All you need to know before applying for a digital nomad visa in Italy

Envision enjoying espresso in a charming Italian café while you work on your laptop? Italy’s digital nomad visa can make that dream your everyday life. Here’s a straightforward guide to obtaining your digital nomad visa in Italy, so you’ll be sipping Aperol Spritzes and indulging in gelato in no time.

What is the digital nomad visa for Italy?

An Italian digital nomad visa is the necessary visa for those wishing to temporarily live and work in Italy. This visa allows digital nomads to skip the lengthy process of acquiring a permanent work visa and registering as a taxpayer in another country. 

The significance of a digital nomad visa

In recent years, digital nomad visas have surged in popularity as the demand for physical office spaces has decreased. With the internet enabling remote work from virtually anywhere, the pandemic further accelerated this trend, shifting focus away from traditional office settings toward greater flexibility in remote work arrangements. 

While Portugal and Croatia quickly adopted the digital nomad trend and welcomed international workers with easy-to-obtain visas, Italy took a more measured approach. It wasn't until March 2022 that Italian authorities launched a digital nomad visa known as the Blue Card. This permit is tailored for highly skilled non-Italian workers, allowing them to live and work in Italy for up to two years. The visa is essential for remote workers who want to reside in Italy without breaching local laws.

Who is eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?

Italy has crafted its digital nomad visa criteria to attract 'highly-skilled' professionals, aiming to enhance the country’s knowledge base and address gaps in the Italian workforce. Although the definition of 'highly-skilled' can vary, Italy has established specific requirements that applicants must fulfill to gain approval.

To apply for the Italian digital nomad visa, you need to satisfy the following conditions:

• You must possess a higher education qualification, such as a university degree, which should be equivalent to an Italian university diploma. 
• You need to be a paid digital employee.
• You must have a valid work contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment lasting at least one year.
• You must meet Italy's minimum salary requirements.
• You should have a clean criminal record and not pose a threat to Italy’s public safety.

You need to provide proof of health insurance or evidence that you have applied for health insurance.

What is the process for applying for an Italian digital nomad visa?

Are you ready to apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help simplify the application process:

What paperwork is required to apply for an Italian digital nomad visa?

To secure a digital nomad visa in Italy, you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages, which must remain valid for a minimum of three months beyond your return date. 
• Your completed application form, printed and signed after filling it out online. 
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• A work contract or evidence of a contractual relationship with an employer based outside of Italy.
• Bank statements or other documentation proving sufficient funds for your stay in Italy.
• A comprehensive health insurance policy.

Documentation confirming your accommodation arrangements upon arrival in Italy, such as a rental agreement, hotel confirmation, or a letter from a real estate agent.

What income is required to be eligible for a digital nomad visa in Italy?

What is the cost of obtaining a digital nomad visa in Italy?

The fee for applying for the Italy digital nomad visa is 116 EUR (approximately 127 USD) and is non-refundable. Additional costs may arise from document translations and certifications.

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle in Italy

Now that you’ve secured your digital nomad visa and completed all the steps to prepare for international travel, it’s time to live your dolce vita dream. While working in Italy, you’ll have plenty of winter activities and then can choose to bask along the coast in summer. Take the time to learn all the fun facts about your host country, but don’t forget that you’re there to work.

Italy offers digital nomads a fantastic experience with a variety of efficient workspaces, from cafés to co-working spaces, dependable internet access, and a cost of living that is quite reasonable compared to other European nations.

How does Dinogo gather information for this guide?

One key lesson I've learned during my 15 years of global travel as a digital nomad is to make the most of every opportunity to work. Whether it's from a train seat in Peru, a co-working space on the beaches of Costa Rica, or a café in Palermo, I've powered up my laptop in countless locations. I've blended my passion for travel with Dinogo’s expert insights to create this guide.

Common questions regarding the digital nomad visa in Italy