Dreaming of sipping espresso in a quaint Italian café while working on your laptop? Italy’s digital nomad visa could turn this dream into your daily reality. Here’s a simple guide on how to get your digital nomad visa in Italy, which will have you sipping Aperol Spritzes and taste-testing gelato in no time.
What is Italy’s digital nomad visa?
An Italian digital nomad visa is the type of visa you need if you want to temporarily live and work in Italy. These visas allow digital nomads to bypass the process of obtaining a permanent work visa and registering as a tax payer in a foreign country.
The importance of a digital nomad visa
In recent years, digital nomad visas have gained popularity as the need for physical office presence has diminished. With the internet enabling work from almost anywhere, the pandemic further accelerated this trend, moving away from the traditional office environment and embracing remote work flexibility.
While Portugal and Croatia quickly embraced the digital nomad trend and welcomed foreign workers with easily accessible visas, Italy took a more cautious approach. It wasn’t until March 2022 that Italian officials introduced a digital nomad visa called the Blue Card. This new permit is designed for highly skilled non-Italian workers to live and work in Italy for up to two years. The visa is crucial for remote workers wanting to live and work in Italy without violating local laws.
Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?
Italy designed its digital nomad visa standards to attract ‘highly-skilled’ workers, in order to enrich the country’s existing knowledge pool and fill in any gaps in the Italian working industry. While the term ‘highly-skilled’ is somewhat ambiguous, the country does have a list of requirements you must meet in order to be approved.
To apply for the Italian digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You need a higher educational qualification, such as a degree from a university. The higher education must be comparable to an Italian university diploma.
- You are a paid digital worker.
- You have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a duration of at least one year.
- You meet the minimum salary threshold in Italy.
- You must have a clean criminal record and cannot be considered a threat to the public security of Italy.
You must have proof of health insurance or proof that you have applied for health insurance.
How do I apply for an Italian digital nomad visa?
Ready to apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy? Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible:
- Your journey begins with your employer. They must submit a request proposing a contract for you to the Single Desk for Immigration at the Prefettura (provincial government office) of the appropriate province.
- Apply for a long-stay visa (D visa) at the nearest Italian embassy in your country of residence.
- The approval process takes 90 days or less. If your employer’s proposal is accepted, the Italian embassy in your home country will issue you a visa to enter Italy.
- Upon arrival, you have eight days to apply for a residence permit and sign the contratto di soggiorno (residence contract) at the local immigration office.
- Once you’ve done that, you’re all set to live as a digital nomad for up to two years. The duration of your permit will be valid for the length of your contract, plus an additional three months.
What documents do I need to apply for an Italian digital nomad visa?
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy, you will require the following documents:
- A current passport with at least two blank pages. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return date.
- Your application form. Print it out and sign it once you’ve completed it online.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- A work contract or proof that you have a contractual relationship with an employer registered outside Italy.
- Bank statements or other proof of having sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Italy.
- A comprehensive health insurance plan.
Proof of accommodation arrangements for when you arrive in Italy – a rental agreement, hotel statement or real estate letter will work.
I like to print out all the documents I need for my application, then take pictures of them all so I have a digital backup on my phone just in case.”
How much money do I need to make to qualify for a digital nomad visa in Italy?
You will need to qualify for a minimum salary if you’re planning to apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy. Your work contract or job offer should clearly state a salary that’s on a, par with, or more than, Italy’s set minimum threshold. In 2023, that minimum threshold was €24,789.93 (around $27,000) annually. This figure is aligned with Italy’s aim to attract skilled professionals, ensuring that you’re not just living the dream in beautiful Italy, but also contributing significantly to the local economy.
How much does a digital nomad visa cost in Italy?
The application for the Italy digital nomad visa costs 116 EUR (around 127 USD) and is not refundable. Extra costs or fees may apply to additional document translations and certifications.
Living as a digital nomad in Italy
So, you’ve successfully applied for your digital nomad visa, you’ve completed all the steps necessary to prepare for international travel and now it’s time to live your dolce vita dream. While working in Italy, you have a lot of things to do in Winter and then choose summering along the coast. Spend some time getting to know all the fun facts about your host country, but remember that you’re there to work.
Italy provides workers with a great digital nomad experience with a range of efficient workplaces, including cafés and co-working spaces, reliable internet connections and an affordable cost of living when compared to other European countries.
Rome is my favorite Italian city to work from. It has great co-working spaces to use as well as a resourceful business networking scene.”
Frequent questions about the digital nomad visa in Italy
Yes, if American citizens are approved for a digital nomad visa, they can legally work and live in Italy for up to two years.
The digital nomad visa allows ‘highly-skilled’ foreign workers to live and work in Italy for up to two years. The exact duration is directly tied to the approved length of the work contract.
While the Italian government does not outline any specific restrictions to the type of work allowed under the digital nomad visa, the visa is only available to ‘highly-skilled’ workers. While this is a somewhat ambiguous term, the visas are only available to those with a higher educational degree.