Italy has launched its digital nomad visa
There is nothing quite like an Italian summer, but now with the official launch of the Italian digital nomad visa, you'll get to experience spring, autumn, and winter too!
Besides being one of the world's top tourist destinations, Italy has become a popular digital nomad hotspot over the last few years.
Until now, there has been no way for non-EU digital nomads to work legally in Italy long-term.
However, a new visa for remote workers was signed into Italian law in March 2022 and is now effective as of April 4, 2024!
The visa will be valid for up to one year and can be renewed annually, but only if the conditions and requirements that allowed it to be issued persist.
Eligibility Requirements for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
Italy officially launched its digital nomad visa on April 4, 2024. This visa is designed for highly skilled, non-EU remote workers who want to live and work from Italy while being employed or contracted by a non-Italian company.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a non-EU citizen working as a remote employee or freelancer for at least six months prior to applying
Earn a minimum annual income of €28,000, which is three times the minimum level for healthcare exemption in Italy
Have valid international health insurance covering medical care in Italy
Provide proof of suitable accommodation within Italy (e.g., rental agreement or property ownership)
Submit a signed declaration from your employer or clients confirming your remote work arrangement
Have no criminal record in the past five years
These requirements ensure that digital nomads are financially self-sufficient and legally authorized to work remotely during their stay.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the Italy digital nomad visa involves both consular and in-country steps. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Verify eligibility: Ensure you meet income, employment, and health insurance requirements.
Prepare documents: Collect proof of income, employer declaration, accommodation, clean criminal record, and insurance.
Apply at an Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Submit your completed application and required documents in person.
Wait for visa approval. Processing times vary by consulate but may take several weeks.
Enter Italy with your visa and apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) at the local immigration office within 8 days of arrival.
Renew annually, provided you continue to meet income, insurance, and remote work conditions.
It’s recommended to consult with a relocation advisor or immigration attorney to ensure your application is accurate and complete.
Tax Obligations and Considerations
One of the most important aspects of relocating to Italy on a digital nomad visa is understanding your tax obligations:
You become an Italian tax resident if you stay in Italy for more than 183 days in a calendar year.
As a tax resident, you are generally subject to tax on worldwide income at progressive rates ranging from 23% to 43%.
Some digital nomads may qualify for expat tax relief under Italy’s “impatriate regime,” which can reduce taxable income by up to 70% for eligible individuals.
You may also be subject to social security contributions depending on your employment status and country of origin.
Because tax compliance is complex, it is strongly advised to speak with an Italian tax consultant to determine your status and optimize your obligations.
Pros and Cons of Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
The Italy digital nomad visa offers significant benefits but also has key limitations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
Live and work legally from anywhere in Italy
Access to Italy’s healthcare system (with insurance)
Eligibility to bring dependents or family members under a family reunification process
Opportunity to renew the visa annually, with potential long-term stay options
Cons:
Must maintain a minimum income and private insurance to remain eligible
May trigger Italian tax residency, with implications for global income
Permesso di soggiorno renewal can involve complex paperwork and long waits
Appointments at consulates and immigration offices can be limited and competitive
Understanding these pros and cons is essential for making an informed decision before relocating.
Summary of Visa requirements
Proof of an annual income at least triple the minimum level for healthcare expense exemption, which sums up to just under €28,000.
Proof of robust health insurance plans valid for the entire period of stay.
Proof of suitable accommodation for the length of stay.
Proof of having been a digital nomad or remote worker elsewhere for at least six months previously.
Applicants will need to go to a valid diplomatic-consular office and submit a declaration signed by their employer before any visa will be granted.
Must be tax compliant in Italy before applying for the visa.
It is recommended to speak to an Italian tax expert before you apply so that you understand what tax you’ll need to pay and the associated paperwork.
Digital nomads are permitted to bring family members with them, but the Italian police headquarters have the final say on whether a residence permit for family reasons can be given.
Applicants who have been convicted of a crime within the last five years, even with a non-definitive sentence, will be automatically rejected from the visa process.
Besides the digital nomad visa, there are also other visas available that might be suitable, depending on your situation. Full details on these are available here.
Before you can apply for this visa, you need a remote job first.
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FAQ
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Yes. Italy launched its digital nomad visa on April 4, 2024. It allows non‑EU remote workers, including self‑employed professionals and employees abroad, to legally live and work in Italy for up to one year. Applicants must meet requirements such as remote employment, income proof, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean criminal record.
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To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income of €28,000, approximately €2,333 per month. This reflects three times Italy’s healthcare exemption threshold, ensuring financial self-sufficiency throughout the visa period.
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Yes. Digital nomads staying over 183 days per year are considered Italian tax residents and must pay income tax on global earnings. Even those residing less may owe Italian tax on income earned locally, along with social security contributions.
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Yes. Spain’s digital nomad visa offers a 15% flat tax rate for the first four years on qualifying income under €600,000, reduced from the standard rate of 24%.