Italy Digital Nomad Visa
In this article
If you have the luxury of being able to work from anywhere in the world with your laptop
and internet connection, Italy is one of the most amazing countries to work from.
In fact, it is considered to be one of the
best European countries for expats due to
its affordability, lively culture, and relaxed lifestyle.
Previously, non-EU digital nomads required a working visa to legally work from Italy, but the Italian
government has finally introduced a digital nomad visa, which allows non-EU digital nomads to work
remotely for up to a year in Italy.
Remote working has become very popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the first European
country to be devastated by the infection, the Italian government has embraced the remote
working setup.
There are many great co-working spaces that have been set up across Italy and not just in the big
cities like Milan and Rome, even most of the tourist areas have co-working spaces with easy access.
Digital Nomad Visa for Italy: The Basics
The digital nomad visa has been designed to enable non-EU workers to work remotely in Italy while
working for a foreign company or as a freelancer.
For the time being, a digital nomad visa is for those “who carry out highly qualified work activities
through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely, autonomously or for
a company that is not resident in the territory of the Italian state.”
The new visa for remote workers was approved and signed into effect on 28 March 2022, so it is still
too early to see how popular the visa will be.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for an Italian Digital Nomad Visa?
The application is set to include a minimum income requirement and other prerequisites include having
suitable accommodation, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. As part of the application
process, nomads will be required to provide bank statements as proof of income.
The types of jobs that will be eligible have not yet been shared but they must be regarded as
"highly qualified", which could include a wide range of professions.
After entering Italy with your digital nomad visa, it is expected that you’ll also need other
documents to prove eligibility, although the full guidelines have not yet been issued.
The Requirements for Italy Digital Nomad Visa
For Italy, at the very least, you will need:
- An eligible and valid passport (valid for the duration of your intended stay in Italy).
- A steady remote income as a "highly qualified".
- Proof of medical insurance and COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
- A clean criminal record.
- Proof of accommodation for when you arrive in Italy, such as a letter from estate agents/letting company.
- Pay a visa application fee.
How to Apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa
The application process has not yet been announced but we will share the full details as
soon as the Italian government provides a further update.
How Long Will the Visa Last?
The visa will originally be issued for a year but Nomads will have the option to renew following
the first year providing they still match the eligibility requirements. It is expected that
applicants will be able to apply for the renewal from Italy rather than returning to their
home country.
Currently, non-EU remote workers can apply for an Italian working visa which has a limit of
90 days, so the digital nomads' visa is a significant increase to this.
How Much Does This Type of Visa Cost?
The cost of the digital nomad visa has not yet been announced.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Permits That Will Be Issued Annually?
Initially, there will be no restrictions on the number of digital nomad visas that can
be issued per year, although this could change in the future.
Will There Be Any Financial Benefits for Digital Nomads in Italy?
Nomads may be able to benefit from a tax exemption in some circumstances. If you are a
resident of Italy for 183 days or more, you will usually be required to file Italian taxes.
However, some areas of Italy have special tax regimes that you could benefit from. People
moving to Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily will
usually qualify for a tax exemption of 90% of the income for the first five years of residency.
When Can You Apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa?
The official date that the application process is due to open has not been released as of yet.
However, according to Italian immigration lawyer Marco Mazzeschi, the Italian authorities are
expected to release more information about the categories of workers, financial requirements,
and application procedure within a month or two.
We will provide a further update as soon as this news becomes available, with guidance on the
application process.
There are several legal steps that must be completed before the new digital nomad visa is
transposed into the local Consolidated Immigration Law.
Each Italian Consulate in different countries where nomads are eligible to apply for a digital
nomad visa is expected to have its own approval rates and criteria, so there may be some initial
discrepancies for identical applicants.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Italy: The Essentials
The most important requirement for digital nomads to successfully work in Italy in a remote
working setup is that they have reliable, fast, and affordable internet connectivity. When
looking at accommodation options, digital nomads will need to select accommodation that has
an inclusive fast internet connection.
In the main cities such as Rome and Milan, you can find an average internet speed of 13Mbps.
More remote locations will generally have slower internet speeds and less availability of
co-workspaces to work from.
While living in Italy you can buy SIM cards from Italian telephone providers to avoid excessive
roaming charges from a UK telephone provider. The main companies supplying the best deals for
SIM cards are Wind Tre, TIM, Vodafone, and Iliad.
Tourist SIMs will cost around €20 (around $21) but you should be able to buy a local SIM card
to benefit from the lower rates. You may be required to pay an activation fee to use a SIM card
on top of the cost, so enquire about this when you purchase your SIM.
The best SIM deal will depend on the type of usage you require and the amount of data, whether
you need unlimited calls etc.
To give an idea of the costs, a TIM Tourist SIM costs around €22 (around $23) for 15 GB of 4G
data, 200 call minutes, and free chat messaging on Whatsapp, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger.
