What is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU (referring to anything not part of the European Union ) remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who earn income from foreign employers while living in Italy. It provides a legal way to work remotely without needing a local work permit, making it ideal for digital nomads seeking flexibility.

Italy offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers, allowing them to live and work for up to 1 year. To qualify, applicants need a minimum income of €28,000 (around ₹26 lakh INR) and at least 6 months of experience in their respective field. The processing time typically ranges between 30 and 120 days.

Benefits of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa

  • Live Legally in Italy – Stay in Italy for up to 1 year with the option to renew, all while working remotely for a foreign employer or clients.


  • No Local Work Permit Needed – Unlike traditional work visas, you don’t need an Italian employer to sponsor you.


  • Italy’s Lifestyle – Experience landscapes, rich history, and world-famous cuisine


  • Access to Schengen Travel – With this visa, you can travel freely across 26 Schengen countries without additional visas.


  • Work- Life Balance - Enjoy Italy’s laid-back culture while maintaining a steady remote income.


  • Potential for Renewal – You may extend your stay beyond the first year.

Difference Between Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

Remote workers' and digital nomads' lifestyles and work setups are quite different. Here’s a comparison based on various factors -


BASIS

REMOTE WORKERS

DIGITAL NOMADS

Lifestyle

Work from home or a fixed location

Travel frequently while working.

Work Setup

Typically, have a home office or co-working space.

Work from cafés, co-working spaces, or different countries.

Stability

More settled, often in one country.

Constantly moving, exploring new places.

Legal Status

May require a work visa or residency.

Rely on a nomad visa or a tourist visa.

Employer Type

Usually employed by a company.

Often freelancers, entrepreneurs, or contract-based workers.

Some people prefer the stability of a home base, while others chase new experiences in different countries. Knowing the difference helps you decide what works best for you.

Documents Required for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Italy while performing their duties for foreign employers or clients

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 15 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Italy and have at least two blank pages.


  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed national visa application form with a recent Passport-Sized Photograph


  • Proof of Residence: Documents like a driver's license, state ID, or utility bill confirming residence


  • Proof of Legal Residence (for non-U.S. citizens): Valid U.S. Alien Registration Card or long-term U.S. visa.


  • Proof of Remote Work: Employment contract or proof of self-employment indicating the ability to work remotely.


  • Proof of Income: Documentation showing an annual income of £28000 that is at least three times the minimum income level, exempt from healthcare contributions in Italy.


  • Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance, including all medical and hospitalization expenses in Italy for the entire stay.


  • Proof of Accommodation: Proof of appropriate residency in Italy, for example, executed rental agreements or property ownership documents.

Ensuring all required documents are prepared and submitted accurately is crucial for a successful Italy Digital Nomad Visa application.

Eligibility Criteria for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to work remotely while residing in Italy. The eligibility criteria are outlined below:​

CRITERIA 

DESCRIPTION

Non-EU/EEA Citizenship

Applicants must be citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Remote Work Engagement

Individuals should be employed or self-employed with work contracts or clients located outside of Italy, allowing them to perform their duties remotely.

Minimum Income Requirement

The applicants have to prove that their income for the year is not less than €28000, 

( 26 lakhs in INR)  which is three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare contributions in Italy.

Work Experience

A minimum of 6 months of professional experience in the relevant field is required.

Health Insurance Coverage

All candidates must show that they are insured in Italy for the duration of their hospitalisation.

Proof of Accommodation

Evidence of suitable lodging in Italy, such as a rental agreement or property deed, is necessary.

Clean Criminal Record

The application must have a police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country or the country of residence, should the country of residence differ from the home country.

Minimum Education Required 

Bachelor’s Degree

Meeting these criteria is essential for a successful application for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

How to Apply for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

Making Italy the place where you live and remotely work is one adventure that you cannot miss as a non-EU citizen. Here are the easy steps for applying for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa:

  • Gather all the Necessary Documents: Prepare the Necessary Documents, which include a valid passport, a filled visa application form, recent passport photos, proof of residence or legal residence (for non-U.S. citizens), proof of remote work, proof of income, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean criminal record.

  • Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the Italian consulate or embassy in your jurisdiction.


  • Submit Your Application: Attend your appointment and submit your application along with all required documents.

  • Visa Fee Payment: Pay the respective fee for the visa, as it differs according to the consulate and changes quarterly. Normally, money orders or bank drafts are used; consult your consulate regarding the fees and methods of payment.


  • Await Processing: The type of visa. For example, applications for self-employment can take up to 120 days, while applications for subordinate workers are processed in around 30 days.


  • Getting Your Visa: After having your application approved, you will need to follow the consulate's instructions in collecting your visa. Some consulates may even ask that you send along a self-addressed, prepaid envelope to return the passport.

After completing the above procedures and ensuring all documentation is in order, one gets a chance to experience Italy's culture and beauty while working remotely.

Income Requirements for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa requires applicants to prove stable income for their financial independence during residence in Italy. The minimum yearly income requirement slightly changes according to the type of visa.

Minimum Annual Income Requirement

  • Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €28000  (around ₹26 lakh INR)

Eligible Income Sources

  • The income must come from remote work or self-employment while residing in Italy.

  • Passive income (e.g., rental earnings, investments, or Social Security benefits) does not count toward the requirement.

Proof of Income

Applicants must submit financial documents proving they meet the income criteria. Acceptable documents include:

  • Tax returns (latest year)

  • Pay stubs or salary slips

  • W-2 forms or equivalent

  • Bank statements (last three months)

Ensuring you meet the income criteria is crucial for a successful Italy Nomad Visa application, so verify the latest requirements before applying.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Fees

Applying for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa involves several fees that applicants should be aware of:​

  • Application Fee: €116.

  • Additional Fees Upon Arrival in Italy:

    • Electronic Document Printing Fee: €30.46

    • Residence Permit Issuance Contribution: €50

    • Revenue Stamp: €16

Based on the fact that Italy revises its official euro-dollar exchange rates on a three-month basis- January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st- the fees could change depending on when and at what station an applicant applies.

Processing Time for Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Processing for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa varies according to the employment status of the individual applicant:


  • Self-Employed Applicants: Processing is likely to take about 120 days.

  • Subordinate Workers (Employees): Processing may take up to 30 days.

These timeframes are approximate and can vary depending on circumstances and the specific consulate handling your application.