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Finally! We now have an Italian Digital Nomad Visa! This is not just a visa, it’s a gateway to a new world of freedom and flexibility in how and where we work. Italy, a country that has always celebrated innovation and creativity, is now embracing the digital nomad trend. It has joined the ranks of countries offering skilled immigration policies that reflect this brave new world in which we now move more freely.
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa is a win-win for everyone. We get to live the La Dolce Vita, a life filled with the sweet moments of exploring iconic Renaissance history, eating pasta and gelato, and visiting Juliet’s balcony. And while we enjoy this lifestyle, Italy’s economy gets a boost from us nomads renting or buying, spending money, and making money within its borders!
So, if that sounds just as amazing to you as it does to us, then this is your guide to the Italian Digital Nomad Visa.
Who can apply for an Italian Digital Nomad visa?
According to a recent Italian government decree, you need to “carry out highly qualified work activities through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely, autonomously, or for a company that is not resident in the territory of the Italian state.”
The Italian Digital Nomad visa is specifically designed for non-EU and non-EEA professionals who work remotely, as EU nationals already have the freedom to move, work, and live within the European Union.
Image source:Contiki
What do you need to apply for the Italian Digital Nomad visa?
- A passport that is valid until three months after your visa expires
- 2x passport photographs
- A Digital Nomad Form
- A work contract with a company OR proof of self-employment status
- Proof of sufficient means (a minimum income of €28,000 per year)
- Evidence of a minimum of six months work experience (5 years if you do not have a university degree)
- Proof of Italian accommodation (rental agreement or proof of purchase)
- Police clearance demonstrating that you haven’t had a criminal record in the past five years
- Medical insurance
- Proof of visa application fee (€116)
What’s the process for applying for the Italian Digital Nomad visa?
- Apply for a Digital Nomad visa at your nearest Italian consulate
- Fill in the visa application form and pay the fee
- Wait 30-90 days
- If your application is accepted, you’ll have on your visa (you can renew it)
- Once you are in Italy, you will need to apply for a residency permit from the police headquarters within the province that you choose to live within eight days of arrival
- You will need to apply for a tax identification number or “Codice Fiscale”, which is issued by the Italian Revenue Agency
- You will also need to open a VAT position in Italy regardless of an Italian bilateral agreement with your home country
Image source:Contiki
How long is an Italian Digital Nomad visa valid?
You get 365 days from the date that your visa is issued. But, you can renew it annually as long as you continue to fulfil the visa’s conditions and requirements.
Best cities to live out your Italian Digital Nomad dreams
You’ve got your visa, yay! Now all that’s left is to figure out which Italian city you’ll be calling your home while you live your best work and travel life.
Rome
Rome is known as the ‘Eternal City’ and is the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. This ancient city has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires – including the Ancient Roman Empire. The legend is that Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC and were descendants of Aeneas, who escaped the fall of Troy. They were twin brothers, the offspring of a human mother, and Mars, the Roman god of war.
It’s the perfect combination of history and modernity. You’re right on the doorstep of the Pope, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. The culture is fun and vibrant, the food is delicious, the weather is warmly Mediterranean, and the locals are welcoming. Although it is one of Europe’s most expensive tourist cities, the cost of living is almost half that of London by comparison!
Image source:Contiki
Milan
Milan is the highest city in Italy and is known as its fashion capital – so make sure to prepare all your best outfits. Here, you can buy big-label brands (like Prada) for less than you would in Paris or London. Aside from fashion, you’ll find important and renowned Renaissance artworks, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting and Sandro Botticelli’s The Madonna of the Book.
Milan is a bustling, cosmopolitan university city with 14 universities and streets full of vibrant student nightlife. It is also known as Italy’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly city and is also one of the most expensive cities. However, it’s a popular tourist town and perfect for nomads still at the beginner stage of learning the Italian language.
Florence
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance style. It is famous for its architecture, such as the red dome of the Duomo Cathedral, and for artworks by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Its signature dish is the Florentine steak – a tender, marbled rare steak usually shared by at least two people.
Florence is a smaller, safe, and international city. It is also a popular tourist destination. It is brimming with historical sites, artwork, architecture, and world-renowned museums and galleries.
Image source:Contiki
Naples
Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ancient European cities. Its attractions include the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Naples is also famous for the Neapolitan dialect and for being the birthplace of pizza!
Naples is a sunny city filled with impressive architecture and humming markets. It is considered one of the cheapest Italian cities to live in, and with all the museums and subterranean walking tours, you’ll have plenty to do on your days off! It is rich in cultural history and has a bustling atmosphere.
Turin
Turin is an important business and cultural city in Northern Italy. It is a highly walkable city known for its palaces, piazzas, opera houses, and Rococo and Art Nouveau architecture. Turin is also famous for being the location of the House of Savoy, an Italian royal house built in 1003 AD and home to the former Savoy dynasty.
Turin is known as an elegant, open-minded and welcoming city. It offers a high quality of life and a low cost of living. It has a thriving economy and is said to be the third best city to live in Italy. It’s also not as touristy as other Italian cities.
Image source:Antonio Sessa / unsplash
Sicily
Picture vineyards, sandy beaches, and Mount Etna. Sicily is the football-shaped island located just south of the Italian boot. It’s only 1.5 miles from the mainland and was once inhabited by the Greeks before coming under Roman rule during the Middle Ages. Sicily is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Greek and Roman temples, such as the Temple of Concordia in the Valley of the Temples. Despite Sicily’s historical association with the Mafia dating back to the 19th century, there has been a determined and community-led effort to drive them out of the island.
Sicily is a very affordable place to live and has the lowest cost of living in Europe—houses can cost just €2! But these are usually abandoned and require a lot of fixing up—perhaps perfect for anyone interested in doing a bit of DIY in their spare time. Sicily is ideal for nomads looking for peace and quiet, medieval streets, stunning beaches, and delicious food.
Want to explore a taste of Italy before you make your own submission to become a digital nomad here? Jump on Contiki’s Simply Italy trip or an Italian Escape and Silcily adventure.
