In 2024, Italy officially began issuing Digital Nomad Visas. This visa is aimed at freelancers, independent specialists, and employees who want to obtain a residence permit and live in Italy.
The main requirement is to work remotely for companies based outside of Italy. You must also earn a certain minimum amount and have experience and high qualifications. A digital nomad visa allows you to apply for a one-year residence permit in Italy. With it, you can travel to Schengen zone countries, receive medical treatment in Italy, and apply for permanent residence and citizenship in the future.
However, compared to other countries, the Italian «freelancer visa» is not the most advantageous. For example, digital nomads in Spain are issued a 3-year residence permit, and their entire family can move there with them. Also, in the United Arab Emirates, there are no qualifications required for freelancers.
Who is eligible for an Italian digital nomad visa?
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ decree dated February 20, 2024, the Italian digital nomad visa is intended for two categories of people:
- Digital nomads, who are freelancers, and people who provide their services as independent specialists (e.g., consultants).
- Remote workers, who work under a regular contract with a foreign company.
However, there is an important detail: this visa is only available to highly qualified specialists. In other words, people who have studied for at least 3 years and received a higher education, or who have relevant experience.
In most cases, a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree is sufficient. The degree must be recognized by the Information Center on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (CIMEA), or confirmed by a Declaration of Conformity — a document issued by the consulate that recognizes the degree as equivalent to an Italian university degree.
For certain regulated professions, such as architects, teachers, and lawyers, a certificate from the relevant Italian government agency confirming the recognition of qualifications is required. For example, lawyers must contact the Ministry of Justice. A complete list of regulated professions and specialized agencies is available on a dedicated website. In some cases, a license to conduct specific activities is also required.
If you lack the appropriate education but have at least 5 years of experience in a certain industry, you may still be considered a highly qualified specialist. In this case, you must provide information about each job held during this time, including company information and job descriptions, as well as copies of contracts and letters from employers detailing your professional responsibilities.
If you are an executive or specialist in information and communication technology (ICT), you only need to prove 3 years of experience within the last 7 years.
Additionally, there are other requirements for obtaining a digital nomad visa to Italy:
- sufficient income from remote work: at least EUR 24,789 per year (about EUR 2,065 per month);
- at least six months of experience in your current field;
- travel medical insurance with a coverage amount of at least EUR 30,000 or USD 50,000;
- renting or buying a home in Italy.
If you plan to relocate for a remote job, your salary must be at least the Italian average, according to official data (around EUR 33,500 per year). Your employer must confirm that they have not violated labor laws within the last 5 years.
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What are the required documents?
To apply for a digital nomad visa to Italy, prepare the following:
- Passport. You will need the original and a copy of the pages containing your personal data, expiration date, and signature. Your passport must be valid for at least another 15 months and contain at least two blank pages.
- Application form. Fill out the national visa form in legible handwriting. It can be downloaded from the website of the embassy, consulate, or visa center.
- Photo. You need one recent photo that meets the ICAO standard (not older than six months), measuring 40 mm in height and 35 mm in width.
- Medical insurance. If you do not have a travel policy, you can submit proof of purchased Italian insurance or a letter stating that you will purchase it immediately upon arrival.
- Documents proving your housing availability. It must be either a lease agreement for at least one year or a document proving ownership; you cannot stay with friends or in a hotel.
- Proof of income. You can submit a pay slip, tax return, bank statement for the last three months, or other documentation.
- Documents proving at least 6 months of experience. This can be a tax return. For remote workers, it can be a letter from the employer. For the self-employed, it can be contracts with clients.
- Proof of high qualifications. This can be a recognized diploma, confirmation of qualifications by a government agency, or documents showing 5 years of experience, depending on what is relevant in your case.
If you are applying as an employee, include your employment contract and a letter from your employer.
All documents proving your qualifications must be translated into Italian and submitted as originals or certified copies with an apostille.
How to apply and processing times
After gathering all the necessary documents, submit your application for a digital nomad visa to the Italian embassy or consulate. In some countries, applications are accepted by visa centers.
You can apply in the country of your citizenship or legal residence. In the latter case, you must include the relevant document (residence or permanent residence permit) in your application. You cannot apply directly from Italy; you must apply from abroad.
If you are self-employed, the processing time for the digital nomad visa is up to 120 days. For remote employees, processing takes up to a month.
How much does it cost to apply for a visa?
