The digital nomad visa in Italy began to be developed back in 2022, but it took another 2 years to make the final decision. Finally, digital nomads dreaming of moving to this wonderful country have their wish fulfilled. On April 4, 2024, the Italian government approved a decree outlining the requirements, procedures, and other details regarding the issuance of the digital nomad visa in Italy. The decree came into effect the day after its publication, namely on April 5, 2024.
Thus, individuals who are not citizens of EU countries and have the opportunity to work remotely are eligible to apply for the digital nomad visa in Italy. These may include hired workers with remote work capabilities, self-employed individuals, or directors of companies working remotely.
Requirements for Obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa in Italy
- 24,789 euros – minimum annual income (as of 2024);
- Confirm previous work experience as a remote specialist for at least 6 months;
- Provide an employment contract, cooperation agreement, or other document confirming the possibility of remote work.
- Have rented accommodation in Italy or own property in Italy;
- Have valid health insurance;
- Confirm the absence of convictions for the past 5 years.
Procedure for Obtaining the Visa
Obtaining the digital nomad visa in Italy is much easier compared to other types of visas, as in most cases, it is necessary to first obtain permission from the police headquarters or the questura in Italy – Nulla Osta, which is mandatory for other types of visas but exempt for the digital nomad visa.
The visa application process is as follows:
- Apply to the Italian consulate in your place of residence and apply for the digital nomad visa;
- Arrive in Italy and apply for a temporary residence permit no later than 8 days after arrival.
- When applying for a temporary residence permit, the Questura assigns a tax number.
Additionally, the applicant will need to register as a VAT payer. Overall, obtaining the residence permit itself may take several months. The processing time depends on the province where the applicant submits the documents. However, the foreigner has the right to legally stay in Italy until the issuance of the temporary residence permit. After obtaining the permit, the foreigner will be considered as residing in Italy based on the residence permit, not the visa.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Italy
Taxes in all developed European countries are high, and Italy is no exception, but there are always legal ways to optimize taxation. In the case of digital nomads, there is no need to invent anything.
Social security contributions. The law provides for the application of bilateral international agreements for the payment of social security contributions and insurance. If a bilateral agreement is signed between the applicant’s country of citizenship and Italy, then it is not necessary to pay social security contributions in Italy. If there is no such agreement, then the nomad will pay social security contributions as well as insurance contributions in accordance with Italian law.
Income tax. There are two taxation systems in Italy: ordinario and forfettario. In short, under ordinario, taxes are paid on a progressive scale from 23% to 43%. The gradation is as follows:
- 23% up to 28,000 euros;
- 35% from 28,001 euros to 50,000 euros;
- 43% on the amount exceeding 50,000 euros.
The advantage of the ordinario regime is that work-related expenses can be deducted, thus reducing the tax base. However, digital nomads may not have many expenses related to remote work, so ordinario may not be an attractive taxation system for them.
As for forfettario, during the first 5 years, digital nomads in Italy have the right to apply a simplified taxation system, which allows paying only 5% of income, and at the same time, the calculation base will be only 70% of the total income. After 5 years, the rate will rise to 15%.
You can read more about the simplified taxation system in Italy in our articles on Regime dei minimi or Forfettario.
Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa in Italy
- Simplified visa application process. For this visa, no special permit from the prefecture or questura in Italy – Nulla Osta, which is mandatory for other types of visas, is required. This process can be bureaucratic and complicated for foreigners.
- No quota applies. For most visas in Italy, there is a quota system, but the nomad visa is subject to an exception and quotas do not apply.
- Simplified taxation system. For the first 5 years, nomads in Italy can benefit from preferential taxation.
- Possibility of visa extension. The digital nomad visa and residence permit in Italy can be extended annually if the applicant meets the requirements. In comparison, for example, in Malta or Hungary, the digital nomad visa can only be extended 1-2 times, after which the individual must leave the country. In this regard, the residence permit in Italy for digital nomads looks much more attractive.
- Possibility of family reunification. A foreigner who has successfully obtained the digital nomad visa and temporary residence permit in Italy as a digital nomad can act as a sponsor and apply for residence documents in Italy for their spouse or children. Under certain conditions, the nomad’s parents may also undergo the reunification procedure.
- Path to permanent residency in Italy. Foreigners who have resided in Italy for 5 consecutive years based on a temporary residence permit for digital nomads will be able to obtain a permanent residence permit in Italy of the European type, namely, the long-term resident EU card. After another 5 years, Italian citizenship can be obtained.
Conclusion
The long-awaited digital nomad visa in Italy has finally started working. From now on, nomads from non-EU countries will be able to move to this wonderful country, enjoy the local flavor, and a peaceful pace of life. The visa itself offers many advantages and looks very attractive due to the possibility of tax optimization and additional opportunities, such as obtaining permanent residency after 5 years, family reunification, and more.
If you are interested in applying for the digital nomad visa, leave an application on our website or contact us by any convenient means. We will be happy to help!
