Last updated on April 10th, 2024 at 10:10 am
More and more people are working remotely, which means the office doesn’t have to be a desk in your living room or even a coworking space in your city. It’s possible to work virtually anywhere in the world. Picture yourself sipping a cappuccino at a cafe within walking distance of Rome’s Colosseum or checking your email on the sandy beaches of Amalfi or Positano. Sounds pretty nice, right?
A digital nomad visa could make that dream a reality. In this guide, we’ll discuss Italy’s digital nomad visa and how you can get one. Then, we’ll share some tips to help you get the most out of working remotely in Italy for a U.S. company or yourself.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa permits remote workers to stay in a country for an extended period, typically months to a year, while working online. Countries offer digital nomad visas to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs — a major part of the appeal is that these visas streamline legal residency for those who work remotely.
Requirements often include proof of income, health insurance, and sometimes a commitment to spending a minimum amount of time in the host country. Digital nomad visas reflect the rising trend of remote work and enable individuals to lead location-independent lifestyles while contributing to local economies.
Why Italy is a top destination for digital nomads
Being a digital nomad in Italy offers several benefits. Here are some of the top reasons why you may love remote working in Italy.
Great weather and beautiful landscapes
Although Italy has seven climatic zones, the country has an overall Mediterranean climate with mild winters and pleasant summers. Digital nomads can also have their pick of scenery, as Italy has sandy beaches, picturesque mountains, and bustling cities.
Robust public transportation
Most Italian cities are easy to walk and cycle in, and for longer trips, a strong public transportation system is available. As a result, you’re unlikely to need an international driver’s license or a rental car while living in Italy.
A high-speed train system connects the country’s major metropolitan areas, and most cities have metros, buses, trams, and even ferries. Cab rides are generally inexpensive, and ride-sharing apps are available in large cities like Rome and Milan.
High level of safety
Italy has an overall low crime rate, with just 34.3 crimes per 100,000 citizens. Digital nomads should still take basic precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas and avoiding walking alone at night. Still, Italy is generally a safe place for foreigners to visit.
Opportunities for rich experiences
It’s impossible to overstate how much there is to see and do in Italy. The country is home to over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and hundreds of museums and theaters. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from skiing in the Dolomites to Scuba Diving off the shores of the Italian Riviera.
Excellent connectivity
A reliable Internet connection is vital for digital nomads, and Italy delivers exceptional connectivity. The average Internet connection speed via fixed connections was 49.82 Mbps and 34.53 Mbps via mobile connections as of January 2022.
Delicious cuisine
Digital nomads are sure to eat well while living in Italy. The country is known for its delicious cuisine, including pizza, pasta, seafood, and more. Italy is also a major center for wine production.
Friendly, welcoming culture
Italians are known for their hospitality. Digital nomads are likely to be welcomed into their away-from-home communities and have a chance to experience Italian culture by making friends with neighbors.
Lower cost of living
Generally, the cost of living in Italy is less than in the U.S. and Canada. As of November 2023, a single person’s overall monthly cost of living in Italy was $1,388, compared to $2,434 in the U.S. and $1,931 in Canada. This difference in the cost of living means that your income will likely stretch further while you’re living and working in Italy.
Is there an Italy digital nomad visa available in 2024?
Yes, an Italian digital nomad visa is available in 2024. The program was officially launched in March 2022, but the application process details were finalized in March 2024. This visa is designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely.
What we know about Italy’s digital nomad visa program
Because the digital nomad visa program in Italy is still new, there are few specifics available about eligibility requirements and other details. Let’s review what has been established so far.
Duration and renewal
Italy’s digital nomad visa is initially issued for one year. The visa is renewable, so you can stay in Italy longer if you still meet the eligibility requirements when it’s time to renew. This makes it a very attractive option for remote workers who want to enjoy the Italian lifestyle for an extended period.
Eligible countries
Italy’s digital nomad visa isn’t available to all countries in the traditional sense. The program targets non-EU citizens, so anyone with citizenship in a European Union country wouldn’t need this specific visa to work remotely in Italy.
There are additional requirements, however. The visa is geared towards “highly skilled workers,” which can be a little vague. While the specifics haven’t been rigidly defined, it generally means applicants with a higher educational degree will likely qualify.