A digital nomad should expect to pay approximately EUR 280 in official fees when moving to Italy:
| Expense item | Costs, € |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | 116 |
| Translation and apostille (per document) | ~20–50 |
| Issuance of a residence permit card (Permesso di Soggiorno, 1 year) | 40 |
| Postage fee for residence permit request | 30 |
| Excise stamp fee for residence permit request | 16 |
| Resident card issuance fee | 30,46 |
Which taxes do digital nomads pay in Italy?
Those who spend more than 183 days in Italy per year become tax residents of the country. This obligates them to pay income tax (IRPEF) on income received worldwide.
The IRPEF rate in Italy is progressive:
- if income does not exceed EUR 28,000 per year, the rate is 23%;
- from EUR 28,000 to EUR 50,000 — 35%;
- over EUR 50,000 — 43%.
For example, if you work for an American IT company and officially earn USD 3,000 per month (approximately EUR 2,567), then your annual income would be about EUR 30,800. In other words, you will pay 23% of EUR 28,000 and an additional 35% of the remaining EUR 2,800. The total tax would be EUR 7,420.
How long is the visa valid for, and can it be renewed?
A digital nomad visa to Italy is issued for one year. However, it does not allow you to live in the country, only to visit. Within eight days of arrival, you must apply for a residence permit at the local police station (Questura). The same documents required for a visa must be submitted, but they must be certified by the Consulate General. The residence permit is issued within 60 days.
A residence permit based on a digital nomad visa is also issued for one year. You can extend your status for the same period, provided that you continue to work remotely, earn sufficient income, have insurance, and have housing. You must submit the application to the Questura or post office approximately 60 days before your residence permit expires.
Can you bring your family with you?
A remote worker or digital nomad who has moved to Italy can contact the Questura and invite their family members to the country:
- a spouse, provided that the couple lives together and has no plans to divorce;
- minor children, including the spouse’s children from a previous relationship or born out of wedlock.
To apply for a family visa for a child, the consent of the other parent is required.
Why Italy is a popular destination for remote workers?
Italy attracts freelancers and remote workers with its unique combination of cultural richness, mild climate, and relaxed lifestyle. Cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice inspire with their historic streets, museums, and cozy cafés where you can work with a laptop and a cup of espresso. The Italian tradition of slowly enjoying life — from an aperitif at a bar to an evening stroll — helps maintain balance between work and rest.
Italy suits any lifestyle. Bustling metropolises such as Milan or Naples will appeal to lovers of city life, while quiet towns such as Lucca in Tuscany or Trento at the foot of the Alps will appeal to those seeking peace. High-speed internet is even available in small towns. In large cities, such as Bologna and Milan, coworking spaces are popular. Talent Garden in Milan, for example, offers modern spaces. In Rome, there are coworking spaces with a view of the Colosseum that combine work and aesthetics.
Italy is a country with a large international community. More than 5 million foreigners live here, so remote workers can more easily adapt and make friends. This is especially true in cities like Florence and Rome, where expat communities are growing.
Italy remains relatively inexpensive by European standards. For instance, Rome’s cost of living is 20-30% lower than in Paris. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Milan costs an average of EUR 1,000–1,200 per month, while in smaller cities such as Lucca, it costs EUR 600–800. Groceries are also affordable: dinner at a mid-range restaurant costs about EUR 15-20 per person. In general, EUR 800–900 per month is enough for one person to live on, excluding rent.
Where else can you obtain a digital nomad visa on similar terms?
Italy is not the only country that offers a visa for remote workers. Some programs are even more lenient than the Italian one.
For example, Spain allows self-employed freelancers to provide services to local customers as well as foreign ones. Unlike Italy, you can move there with your whole family. The visa is valid for one year, after which a residence permit will be issued for 3 years, renewable every 24 months. The income requirement is also not much higher; you need to earn at least EUR 2,368.
Another option would be the UAE, where digital nomads are issued a one-year resident visa with the right to renew it later. You need to confirm a monthly income of at least USD 3,500 (about EUR 2,983). A significant advantage is that the program does not have strict educational or experiential requirements; you only need to confirm your remote employment.
Slightly less attractive programs include Portugal, where remote workers need to earn at least EUR 3,480 per month. However, the requirements regarding education and work experience are easier to meet compared to Italy.
Each country has different requirements, and the best option depends on your financial situation, professional background, and personal preferences. can help you understand the specifics of each program, consider your priorities, select the best option, and assist you in obtaining a visa, ensuring a smooth and successful move abroad.
