Back in 2024, Italy introduced its own digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers across many sectors to reside in the country legally past the usual 90-day limit for non-EU citizens. In this article, we cover step by step what you need to obtain the visa, certain things you should know, and looking beyond into permanent residency and even Italian citizenship.
Step 1: Understanding if you qualify
Anyone who works remotely, in theory, qualifies for Italy’s digital nomad visa. This includes both those who are freelancers/self-employed/independent contractors, as well as those who are contracted with a company. (Though processing times differ between the two, see below). If working for a company, it must be a non-Italian entity.
Another aspect that Italian consulates look at when reviewing applications is that of a “highly skilled” worker. According to Legislative Decree No. 286 of July 1998, this would be those in fields that require post-secondary degrees or at least three years’ professional training or experience. Furthermore, the visa itself requires at least five years’ experience in the field, along with at least six months in the current position. The applicant should also demonstrate income that is at least three times the minimum to cover healthcare taxes in Italy. (As of 2024, that was €24,789).
Step 2: Before you apply
If you think you qualify for the digital nomad visa, then you should begin the process of collecting documents (listed below). It is advisable to give yourself a few months to complete this step, in case there are any unexpected delays or complications in obtaining the documents. Prepare three sets of documents: originals and two copies (one for the consulate, one for your Questura appointment in Italy). At this point, you should also consider your housing arrangement in Italy, something that is discussed in Step 4. Keep in mind that temporary lodgings such as hotels and Airbnbs generally are not acceptable for visa applications.
Book your consulate appointment at least a few months in advance as well, in case there are any delays. This can be done on the online portal Prenot@mi.
Step 3: How to apply
Show up early on the day of your consular appointment, in case there are any security checks to be done.
To apply, you will need the following:
- A valid passport
- Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction (e.g. utility bill or driver’s license)
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of your qualifying profession (this will differ greatly depending on your field and current job, but could include an employment contract, degree certificates, and/or licensing certificates if applicable)
- Proof of lodging in Italy
- Proof of income
- Proof of six months or more of work in the field
- Self-addressed and stamped envelope
Some requirements could change depending on the consulate, so check your local regulations.
The processing time for the visa will differ depending on if you are applying as a remote worker for a company or as a freelancer/self-employed person. For the former, the visa is usually processed within 30 days, while freelancers may take 90-120 days to process due to the more thorough checks that need to be given to validate the income source and business activity. These are general estimates, and each consulate will operate differently.
Once issued, the visa is valid for one year, with the option of renewing the accompanying residence permit (discussed below).
Step 4: Relocating to Italy
It will be important to ensure you have a stable housing arrangement. The “proof of lodging” requirements for most visas entails either an official rental contract or proof of a mortgage/ownership of a property in Italy. As mentioned, hotels, Airbnbs, and other types of short-term vacation rentals are generally not permitted to satisfy the visa requirements. If you are renting a property, you should also ensure that the landlord certifies the contract with the Agenzia delle Entrate.
Once in Italy, it will also be important to obtain a codice fiscale, and Italian Tax Code. This will be necessary for many aspects of daily life in Italy. The tax code is commonly requested for many things, and therefore isn’t as private as, for example, the American social security number.
Another thing you will want is an Italian SIM card. Even if you plan to benefit from the digital nomad visa for only a year, Italian phone plans are affordable and will most likely cost much less than relying on your home phone’s international plan. There are many phone providers to choose from, so you can explore your options.
Finally, consider your banking options as well. Many people use money transfer services, such as Wise or Revolut, if you would like to move funds between a non-Italian and Italian bank account.
Step 5: Can family members join you?
Family members within a close degree of kinship are able to join you. This includes spouses, minor children, and, in certain cases, dependent older children and parents. In this case, they will apply for a family reunification visa.
Step 6: Once you arrive in Italy
Within 8 days of arrival in Italy, you will also need to apply for your permesso di soggiorno. This card essentially replaces the visa, and will be what you renew year after year, so long as you continue to meet the original requirements of the digital nomad visa. To begin, fill out a “kit” at your local post office, and submit it to get an appointment at the immigration office, or Questura. Once at the Questura, you will be fingerprinted and present the documents from your visa.
After five years of continuous, legal residence in Italy, you might qualify for permanent residency. This card is valid for 10 years, with a simple renewal process. Certified knowledge of the Italian language at the A2 level is also required. Keep in mind that the residency will be counted from your official, established residency, which you do at the local registry office, anagrafe, of your municipality. Merely owning a home or having a rental contract in Italy does not make you a registered resident.
Citizenship by residency can also be obtained for non-EU citizens after 10 years of continuous, legal residency in Italy. If you have parents or grandparents who were Italian by birth, you might be able to claim it after only 2 years.
To apply, you will need certified knowledge of the Italian language at the B1 level, criminal background checks, and proof of income. The processing time can take up to two years, with a maximum of three years.
Italian Citizenship Assistance can help
Are you interested in applying for the digital nomad visa? Our comprehensive services can take you through every step of the process with visa acquisition and relocation in Italy. Contact us today to learn more at [email protected].
