After almost a decade of deliberation, Italy has rolled out its digital nomad visa, signaling a welcome to professionals from around the globe seeking to explore this European destination.
The Italian government defines digital nomads as individuals who are non-European Union or Swiss citizens possessing high skills and capable of working remotely, whether as self-employed individuals or as employees collaborating with a company.
Do you qualify for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa?
You must demonstrate an income of three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs, equivalent to approximately €28,000 annually or about $30,400.You also need to provide evidence of health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay, proof of accommodation, and demonstrate a track record of at least six months as a remote worker or digital nomad.
The Italian Digital Nomad Visa targets those who possess a high level of skill and expertise, similar to the qualifications required for the EU Blue Card.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Holding a three-year Bachelor’s degree or higher education qualification.
- Being a chartered professional, such as a doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc.
- Holding a superior professional qualification supported by at least five years of professional experience.
- Possessing a higher professional qualification in the IT industry, serving as a director or manager for at least three of the last seven years before applying for the visa.
Documents you need to submit:
- A 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, colour passport-sized photographs. These must meet specific size and quality requirements.
- A visa application form, duly completed.
- A visa fee cheque
- A travel reservation ticket
What happens once you arrive in Italy?
Upon your arrival in the Schengen zone, you have eight days to schedule an appointment request with the Italian immigration office through any local post office. During this appointment, you will need to submit the same documents you provided to the Italian consulate overseas.Upon settling in Italy and obtaining the residence permit, you become a tax resident, subject to paying taxes on your employment or self-employment income, as well as social security contributions on your earnings.
Digital nomads opting for freelance work must establish a Partita IVA (Italian VAT number) and conduct their trade from Italy. Using a foreign entity to renew your visa is not permitted under this scheme.
The local immigration office will also share your employment agreement with the tax office, social security administration, and labor office to facilitate inspections and audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. These measures are designed to streamline the process for digital nomads seeking to establish residency in Italy while adhering to legal and tax obligations.
How long will the visa be valid?
Once granted, the residence permit is valid for up to one year and can be renewed without restrictions as long as you continue to meet all the requirements. This pathway also offers the opportunity to obtain a permanent EU residency card. Additionally, you can sponsor your spouse, minor children, or elder parents under the general family reunification pathway. However, individuals with a criminal conviction within the past five years may face rejection.
This initiative aligns with Italy’s broader efforts to stimulate growth. In recent years, aging Italian towns have offered homes for sale at just one euro in a bid to counter underpopulation, attracting foreign buyers eager to revitalize these properties.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Europe, several countries are scaling back their “golden visas,” which previously granted residency permits to outsiders investing over $500,000 in real estate.