The tourist SIMs are generally only valid for 1 month, so you would need to purchase more or
choose a monthly contract.
Co-Working Spaces in Italy
There are some amazing co-working spaces across Italy where you can meet like-minded nomads
and enjoy a productive work environment.
Whether you want to work from the busy city of Rome or you prefer to search for
Italian hidden gems, or work somewhere scenic on the
coast, you will be able to find a co-working space.
These are just some of the great options:
- The Freelancer's Island, Milan
- TSH Collab, Florence
- Coaster, Rome
- Groworking, Rome
You can use many of these co-working spaces either on a daily rate or secure a desk for a full month.
There are also lots of cafes that offer free WiFi but not all have reliable, secure connections so
co-working spaces or setting up an office in your apartment could be a better solution when you need
to be working online.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Italy is around 30% less expensive than living in the UK, although
the costs vary across different regions.
Buying local Italian produce can often help you reduce costs and the cost of eating out will depend
on where you are and the type of restaurant you choose. Avoiding busy tourist areas will help you
to find cheaper restaurants in Italy.
The rail network in Italy is very convenient to travel into cities and across the country. You can
book tickets with Italiarail with fares being based on the distance and time of the journey. As an
example, a ticket from Milan to Rome will cost between €50 and €100 (between $52 and $105) and train
tickets are cheaper than similar distance UK train journeys.
Renting a property will vary depending on location and quality of accommodation but renting in Rome
is on average 16.26% cheaper than renting in Milan.
Renting outside of the city center will be considerably cheaper than renting in the city center
(average €1,035 vs €717 per month for 1 bedroom apartment).
You will usually be required to move into a property and landlords can request up to 3 months' rent
but 1 month's rent is more common.
Digital Nomad Hotspots in Italy
Milan and Rome are the top cities that nomads choose to work from in Italy, allowing them to enjoy
the local culture and visit the top attractions in the city. The restaurants, entertainment, and
nightlife are also important factors in choosing to work remotely from these locations.
Florence, Palermo, Naples, Turin, and Bari are all good places to work from if you are looking for
a combination of cheaper rent but plenty to do.
Other Visa Options for Remote Workers in Italy
For those looking for an alternative type of visa to work in Italy, the following may be an option;
Self-Employment Visa
Self-employed workers can apply for self-employment visas but they will need to obtain an initial
residence and a self-employed work permit.
Intra-Company Visa
An Intra-company visa allows a company employee based outside of Italy to work in an office or
subsidiary based in Italy. The applicant would require a Nulla Osta, for security clearance and
application at the Italian Consulate.
Short-Term Visa
Non-EU nationals may be able to apply for a short-term work or study visa that will last for the
duration of the work contract or study course.
Few More Tips Before You Plan Your Stay
Lastly, there are a few more things to keep in mind if you’re determined to move to wonderful Italy.
The Permit of Stay
You will need a permit to stay in Italy when you stay for a period of over 90 days. The Permit of
Stay must be applied for within 8 working days of arrival in Italy. The Permit of Stay is issued by
the local Police Department of the place where the applicant is residing in Italy after submitting
the application at a Post Office - you'll need a Permit to stay - and it can be required in Italy
only. Cover more important info on this permit.
Social Contributions
The guidance for social security contributions has not been defined yet but self-employed workers
in Italy must make social security contributions in Italy.
Medical Insurance
Any foreign visitor traveling to Italy must have medical insurance that is valid for the Schengen
area. The cover must include medical, hospitalization, and repatriation costs of up to €30,000.
The Implementation of ETIAS
If you plan to visit the country and look for accommodation and sort out the legal stuff before you
get your visa, keep in mind that as of 2023 ETIAS visa waiver will be implemented. Visitors
traveling to Italy that don’t require a visa, including
US citizens will have to
apply for an ETIAS in the future.
Visitors will be able to submit their application for the European Travel Information and
Authorization System online, and it allows for a maximum of 90 days stay in the country.
Digital Nomad Visa for Italy FAQs
1. Does Italy offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes, the Italian government has announced the introduction of a digital nomad visa but the application process has not been opened yet.2. How do I get an Italian digital nomad visa?
The application process for obtaining an Italian digital nomad visa has not yet been announced but you must be able to meet the required criteria for job type, minimum income requirement, and having a clean criminal record.3. Can I move to Italy if I work remotely?
If you meet the required criteria to obtain a digital nomad visa, you can move to Italy with the visa that will last up to 1 year before it will need to be renewed.4. Can I work remotely in Italy for a month?
To legally work remotely in Italy, you must have a relevant visa. This could be a short-term work visa or when the digital nomad visa is launched, you may be eligible to apply, provided you meet the income, job role, and clean criminal record requirements.
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