Italian Digital Nomad Visa: How to Work Remotely from Italy

The Digital Nomad Visa for Italy is a response to the growing trend of remote work, expedited by the Covid-19 pandemic. This visa allows professionals to carry out their work without being tied to a physical office. Leveraging modern technology, digital nomads can live and work in Italy while maintaining professional connections with clients and colleagues worldwide.

This visa was introduced through the Interministral implementing decree of 29th February, 2024, and later published in the Official Gazette on 4th of April 2024. The decree outlines the procedures and requirements for non-EU professionals who wish to relocate to Italy to work remotely.

Digital nomads are highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and employees of large corporations—especially multinational companies or NGOs—who can perform their work remotely. These professionals often move according to personal preferences or seek more favorable tax regimes. Countries like Estonia pioneered this concept with a one-year residency permit for digital nomads starting in 2020, followed by Italy in 2024. Through the Digital Nomad Visa introduction, Italy now joins the ranks of most attractive and demanded destinations for digital nomads.

Italian Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy, applicants must:

1. Be Non-EU Citizens: This visa is not required for EU citizens.
2. Be Highly Skilled Workers: Applicants must engage in a profession considered highly qualified according to Article 27-quater, paragraph 1, of Legislative Decree No. 286 of July 25, 1998. This includes:
   • Tertiary Education: A university degree or a post-secondary qualification lasting at least three years or corresponding to at least level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework.
   • Professional Experience: At least five years of professional experience equivalent to a university degree.
   • IT Managers or Specialists: Managers or specialists in the field of information and communication technology (ISCO-08 classification 133 and 25) with at least three years of relevant experience within the last seven years.
   • EU Qualifications: Professional qualifications obtained in other EU countries enabling them to practice a regulated profession in Italy.
3. Work Remotely: Applicants must be able to perform their job remotely using technology.
4. Work as Freelancers or for a Non-Italian Company: The work can be independent or for a foreign-based company. You need to have a remote job with a regular contract for 1+ years or to be a freelancer/self-employed with non-Italian clients (for at least 6 months).
5. Minimum Annual Income: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income not less than three times the minimum level required for exemption from health co-payments (approximately €28,000 per year).
6. Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage in Italy for the entire duration of the stay is required.
7. Accommodation Proof: Applicants must provide proof of accommodation in Italy.
8. Criminal Background Declaration: A declaration from the employer or a self-declaration attesting to the absence of criminal convictions for both the applicant and the employer in the last five years.

How the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy Works

The Digital Nomad Visa for Italy allows non-EU workers to enter Italy without being subject to the entry quotas established by immigration flow decrees. This visa facilitates the arrival of highly skilled professionals, boosting Italy’s competitiveness in the global job market.
For those considering other visa options, it’s worth exploring the various italy visa types available to find the best fit for your situation.

Within 8 days upon arrival to Italy, the “digital nomad/remote worker” has to submit the postal kit along with all the documents needed for the residence permit issuance. The documents will be almost the same as those submitted for the Visa issuance. This permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as the main requirements are met. Additionally, applicants are not required to obtain a Nulla Osta (pre-authorization) from the Ministry of Labor, simplifying the application process at the competent Consulate.

If it is proven that the digital nomad/remote worker has interrupted his/her stay in Italy for a continuous period of more than six months, the residence permit renewal or extension will not be allowed. This provides significant tax advantages, as the income earned by the applicant may not necessarily be subject to Italian taxation depending on the time spent in the country. To better understand your tax obligations and potential savings, you can use our italy tax calculator tool to estimate your net income.”

Social Security and Tax Obligations in Italy

Holders of the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy who are subject to the social security legislation of a non-EU country will follow the provisions of bilateral agreements on social security between Italy and the third country in question. In the absence of such agreements, Italian social security and insurance regulations will apply, depending on the duration of the residence permit.

Additional Services Provided by Moving2Italy:

• Tax Code and VAT Registration: Digital nomads will be assigned a tax code (Codice Fiscale) by the local police headquarters (Questura) when the residence permit is issued. Freelancers will need to request a VAT number (Partita IVA) from the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate), a process facilitated by Questura’s communication with the agency.
• Family Reunification: The visa holder’s family members can obtain a residence permit of the same duration as the worker under family reunification provisions, ensuring that the whole family can join the main applicant and live in Italy.

The new Digital Nomad Visa for Italy offers numerous benefits and simplifications for highly skilled workers wishing to relocate to Italy. The recent decree clarifies several procedural and legal aspects, making Italy an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads.

At Moving2Italy, we are here to guide you through every step of the process, from obtaining your visa to managing your tax obligations and ensuring a seamless transition to your new life in Italy.