Digital Nomad and Remote Workers Visa: a pathway to Italy

Italy, long cherished for its culture, climate, and quality of life, has decided to open its doors to remote work professionals. With the introduction of the visa for digital nomads and remote workers, the country positions itself as an ideal destination for those who wish to combine an international career with the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Who can apply for the visa?

The visa for digital nomads and remote workers is intended for non-EU citizens engaged in highly qualified work activities using technological tools that allow them to operate remotely. Both freelancers and employees of companies (including non-Italian ones) can apply, provided they fall under the definition of “qualified professionals.”
To prove eligibility, applicants must present an employment contract or a binding job offer and have at least six months of professional experience as a digital nomad or remote worker in the field in which they intend to operate in Italy.

Main requirements

To obtain the visa, certain key criteria must be met:

• Minimum annual income of €28,000
• Health insurance valid in Italy covering medical care and hospitalization for the entire stay
• Confirmed accommodation for the visa period
• Social security compliance: the applicant must come from a country with bilateral social security agreements, or alternatively, join the Italian system by paying social security contributions

Duration and renewal

The digital nomad and remote worker visa is valid for 12 months and grants a residence permit of equal duration, which can be renewed if requirements continue to be met. Holders may also extend the benefit to family members (spouse and children under 18) through dedicated procedures: specifically, relatives may apply for a family reunification visa, allowing them to obtain a residence permit equal in length to that of the digital nomad.

Application procedure

Applications must be submitted to the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence. Although an online option had initially been considered, the current procedure requires submitting the visa application in person. Processing times range from 30 to 90 days, with a legal maximum of 120 days for these applications.
After entering Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit at the police headquarters within eight days. Freelancers will also need to open a VAT number and fulfill tax and social security obligations.

Tax regime

Digital nomads who settle in Italy are subject to taxation on their worldwide income, unless bilateral tax treaties with their country of origin provide otherwise. However, tax relief programs are available for new residents, which can significantly reduce the tax burden, particularly for freelancers and small business owners.

Conclusion

With this new measure, Italy aims to become one of the most attractive destinations for the international remote work community. The Digital Nomad Visa is not just a bureaucratic permit, but a true bridge between innovation and tradition, offering the chance to live and work in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.