Introduction
Italy, known for its cultural heritage, rich history, and unrivaled quality of life, has become even more attractive to digital nomads thanks to the new Digital Nomad visa program. Launched in April 2024, the program allows remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Italy for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for up to five years. Living in Italy means enjoying the Mediterranean climate, immersing yourself in cultural traditions, and experiencing the unique lifestyle that the country offers. If you are looking for the perfect place to combine work and personal life, Italy offers excellent conditions for this.
The main criteria for obtaining a visa and residence permit for a digital nomad in Italy:
Digital nomad of Italy is a foreign citizen (citizen of any country except the EU), who has high qualifications, who carries out his/her independent work activity or work for hire remotely using technological tools in an autonomous mode.
The employer or counterparty can be located both outside Italy and on its territory.
Confirmation of high qualifications — specialized higher education from 3 years or work experience from 5 years, 3 years during the previous 6 in a managerial position or in IT
Min. income – by law at least 3 min income per year (3 x 8500 euros)
freelancers – 25500 / year
hired – 33500 euros /
spouse – 11362 euros
children – 516 euros each
Online work experience – from 6 months
Health insurance – 1 year (hospitalization and medical care)
Housing – a certificate of sanitary suitability of housing is required
Confirmation of work – an employment contract or a binding offer (an employment contract with a future start date), a contract with a counterparty/s
Quotas / nulla osta – not required
Certificate of no criminal record – the employer / counterparty must provide a declaration of no criminal record or criminal prosecution for charges of illegal migration and labor exploitation.
If the applicant is an individual entrepreneur, he provides his certificate of no criminal record.
Entry to Italy – within 180 days
Obtaining a residence permit – within 8 days of arrival in Italy, contact the Questura directly. A Taxpayer Identification Number (codicefiscale) is also assigned there
The residence permit is valid for 1 year, is renewed annually, and is not converted into other types of residence permit.
The residence permit is not renewed and is cancelled in the event of loss of the necessary details, or if the employer/counterparty/applicant has a criminal record.
Family reunification – the spouse and children of the main applicant can obtain a D visa together with the main applicant.
Permanent residence – after 5 years
Citizenship – after 10 years
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Requirements for documents
Для успешного получения визы Digital Nomad в Италии требуется предоставить ряд документов. Эти документы должны подтверждать вашу квалификацию, финансовую стабильность и намерение проживать в Италии на законных основаниях.
Category 1. List of documents for an applicant for an employee to register as a digital nomad in Italy:
- A valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of the planned stay).
- An employment contract with a foreign employer indicating remote work.
- Proof of remote work for a company registered outside of Italy.
- Proof of high qualifications.
- Income document (bank statement or income certificate for the last 12 months).
- Documents on place of residence in Italy (rental agreement, property or certificate from the landlord).
- Extract from the Pension Fund
2. Income requirements
• Minimum annual income of €2,000–€2,500 per month (depending on the country of application).
• Bank statement showing stable monthly income for the previous 12 months.
• Sufficient funds for living (verified based on income and savings).
3. Taxes
• Applicants are required to register as tax residents if they are in Italy for more than 183 days per year.
• Italian taxes are up to 43% of income, but tax breaks are possible for workers under expat programs.
• Taxes in the country of origin will depend on double taxation agreements between Italy and the applicant’s country of residence.
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Category 2: Applicant — sole proprietor
1. Documents
• Valid passport.
• Proof of SP registration in the country of origin.
• Bank statement confirming income for the last 12 months.
• Proof of high qualifications.
• Proof of remote work related to international clients.
• Documents on place of residence in Italy (lease, property or confirmation from the host).
• Pension fund statement
2. Income requirements
• Income must be stable and exceed 30,000 euros per year (depending on the country of application).
• Availability of clients and contracts that confirm regular income.
• Bank statement showing sufficient assets for living in Italy.
3. Taxes
• For SP, tax obligations in Italy depend on the resident status (taxes are paid in Italy if the stay lasts more than 183 days per year).
