:

Completed visa application form
Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity
Proof of income meeting the minimum requirement
Comprehensive health insurance policy valid for your stay
Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental agreement, hotel booking, etc.)
Clean criminal background check
2 recent passport-sized photos

You will also be asked to provide proof that you have been a digital nomad or remote worker elsewhere for at least six months previously. This could be an employer declaration or letter stating when you began your remote job and authorising you to work from anywhere, or evidence of work/client contracts and notices of engagement, for example.

How To Apply For the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

The application process involves submitting the required documents to the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. To apply you’ll need to book an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate in their country of residence.

Step-by-step guide

Gather your documents: Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork as outlined in the previous section. Double-check that everything is translated into Italian if needed (official translations may be required for some documents).
Compete the Application Form: Fill out the form accurately and truthfully, providing all the requested information.
Find your accommodation: you must be able to show that you have appropriate accommodation for the whole of your stay in Italy.
Schedule an appointment: Contact your local Italian consulate or embassy to book an appointment for visa submission.
Submit your application: Attend your appointment, pay the relevant visa and processing fees (this should be approximately €116.00 and should be paid in euros), and present your complete application package including all the documents.
Wait for a decision: Processing times can vary depending on your nationality and workload at the embassy or consulate. Currently, there isn’t a timeline for how long this visa will take, so factor this in while planning your move.

Once your Italy digital nomad visa is approved, you have eight days from your arrival in Italy to apply for a residence permit, also known as ‘permesso di soggiorno’.

Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Italy

Navigating taxes can be tricky, so consulting a tax advisor familiar with the regulations is crucial.

You should make sure that you are tax-compliant before applying for the Italy digital nomad visa as there is a chance that the Italian taxation office will need to speak to your home country’s tax office.

If you are self-employed you may also need to apply for an Italian tax VAT number.

Here’s a general overview to get you started:

Tax Residency: After living in Italy for 183 days (or more) in a calendar year, you’ll be considered a tax resident. This means you’ll pay Italian income tax on your worldwide income.
Double Taxation Treaties: Many countries have double taxation treaties with Italy to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income. Research any applicable treaties between your home country and Italy.

Work Restrictions or Limitations On The Italy Digital Nomad Visa

The Italy digital nomad visa allows you to work legally in Italy for a foreign employer or as a freelancer.

You should fit under one of the following categories:

You work for an employer registered in a foreign country and you have a contract of work with that employer;
You offer freelance or consulting services mostly to clients or businesses located in a foreign country, and with whom you have contracts.

As this visa is intended for those working remotely for companies or as freelancers with clients outside of Italy, so the majority of your income must come from work you complete for clients or companies based outside of Italy.

Italy has also designated that this visa falls under Article 27 of the immigration code, which means that it is aimed at highly skilled workers.

In this instance, the Italian government has defined a ‘highly skilled worker’ as someone “who carries out a highly qualified work activity with the use of technological tools capable of allowing them to work remotely, both as a worker self-employed or as a collaborator or employee of a company even if not resident in Italy.” This is a key requirement of your digital nomad job so bear this in mind before you make your application.

Need some inspiration for your next digital nomad job? Check out our blog post here for the best digital nomad jobs for 2024!

Pros & Cons Of Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Advantages of the Italy digital nomad visa

Live and work in a beautiful country: Immerse yourself in Italian culture, history, and stunning scenery.
Year-long visa with renewal possibility: Enjoy an extended stay and potentially make Italy your long-term remote work base.
Work-life balance: Italy prioritises leisure, offering ample opportunities to explore and relax.
Delicious cuisine: Italian food is so so good – world-renowned for its fresh ingredients, regional specialities, and emphasis on shared meals. Pasta and pizza for days and you haven’t had gelato unless you’ve had it in Italy.
Vibrant digital nomad community: Italy’s digital nomad scene is growing, with co-working spaces and online communities popping up across the country.
Travel opportunities: Italy’s central location in Europe makes it a fantastic base for exploring other European countries on short weekend trips or longer vacations. Plus travelling Italy itself is super easy with great train networks spanning the country (I will say that the night trains leave a lot to be desired though!).

Disadvantages of the Italy digital nomad visa

Limited to remote work: You cannot take on local employment with this visa.
Tax implications: Understanding your tax obligations as a resident or non-resident taxpayer can be pretty complex.
Application process: As this visa is brand new, there’s still quite a lot of uncertainty about processing times and other factors.
Finding accommodation: Locating suitable housing, especially in popular areas, can be competitive, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Siesta culture: Businesses often close for a midday break. This might require adjustments to your work schedule if you’re used to a continuous workday.
Language barrier: While English is spoken in some tourist areas, Italian is the primary language. This can present challenges in daily life, even with basic language skills.
Bureaucracy: Italy is known for its bureaucratic processes. Be prepared for potential delays when dealing with official matters.

Living in Italy as a Digital Nomad

Italy average cost of living for a digital nomad

The cost of living varies depending on location. Major cities like Milan and Rome are pricier than smaller towns, and any area known for its tourism will be more expensive. Research your chosen location to get a better idea of expenses.

Numbeo suggests that the cost of living in Italy is, on average, 8.0% lower than in the United Kingdom, and 21.2% lower than in the United States.

Italy is one of the pricier countries offering digital nomad visas from those that I’ve covered so far, with the average monthly costs of a single professional being estimated at €856.8 before rent.

Digital Nomad Community In Italy

Italy’s digital nomad scene is growing, with co-working spaces and online communities popping up across the country. Look for Facebook groups or online forums specifically for digital nomads in Italy to connect with others and find support.

