Italy has joined the growing list of countries offering a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to legally live and work in the country. If you're dreaming of sipping espresso in Rome or basking under the Tuscan sun while working remotely, this visa might be perfect for you. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the requirements and process for applying.
Who Can Apply?
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for:
- Remote workers: Those with an employment contract from a foreign company.
- Freelancers or Self-Employed Professionals: Those working in their field for at least the past six months.
Visa Duration
The Digital Nomad Visa in Italy is initially granted for one year, with the option to renew for a total of five years. Remarkably, after these five
years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Even more exciting is that just five years after obtaining permanent residency,
you may apply for Italian citizenship.
Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
- Live and Work in Italy – Experience the Italian lifestyle while working remotely.
- Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship – A clear, structured route to long-term settlement in Italy.
- Access to High-Quality Healthcare – Enroll in Italy’s renowned public healthcare system.
- Schengen Zone Travel – Move freely within Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Family-Friendly – Spouses and children can be included in your application.
- Cultural & Professional Growth – Enjoy Italy’s rich history, world-class cuisine, and a thriving network for remote professionals.
Key Requirements
Income of €2,125 (gross income per month) for the main applicant.
Remote work as freelancer or employee working for a foreign company.
Relevant qualifications, or a minimum of 3 years of experience in IT or senior management, or 5 years of experience in any other field.
The company must have a clean criminal record, in case you are an employee.
To qualify for the visa, you must meet specific financial, professional, and logistical requirements. Let’s break them down step by step.
1. Gross Income Requirements
You must demonstrate sufficient income to support yourself (and your family, if applicable). Here are the thresholds:
- Main Applicant: €25,500/year as a gross income (€2,125/month as a gross income).
- Each Dependant (Spouse and children): Additional €200/month.
Proof of Income
You need to verify your income with:
- Bank statements for the last 12 months.
- Contracts, invoices or pay slips for thelast 12 months.
- Previous year’s annual tax declarations.
The income must derive from the work the applicant will be performing in Italy. Other passive income, such as Social Security, rents, or stocks, will not be considered. A consultant will review and analyze these documents to ensure compliance.
2. Work Requirements
You must have a stable work history and current professional engagement.
If Employed: Your employment contract must:
- Cover at least 12 months.
- Meet or exceed the minimum income threshold (€25,500/year).
If Self-Employed/Freelancer:
- You must have been working in your field for at least the past six months.
- Provide evidence of past projects, contracts, or clients.
3. Professional Qualifications
You must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or doctorate degree.
- Work in IT & Communication or senior management, with at least three years of experience in the last seven years.
- Work in a profession listed in Italy’s dedicated list of eligible professions.
- Have at least five years of relevant professional experience in your field.
4. Employer Declaration
Your employer must provide a written self-declaration stating that the employer has not been convicted in the past five years of any crimes. The letter must be signed by an executive, legal representative, or other appropriate agent of the employer, and the signature must be accompanied by a photocopy of the signer’s photo ID.
5. Health Insurance
Provides a letter or certificate of travel medical insurance showing:
- Covers at least 12 months without any co-payment
- Includes coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization costs, and repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must not be less than €30,000.
6. Housing Requirements
- You must have a rental contract in Italy that covers at least 12 months.
- In some consulates, a long-term Airbnb booking or similar accommodation might be accepted. However, a formal rental contract is mandatory in locations like the Consulate of New York.
Passport Handling
Your passport will be held at the consulate during the visa processing period. Ensure you plan accordingly.
Travel Timeline
Once your visa is approved, you must make a single trip to Italy within 90 days after your consulate appointment.
Average Timeline for Application Processing
Between document preparation, consulate appointment wait time, and visa processing time the total estimated time is around 4-6 months from document preparation to visa approval.
How to Apply
- Prepare Your Documents
- Fill Out the Application
- Book an Appointment
- Submit Your Application in Person
- Pay the Fee
- Wait for Approval
How MoveWise can support you
Navigating the complexities of the DNV application can be a daunting task. That's where MoveWise steps in. We are dedicated to guiding clients through their DNV applications, offering a range of specialized services:
- Personalized Service: We tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and effortless process.
- Seamless Online Process: Benefit from our fully digital services, ensuring the support is managed online for a streamlined and hassle-free experience.
- Efficient Scheduling: We optimize your application timeline to ensure a smooth and timely process.
- Full guidance: We provide comprehensive support, handling every aspect of your application from start to finish.
- Tax Implications Assistance: Our experts help you understand the tax implications of your DNV and various application options.
- Meticulous Documentation: We prepare and review all required documents, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements.
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee: If your application is unsuccessful, we offer a full refund, reflecting our commitment to your success.
Final Tips
- Double-check all your documents for accuracy and compliance.
- Consult with a MoveWise.net expert if you have questions or uncertainties.
- Start early! The process can take time, and you don’t want to miss deadlines.
Contact Us
The Digital Nomad Visa is an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Italy while working remotely. At MoveWise, we specialize in guiding applicants through the Digital Nomad Visa process with proper preparation and attention to detail. We ensure a stress-free experience, so you can soon find yourself living 'la dolce vita' while maintaining your career. BOOK TODAY a 100% Free Consultation.
Buona fortuna!