• The tax rate for individual entrepreneurs may vary depending on the type of business and income (usually up to 43%).
• It is necessary to clarify tax obligations in the country of origin if agreements on the avoidance of double taxation are in force.
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Category 3: Freelance applicant
1. Documents
• Valid passport.
• Written contracts with clients.
• Proof of remote work with international clients.
• Proof of high qualifications.
• Income statement (certificate or bank statement for the last 12 months).
• Proof of residence in Italy (rental agreement or letter from the host).
2. Income requirements
• Monthly income must exceed 2,000-3,000 euros (depending on the country of application).
• Documents confirming stable orders or contracts.
• Proof of financial reserves for living and working in Italy.
3. Taxes
• A freelancer must register as a taxpayer in Italy if staying more than 183 days a year.
• Income is taxed at the standard rate for individuals (up to 43% depending on the income level).
• Tax incentives for non-residents and double taxation agreements are possible.
How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Italy
The Digital Nomad visa is designed for those who work remotely and have income from overseas sources. This type of visa is suitable for freelancers, entrepreneurs, consultants and other professionals who can do their work regardless of their geographical location.
The main steps to obtain a visa:
Preparing documents: Collect all the necessary documents listed above. Make sure that all documents are translated into Italian and certified, if required.
Submitting an application: Make an appointment at the Italian consulate in your country. It is important to make an appointment in advance, as waiting times may vary depending on the consulate’s workload. At the appointment, you will need to fill out a visa application form and provide all the documents you have collected.
Paying the visa fee: The visa fee is €116. Payment can be made in cash or by bank transfer. A receipt for payment must be attached to your application.
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The Digital Nomad Visa Process
Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a Digital Nomad visa, which will allow you to enter Italy and reside legally for one year. The visa can be extended if you continue to meet the program requirements.
Steps after arriving in Italy:
Application for a Residence Permit: Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for a Residence Permit. To do this, you must go to a Sportello Amico office or similar local institution that provides services to foreigners.
Submitting biometrics: To obtain a Residence Permit, you will need to undergo a biometric procedure, which includes fingerprinting and photographing. This is necessary to create your Residence Card.
Obtaining a Residence Permit: After successfully completing all the procedures, you will receive a Residence Card, which will allow you to legally reside and work in Italy. The card is issued for one year with the possibility of renewal.
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Preparing to move to Italy
Moving to Italy requires careful preparation and planning. Here are some things to consider before moving:
- Finding Accommodation: Italy offers a variety of accommodations, from modern apartments in major cities to historic villas in the countryside. Rental prices can vary greatly depending on the region. For example, renting an apartment in Rome or Milan will be significantly more expensive than in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Learning the Local: Familiarize yourself with the country’s basic laws and traditions. For example, Italy is known for its strict rules regarding historical preservation and environmental protection. It is also important to understand local customs and etiquette, especially if you plan to live in the country for a long time.
- Healthcare: The Italian healthcare system is considered one of the best in Europe. Make sure you have quality health insurance that covers all necessary services, including hospitalization and emergency care.
- Adapting to the Climate: Italy is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, but the climate can vary depending on the region. For example, in the northern parts of the country, winters can be quite cold, while in the southern regions, summers can be very hot.
- Language learning: Italian is one of the keys to successfully integrating into the local community.
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The benefits of living in Italy
Living in Italy offers many opportunities and benefits that make it an ideal place for digital nomads:
- Access to culture and art: Italy is home to a huge number of museums, galleries, and historical monuments. The country is known for its cultural events such as the Venice Carnival, Florence Fashion Week, and the Rome Film Festival. You will be able to enjoy art and culture every day.
- Diverse landscapes: Italy is a country of contrasts, where you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the olive groves of Tuscany, the golden beaches of Sicily, and the picturesque lakes in the north. Whether you prefer the mountains or the sea, Italy offers you the perfect place to live.