Schengen area access
Due to the Schengen area agreement, those who receive a digital nomad visa can travel freely to 27 European Union member states as well as members of the European Free Trade Association and a handful of other countries in Europe.
Alternative for Italy digital nomads
There are other options if you aren’t eligible for a digital nomad visa. Italy offers a self-employed work visa that’s good for one year and is available to people who:
- Are self-employed
- Hold a valid passport from their home country
- Hold the necessary licenses to work in their field in their home country
- Join the Italian Chamber of Commerce
- Have sufficient income to support themselves during their stay
- Have international health insurance coverage
You can learn more about the self-employed visa on the EU Immigration Portal site.
Application process
The official application process for Italy’s digital nomad visa is still quite new, but here’s a general idea based on what’s been announced:
1. Gather required documents
To start, you’ll need to gather the documents necessary for the Italian visa application. These include:
- Application form
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy for your stay
- Documentation showing you meet the minimum income requirement
- Health insurance that’s valid for your entire stay in Italy
- Clean criminal background check
- Depending on your situation, you might also need:
- Proof of being a self-employed digital nomad for at least 6 months prior (for freelancers)
- A declaration signed by your employer confirming your remote work status (for employed applicants)
2. Schedule an Appointment
Contact the Italian Consulate or Embassy in your home country to schedule an appointment to submit your application.
3. Submit Your Application
Attend your appointment with all the required documents. Consular officials will review your application and determine your eligibility.
Tips for a successful digital nomad experience in Italy
To have the best possible experience while remote working in Italy, follow these tips.
Find the right accommodations
As previously mentioned, you’ll likely need to make accommodations arrangements before applying for an Italy digital nomad visa. Options include short-term rentals through sites like Airbnb, long-term stays at hotels, leasing an apartment, or even buying a property in Italy that can serve as a rental or vacation property.
When weighing options, remember that you’ll also need a workspace and reliable Internet. In large cities like Rome and Milan, renting a small apartment and co-working space through WeWork or another provider may be more affordable.
Obtain health insurance
While Italy has a public health insurance coverage scheme for its citizens, digital nomads will likely need to obtain private health insurance valid in Italy as a part of the visa requirements.
Obtaining an international plan that is good in numerous countries can help to ensure that you can receive medical care if you become ill or are involved in an accident while exploring Europe.
Make time to explore in Italy and beyond
When you work remotely in Italy, you can technically always be at the office, so it’s important to prioritize work-life balance. Establish regular working days and hours and stick to them as best you can. When you’re off duty, explore your home away from home, other Italian cities, and the rest of Europe so you can make the most of your time abroad.
Know your tax obligations and responsibilities
While working in Italy with a digital nomad visa or a self-employment visa, you’ll need to comply fully with the tax laws in Italy and your home country. Consult a knowledgeable tax attorney or accountant for advice on what to do to fulfill your tax obligations.
Dress for success
Although Italians have a relatively relaxed attitude about business, dressing well for the job is still expected. If you are meeting with Italians face to face or via webcam as a part of your work, dress in business attire to make a good impression.
Be prepared for looser scheduling
In Italy, appointment times are often approximations. People tend to have a more laid-back view of punctuality, so you may find those you plan to meet with don’t arrive on time, especially in Southern Italy.
Foster relationships
Italians value relationship-building in their professional and personal lives. It’s customary for a business meeting to begin with a period of socializing during which the participants discuss their personal lives.
While it’s fine to be choosy about what you share, do expect some chit-chat, as getting straight to work matters at the start of a meeting may come off as rude.
Take the first steps toward remote working in Italy
Although we still don’t have all the details about the Italy nomad visa, the self-employment visa option can make it possible for some U.S. and Canadian citizens to live and work abroad immediately. For others waiting to discover the specifics of the digital nomad visa in Italy requirements, it’s the perfect time to start researching cities, comparing accommodations, and saving up for the remote work abroad experience.
As you learn more about living and working in Italy, keep an eye out for updates about the country’s remote work visa program.
Now is also the perfect time to register for a Remitly account so that you can send money to Italy and back home with just a few taps. Download the app today to get started.