Digital Nomad Visa for Italy: How to Apply

Italy has officially legalized the digital nomad visa and, as of April 4, 2024, is now open to receiving applications. The visa enables digital nomads, or those who are remote workers, to travel to different locations and conduct their assignments. Italy has become a popular travel destination, and digital nomads are now welcome to stay and work in this picturesque country! 

Eligibility Criteria

At present, digital nomad visas are offered to highly skilled professionals or freelancers under Article 27 of Italian immigration laws. Such that these workers must be adept at utilizing the technical skills required for their given work and must have at least 6 months of experience in the field and their current profession. 

Additionally, they should possess a higher-level education diploma for a course that lasts at least 3 years.

Or a  higher professional qualification certifying five years of professional experience

These visas are not offered to workers who have a criminal record within the past 5 years. Another requirement is the annual income, which should be, on average, €28,000 annually.

Proof of accommodation upon arriving in Italy, which is valid for the duration of the visa for 1 year.

Proof of health insurance not necessarily Italian or proof of means to cover private hospital bills or specialized medical treatment.

Validity

The digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed if circumstances allow. Those who possess a digital nomad visa will still be able to apply for a residency permit within the first 8 days of their arrival in the country. If your planned stay does not exceed 90 days and you are an EU citizen, you do not need to apply for a residency permit.

Taxation Requirements

As per Italian taxation laws, those working remotely are subject to Italian taxes when residing within the country. The only exception is whether there is a treaty in place between Italy and their home country that prevents taxation; otherwise, they will apply. You can speak to your tax officer in your home country to determine your exact taxation. During your first five years as a remote worker or freelancer, a flat rate tax of 5% will apply; after that, it will increase to 15%.

 

Application Process

 

1. Locate your nearest embassy by clicking here and booking your appointment.
2. Fill out the visa application form, which you can find on your relevant embassy website. For example, to see the visa form for the London Italian Embassy, click here. For a general understanding of the visa application and which visa application applies to you, click here.
3. Gather all the documents:

–Passport with at least two pages valid for three months after the expiration of your visa

–Two recent passport-sized photos

–Contract or binding agreement for remote work; legalized allowance for remote work.

–Higher education certificate or professional experience for at least 5 years

–Proof of annual income of at least €28,000 through bank statements, income statements, etc.

–Proof of accommodation lease agreement, rental contract, etc.

–Proof of health insurance that covers the duration of your stay

-A round-trip travel ticket if you decide to stay for less than 90 days or an open return ticket for longer stays. This is not necessary for all types but some require 

The documents must be officially translated into either English or Italian.

4. You must pay the visa application fee of €116 and then visit the consulate for your application; they may take some biometric fingerprints.
5. Await your application; it will take 30–90 days and will be issued at the time of your planned departure. It is valid for 1 year.
6. Upon arrival, you must get a residency permit within the first 8 days in Italy. In most cases, you must also apply for a codice fiscale or tax code.

Top Tip: Currently, those getting favored in the application are certainly those with adequate health insurance, as that is something the Italian government values, so be sure to have a suitable insurance plan.

Useful Links

https://www.ice.it/it/news/notizie-dal-mondo/261274

https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/italy-highly-qualified-worker_en

https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx

This article is written for informative purposes only with the aim of providing a general overview of procedures. Please check the official website of local Italian authorities for up-to-date information.

 

Article by Asmita Thareja for Easy Milano

Featured image by Freepik