Italy Welcomes Digital Nomads: Your Guide to the New Visa Program

Eligibility Criteria

• A demonstrable gross annual income of at least €27,000 deriving specifically from remote working activities.

• Evidence of remote working for the previous 6-month period, including employer / client contracts with non-Italian entities.

• The establishment of tax residency in Italy; global income / foreign assets subject to taxation in Italy.

• Private Italian health insurance, valid for at least 1-year (travel insurance NOT accepted).

• Proof of housing / accommodation for the intended visa period.

• Criminal background check through the provision of a criminal record certificate.

How to apply

For individuals who meet the aforementioned criteria, the Digital Nomad Visa can be requested by way of appointment at an Italian Consulate / Embassy in the applicants home country or place of legal residence. Like all other forms of visa; it is impossible to submit an initial visa request within the Italian territory. Once the applicant has contacted their local Italian Consulate, they will be called for an interview to demonstrate their conformity to the eligibility criteria we have detailed above.

For successful applicants, a 1-year visa will be issued which can be subsequently renewed, providing that the same eligibility criteria are met at the time of renewal.

Additional Information

• Documentation Simplification: The new visa program streamlines the documentation process and eliminates the need for a ‘Nulla Osta’. Furthermore, there are no specific educational or language requirements.

• Tax and Contribution Rules: Digital nomads are required to obtain an Italian VAT number (Partita IVA) for self employed individuals. Italian tax rates are variable, therefore the Digital Nomad’s contributions will be dependent on their reported income and any foreign held assets subject to taxation. To this extent, its absolutely critical that the applicant discusses their personal economic circumstances with a local commercialista (accountant); furthermore ongoing assistance will be essential to ensure conformity with Italy’s infamously complex tax code.

• Residence Permit: As previously outlined, the Digital Nomad Visa can be renewed annually. After five years of continuous residence, Digital Nomad Visa holders can apply for permanent residency. Following ten years of residency, citizenship is possible, following standard Italian immigration rules.

Next steps...

Once a visa has been approved by the Italian consulate / embassy, it will need to be converted within 8-days of arriving in the Italian territory to a Permesso di Soggiorno. Furthermore, individuals will need to register for their Codice Fiscale (Social Security Number) at an Agenzia Entrate (Tax Office). Finally, the setup of the self-employed individuals Partita IVA (VAT number) should really be designated to a qualified commercialista (accountant) who will also be able to handle the ongoing financial declarations associated with the working activity.

Appointment anxiety? apply with the support centre

While it’s possible to complete most local bureaucracy on your own, many internationals find it helpful to have someone with experience and knowledge of the Italian system handle their application processes for them. Our Support Services are designed to make your life in Italy easier and more convenient. Contact us today to learn more about our Support Services and how we can help you.

Content and support is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as independent legal, taxation, or other investment advices.