- High quality of life: Italy has a high standard of living, which includes access to quality education, healthcare, and other services. The country’s residents value family values, which creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
- Gastronomy: Italian cuisine is not just food, it is an art. You can enjoy pasta, pizza, seafood, cheeses and wines every day. In addition, each region of the country has its own unique culinary traditions that are worth exploring.
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Taxation in Italy
Italy is known for its complex but fair tax system. It is important to understand the main tax rates and possible benefits that may apply to digital nomads:
Main tax and financial obligations for all categories of digital nomad applicants in Italy:
• If the applicant is in Italy for more than 183 days a year, he is considered a tax resident and must pay taxes in Italy.
• Income tax rate in Italy for the first 5 years when using the Forettario regime is 5%, after 5 years — 15%
• Applicants must also consider social security and pension contributions if they decide to register as taxpayers in Italy — 23-26%
Main tax rates: Italy has a progressive tax system, with tax rates depending on your income level:
- Up to €28,000 – 23%
- From €28,000 to €50,000 – 35%
- Above €50,000 – 43%
Additionally, there is a value added tax (VAT), which is 22% and applies to many goods and services.
Possibilities for tax incentives: Italy offers various tax incentives and deductions for residents. For example, tax incentives may be available for those who invest in real estate, conduct scientific research, or work in certain industries. For digital nomads, a special tax regime may be available to reduce the tax burden.
Tax advice: Since the Italian tax system can be complex, it is recommended to consult a tax advisor for professional advice on optimizing taxes and complying with all local laws.
Family reunion
Italy allows digital nomads living in the country to reunite with family members. This process may include spouses, children and other close relatives. It is important to understand the requirements and steps for applying for reunification.
Conditions and documents:
Min. income — by law at least 3 min. income per year (3 x 8500 euros)
freelancers — 25500 / year
hired — 33500 euros / year.
Additional income: To reunite with family, you must prove additional income in the amount of 11362 euros for a spouse and 516 euros for each child. This requirement confirms your financial ability to provide for your loved ones during their stay in Italy.
Proof of relationship: You must provide documents proving your relationship with those who will join you in Italy. These can be marriage certificates, birth certificates or other official documents.
Rental Agreement: You must provide a rental agreement that shows that you have enough space for the entire family to live in. The accommodation must meet minimum requirements for space and comfort.
- Application Process:
Application Submission: You can submit your application for family reunification before or after your arrival in Italy. If you submit your application before entry, your family members can obtain visas and come to Italy at the same time as you. If you submit your application after entry, they will need to apply for a visa at the Italian consulate in their country of residence. - Waiting for a Decision: The review of your family reunification application can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the immigration office.
- Obtaining a Residence Permit: Once your application has been successfully processed, your family members will be able to obtain a residence permit, which will allow them to legally reside in Italy with you.
Real experience of living and working in Italy
Digital nomads who moved to Italy share their experiences and impressions of life in this amazing country. Here is an example of one of such stories:
«Moving to Italy on a Digital Nomad visa was a real discovery for me. Life here combines everything: the opportunity to work remotely, enjoy culture, history and nature. I chose Rome as my base, and every day for me is a new opportunity to discover something new. Architecture, art, cuisine — all this makes life here unforgettable.
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Living and Working in Italy: Practical Advice
To successfully adapt to life in Italy and make the most of your time, follow these practical tips:
- Choosing a place to live: When choosing a place to live, look for areas with well-developed infrastructure, access to transport, and proximity to key sites. If you plan to work remotely, make sure your place has high-quality internet.
- Food: Italian cuisine is known for its variety and quality of products. It is recommended to try local delicacies such as pasta, pizza, seafood, and cheeses. Don’t forget about wines, which are an integral part of Italian culture.
- Entertainment: There is always something to do in Italy, whether it is visiting cultural events, enjoying outdoor activities, or participating in local festivities and festivals. Italians are known for their ability to enjoy life, and you can be a part of this culture.
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Conclusion
Italy is a country that offers unique conditions for living and working as a digital nomad. The Digital Nomad visa opens the doors to this amazing country, allowing you to enjoy its culture, nature and high quality of life while continuing to work remotely.
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