Italy Digital Nomad Visa: How To Apply (Updated March 2024)

Imagine working on your laptop with a view of Rome's ancient rooftops and the scent of espresso all around you. Or maybe you'd prefer taking a video call from a Tuscan farmhouse overlooking the rolling hills, or a quiet café on the Amalfi Coast.

For digital nomads, this dream is now within reach thanks to Italy's new Digital Nomad Visa. Italy recognizes that the way we work is changing and their visa welcomes remote workers like you, granting a whole year to experience la dolce vita (with the option to renew!).

This article is your guide to everything you need to know. We'll cover eligibility, how to apply, and even insider tips to experience the best of Italy as a digital nomad.

Ready to blend your work life with the magic of Italy? Let's dive in and make this dream a reality!

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Our content is based on research from official sources and intended for informational purposes only. We do not provide visa application services. For dedicated visa assistance, please consult a specialized provider like iVisa.

Does Italy Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Drove around and chasing after the morning sun across the beautiful Tuscan landscapes. Greeted by peaceful villages and rows of cyprus trees, the sunlight of Tuscany never fails to amaze me.

Yes, Italy does have a Digital Nomad Visa. After much anticipation, this visa was finally approved and signed into law in March 2024 as part of the "Decreto Sostegni Ter" legislation. This exciting development opens doors for remote workers from outside the EU who dream of experiencing the rich culture and vibrant lifestyle of Italy while conducting their business online.

Benefits of Italy's Digital Nomad Visa

There are several advantages of obtaining Italy's Digital Nomad Visa:

Live in Italy for a Year (with Renewal Option): The visa offers a one-year stay in Italy, with the possibility of an extension.
Bring Your Family: Unlike some digital nomad visas, this one allows you to bring close family members with you.
Favorable Cost of Living (Outside Main Cities): Many regions in Italy offer a lower cost of living compared to other major European destinations.
Excellent Infrastructure: Italy has dependable internet in most cities and even smaller towns, so you can work remotely with confidence.
Access to the EU: As a visa holder, you can travel freely throughout the Schengen Area, providing the opportunity to explore other European countries.
Unlimited Permits: Italy's Digital Nomad Visa isn't subject to annual quotas like some other work visas, making it a potentially more accessible option.
Potential Path to Residency: While this visa doesn't directly guarantee a permanent stay, it could be a great first step in that direction if you're interested in putting down roots in the country.

Who Can Apply for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa?

Cathedral of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo

To be eligible for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Non-EU Citizen: This visa is specifically designed for those living outside of the European Union.
Highly Qualified Remote Worker: The program targets "highly qualified" remote workers. While the Italian authorities haven't released an official job list yet, a range of professions could be applicable, from experienced tech workers to online entrepreneurs.
Remote Work for Outside Entities: Your work must be remote, meaning you'll be working for a company, clients, or your own business located outside of Italy.
Minimum Income Requirement: You must demonstrate a monthly income exceeding €2,335, which translates to roughly €28,000 annually. This is based on a minimum threshold of three times the Italian national minimum wage.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance valid in Italy is mandatory.
Criminal Background: As with most visa programs, you'll need to provide a clean criminal record.

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How to Apply for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa as a Digital Nomad

To apply for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa, you have to follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You should collect all necessary documents before starting your application. The complete list of documents required to submit your application can be found in the section below.

Step 2: Schedule a visit to the Italian consulate

Once your paperwork is in order, you'll need to book an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate in your country of residence. They'll have you fill out the official visa application, take your paperwork, and you'll pay a visa fee (usually around $125).

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To find your local Italian consulate and book your appointment, visit the official website of the Ministero degli Affari Esteri.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Then comes the waiting game – it could take a few weeks, maybe even a few months, to hear back about your visa approval.

Step 4: Get your official resident permit

Once your visa is approved, you have 8 days after arriving in Italy to apply for a residence permit, also known as permesso di soggiorno. Pick up a "Yellow Kit" at any post office, fill out the forms inside, and return the kit to the post office. They'll handle getting it to the right authorities, and you'll get a date to go in for fingerprinting and other checks so they can issue your permit.

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Documents Required for Applying for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa

To apply for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa, you need to submit the following documents:

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Italy and have at least two blank pages.
Passport-Sized Photos: Typically two recent, color passport-sized photographs. These must meet specific size and quality requirements.
Proof of Employment: Either contracts with clients outside of Italy demonstrating ongoing work or a letter from your employer (registered outside of Italy) confirming your remote work status.
Proof of Income: Bank statements, tax returns, or other documents that show you meet Italy's minimum income requirement, which is roughly around €28,000 annually.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance with coverage valid in Italy throughout the duration of your stay.
Proof of Accommodation in Italy: A rental agreement, hotel reservation, or other documentation demonstrating suitable lodging arrangements in Italy.
Criminal Background Check: A clean criminal record certificate from your home country or country of residence may be required.

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Don't forget to confirm if your chosen Italian consulate needs translations or special certifications for your documents!

How Much Does Italy's Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

Harvesting Nebbiolo grapes in Serralunga, Italy. Grapes will be used in the process to make Barolo, one of the most famous red wine.

At this time, there's no definitive answer for the exact overall cost of Italy's Digital Nomad Visa. However, here's a potential breakdown based on what we know so far:

Application Fee: There will be a standard non-refundable application processing fee. This fee could be similar to other Italian visa application fees, which are often around $125.
Residence Permit Fee: If your application is successful, you might pay an additional fee for the issuance of the residence permit itself.
Administrative Fees: Expect additional costs for document translation, notarization, and potential postal charges for submitting your application.

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Timeline for Applying For Italy's Digital Nomad Visa

Unfortunately, a precise timeline for applying for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa isn't available yet. However, you can expect a processing time of several weeks or possibly months to hear back about your visa approval.