Italy's Digital Nomad Visa: Experience “la dolce vita” while working remotely

Italy has finally introduced a digital nomad visa for remote workers. Previously, there wasn’t a legal way for digital nomads to work long-term in Italy.

Find out if you’re eligible to apply, how to apply, and why choose Italy as your next destination.

Why choose Italy?

Italy is a popular holiday destination that attracts tourists with its “la dolce vita” way of living. “La dolce vita” essentially translates into a life filled with pleasure, beauty, and the enjoyment of everyday events. It's not surprising that over 5 million expats choose to stay in Italy when their holiday is over.

So, what does this “la dolce vita” lifestyle look like in practice?

• Get a taste of local gastronomy: Italy has one of the most recognised cuisines in a world. It's a country famous for its pasta, pizza, and focaccia. Italians are known for growing olives, tomatoes, and other vegetables to ensure that only fresh ingredients are used in their dishes. During your stay, you can enjoy delicious food while being assured that you're eating fresh and healthy.
• Learn a new language and make Italian friends: Around 85 million people worldwide speak Italian. While working remotely in Italy, you'll have the opportunity to learn the language. Learning Italian will give you a sense of belonging and will be useful for communicating with locals. Moreover, knowing Italian can be an extra skill that attracts Italian clients.
• Embrace “riposo” to understand the culture: Just as the Spanish have the “siesta,” Italians have the “riposo.” It's a midday break when all the shops close, and everyone goes home to rest. Experiencing this way of life will give you a much-needed break from emails and other tasks awaiting you on your laptop

Having a Digital Nomad Visa will give you enough time to explore different parts of Italy. Whether you've visited Italy before or it's your first time, you'll have something new to experience all year round. Living in Italy for a year as a remote worker, you'll get to enjoy the snow in the Alps, sunbathe on beautiful island beaches during the summer months, and sip fine wine in autumn in Tuscany.

How long is the Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa valid?

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year. It can be renewed if the requirements are fulfilled. Additionally, there is a possibility to bring family members along. However, the final decision on approving the residence permit for family reasons lies with Italy’s police.

Who can apply for the Italy's Digital Nomad Visa?

Eligibility

At the moment, there are no country-wise restrictions for applying for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa. It’s aimed at digital nomads without an EU passport or any other visa to legally stay and work in the country for a longer period of time.

Other eligibility requirements include:

• A university or college degree or an accredited professional license.
• Six months of work experience in the industry, or five years for applicants without a university degree.
• An existing employment contract.
• A criminal record check.
• Proof of an annual income of 28,000 euros (about $29,880.06).
• Evidence of housing in Italy.
• Evidence of health insurance coverage.

Documents required

This is the list of standard documents necessary for a digital nomad visa application. However, additional documents may be needed in your country. It’s best to contact the Italian Embassy in your country of residence directly.

Visa Application Form

• Valid passport and necessary copies
• Passport photos
• Documents explaining the applicant’s activities during the stay
• Tax certificate issued in the country of residence
• Copy of private medical insurance with terms and conditions

Before you start your application process, make sure you acquire all the necessary documents. If there are any documents missing when you apply, your visa may be denied. In order to make sure this doesn't happen, gather all the documents prior to starting your application.

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• Application form (might be unique per every consulate)
• Proof of annual income: must be employed outside Italy
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance: with coverage for incidents that will happen in Italy
• Proof of work experience of at least 6 months as a digital nomad or remote worker
• Clean criminal record certificate
• A valid passport: not mutilated or damaged; at least six months validity and two blank pages
• Recent passport-size photograph: taken within the past six months
• Documents proving annual income: at least 28,000 euros (about $29,880.06)

Living in Italy as a Digital Nomad

Tax obligations for digital nomads in Italy

You must apply for an Italian tax VAT number if you're self-employed. Since the Digital Nomad Visa is relatively new in Italy, the best method for paying local taxes is still unclear.

Cost of living in Italy

Here's an estimated breakdown of monthly expenses for a solo traveler living in Italy, along with the costs in both euros and American dollars:

*Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs can vary based on lifestyle choices, location within Italy, and personal preferences.‍

Public holidays

Since Italy is predominantly a Roman Catholic country, the majority of public holidays are tied to religion. However, they also have traditions unique to their country, some derived from Ancient Roman times or folklore.

Here are some of the most important holidays to take note of:

1. New Year’s Day (Capodanno): Falling on the 1st of January, it's a tradition in Italy to eat “cotechino con le lenticchie” at midnight. This dish consists of sliced seasoned pork sausage served on top of lentils, believed to bring abundance for the year.
2. La Befana (Epifania): Celebrated on January 6th, it marks the official end of the Christmas holiday season. Many Italians dispose of their Christmas trees on this day. Instead of celebrating the Three Kings, Italians focus on La Befana, a witch-like woman who brings gifts to children.
3. Easter (Pasqua): Usually celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, Easter is the second most important Roman Catholic holiday after Christmas. Italian custom is to eat “Colomba” for breakfast, a bread similar to Panettone.
4. Easter Monday (Pasquetta): Celebrated on the Monday following Easter Sunday, similar to other Roman Catholic countries.
5. Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione): Commemorated on April 25th, it marks the victory of the Italian resistance movement against Nazi Germany and Italian Fascists during World War II.
6. Labor Day (La Festa dei Lavoratori): Celebrated worldwide on May 1st, it's an International Workers' Day.
7. Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica): Held on June 2nd, it commemorates the Italians' vote on the form of government following World War II and the fall of fascism in 1946, marking the transition from a Monarchy to a Republic.
8. Ferragosto (Ferragosto): Falling on August 15th, the same day as the Catholic holiday Assumption of Mary, Ferragosto celebrations can last for days, weeks, or even the entire month. Originating as a festival in Ancient Rome for Emperor Augustus, it's common for Italians to take their annual leave during this time, spend time with loved ones, and visit the seaside.
9. All Saints’ Day (Tutti i Santi / Ognissanti): Celebrated on November 1st, Italians spend time with their families and pay respects to relatives who have passed.
10. Christmas Day (Natale): Celebrated on December 25th, like elsewhere in the world.
11. St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano): Another religious holiday celebrated on December 26th.
    

Are you ready to pack your suitcase and experience “la dolce vita” way of life?

Italians know how to turn every mundane moment into a special occasion. Enjoy Italian cuisine, sip refined wine, and learn the language to embrace the local way of life. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant city life of Rome, the charming streets of Florence, or the serene coastal towns of Cinque Terre, Italy has something to offer for every remote worker seeking adventure and inspiration. So, why not consider Italy as your next destination for remote work?