Popular digital nomad locations in Italy

There’s so many great options when choosing where to settle in Italy from sea, mountains, lakes, cities, small villages, countryside… You will find more than you can expect, and won’t have time to visit them all.

Big city life: Milan, Rome, and Florence offer history, renaissance art, cultural immersion and a vibrant atmosphere.
Lakeside living: Lake Como or Lake Garda provide stunning scenery and a relaxed pace.
Coastal havens: Beach towns like Cinque Terre or Puglia offer seaside charm and slower living.

My personal favourite places to visit in Italy –

Bergamo – a beautiful and historic city in Lombardy, Bergamo comprised of 2 parts: the historic upper city is very pretty, with great views and stunning architecture. The lower city (Città Bassa) is more modern but great to wonder around and explore. The city is also just a short train ride away from Milan.
Venice – I know it’s busy and touristy but I love Venice so much, for its beautiful architecture, stunning scenery, and lovely culture. I also found it’s pretty easy to escape the tourists if you just step into one of the many side streets away from areas like the Piazza San Marco.
Tortoreto – a less-known coastal town surrounded by vineyards located on Italy’s Adriatic coast. This town is great for budget-conscious travellers seeking a relaxing beach escape.

Overview of coworking in Italy

Coworking spaces are a great way to find a dedicated workspace, network with other remote workers, and escape cabin fever. Many Italian cities offer co-working spaces with varying amenities and pricing structures. Research options in your chosen location.

To get you started, here are two of my favourite spaces located in Venice:

Coworking Venezia San Marco – located in a sixteenth-century building just a 5-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, this coworking space offers meeting rooms and hot desks at reasonable rates from a stellar location in the heart of Venice.
Hum Us Venezia – a unique space that’s constantly evolving, aimed at a younger crowd. Hum Us brands itself as a “food affinity space”, a place created with the needs of students and nomad workers in mind: being together and growing together.

If dedicated coworking spaces aren’t your vibe, then check out Coffee & Work. this website has reliable and up-to-date information on the best cafe locations across Italy that welcome digital nomads and remote workers. They base their ratings on two key elements: the quality of the coffee and the laptop friendliness of the location so you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs.

Tips For Cultural Adaptation For Digital Nomads

Adjusting to a new culture is an integral part of the digital nomad experience.

I think the best general top tips for cultural adaption, no matter where you are travelling are:

Learn basic phrases.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Embrace the slower pace of life.
Connect with the local community.
Be open to new experiences.

As I have already mentioned, my number one tip when travelling is to try to learn some of the language – learning a few phrases in Italian can also go a long way in making a good impression!

Here are some other top tips for adapting to culture in Italy:

Embrace the siesta: Businesses often close for a midday break. Adjust your work schedule accordingly.
Food: often carb-heavy with (delicious) pizza and pasta. Last time I was in Italy, I think I genuinely went a whole week without having a vegetable and I am a vegetarian (though this probably says more about my diet than Italy as a whole!)
Sundays: Sundays are often considered family days. Some shops and restaurants may have shorter opening hours or be closed entirely.
Dress Code: Italians tend to dress a bit smarter than Brits, especially in cities. For religious sites, you need to cover your knees and shoulders.
Tipping: Tipping culture is different in Italy. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Small change for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. Taxis usually expect a small tip (rounded-up fare).
Cash for Public Toilets: Public restrooms often require a small coin fee for entry. Carry some change for these situations.
Coffee Culture: Coffee is savoured, not rushed. Enjoy an espresso at a café and people-watch, rather than grabbing a takeaway cup on the go. Milky coffee like a cappuccino is typically only drunk in the mornings.

Brief Comparison With Other Digital Nomad Visas

Italy’s program joins a growing list of Digital Nomad Visas worldwide, each with its own unique features and requirements.

Here’s a quick comparison with other popular digital nomad visa destinations, allowing you to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on your preferences and goals:

Feature	Estonia	Greece	Italy	Portugal
Length of Visa	1 year, can be extended for an additional 6 months	1 year, renewable for an additional 2 years	1 year, with the possibility of renewal	4 months up to 5 years
Fees/Cost of Visa	€80 for a short-stay visa (C visa), €100 for a long-stay visa (D visa)	€75 visa fee, plus €150 admin fee	€116.00	€75-90
Type of work permitted	Work for Estonian companies permitted.	Verifiable remote work with an employer outside of Greece	No direct services to Italian companies or clients. High-skilled workers.	No direct services to Portuguese companies or clients.
Financial Requirements	Monthly income of €4,500	€3,500 minimum monthly income for individuals	Minimum annual income of €28,000	A stable monthly income of at least €3,280

Remember, the “best” Digital Nomad Visa depends on your individual needs and priorities. You should consider factors like cost of living, visa requirements, community vibes, and your lifestyle preferences when making your choice.

Conclusion

If you thrive in a vibrant atmosphere with a slower pace of life and are willing to embrace the occasional siesta and cultural differences, Italy could be a fantastic digital nomad base thanks to the new Italy digital nomad visa. Imagine working from a co-working space with an amazing view, indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, and exploring historical wonders during your free time.

The allure of working remotely from Italy is undeniable. With its rich cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Italy offers an unforgettable digital nomad experience.

By carefully considering the eligibility requirements, application process, and lifestyle factors, you can turn your Italian remote work dream into a reality with the Italy digital nomad visa. So, pack your laptop, embrace “la dolce vita,” and embark on your Italian digital nomad adventure!

If you’re still trying to decide on your next destination then why not check out our Thailand Digital Nomad Visa guide here, and our Spain Digital Nomad Guide here.

Let us know what else you want to know, and what country we should cover next by leaving a comment below!