On April 4, 2024, the Italian Interior Minister issued a Ministerial Decree that introduces the Digital Nomad Visa. This new visa is designed to attract remote workers from around the world, allowing them to live and work in Italy while contributing to the local economy. The decree outlines the requirements and application process for obtaining the visa, which aims to make Italy a more appealing destination for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Entry as a digital nomad or remote worker allows you to enter Italy outside the quota system, simplifying the procedure compared to ordinary visas, and has a duration of 1 year. Additionally, it can be renewed upon expiration.

Where do I apply?

You must apply at the Italian Consulate where you are officially resident, even if you are not a citizen of that country (e.g. if you are American and resident in Portugal and hold a residence permit there, you can apply in the Italian Consulate in Portugal).

What is the difference between a digital nomad and a remote worker?

A ‘digital nomad’ is a foreigner who engages in self-employment using technological tools that allow for remote work, while a ‘remote worker’ is a foreigner who, using technological tools that enable remote work, engages in subordinate employment or collaboration. The procedure is the same, but the difference is that remote workers are required to provide some different documents (to find out which ones, keep reading).

What are the requirements and documents needed to obtain the visa?

For the purpose of obtaining the visa, the applicant must:

a) demonstrate a minimum annual income from lawful sources that is at least three times the threshold for exemption from health care fees, approximately €24,789 or higher. The law does not explicitly require that the income must come from freelance or remote work, although some Consulates explicitly stipulate this. For example, the Consulate of New York explicitly requires it: “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”. It’s recommended to confirm with your specific Italian Consulate beforehand and consider how to tailor your application to meet their criteria.

b) Possess health insurance covering medical treatment and hospitalization valid for the national territory and the duration of their stay: The insurance policy must cover medical expenses and accidents for a minimum of €30,000 per year for the entire duration of the stay and must be valid throughout the European Union. Some Consulates also accept an affidavit where you commit to purchasing an insurance policy once you arrive in Italy. You can find a sample affidavit provided by the Houston Consulate here.

c) Provide appropriate documentation regarding accommodation arrangements: Pay attention to this aspect! Some Consulates accept even a 30+ day hotel reservation or a letter of hospitality from a relative or friend. However, most Italian Consulates explicitly require a lease agreement in your name for the duration of the visa, or proof of ownership. In this case, the lease agreement must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, the Italian national tax agency, and the registration receipt must be attached to the application.

d) Demonstrate at least six months of previous experience in the field of work to be carried out as a digital nomad or remote worker;

e) Submit a work contract, collaboration agreement, or a binding offer, if applicable to remote workers, for work that meets one of the requirements specified in Article 27-quater, paragraph 1, of Legislative Decree No. 286 of July 25, 1998.

How do I prove my income?

Proof can be provided in a variety of ways, including paystubs, tax return, W-2, or at least the three most recent bank statements.

How do I prove six years of experience?

– For digital nomads: tax returns, client invoices, membership in professional or industrial associations can all provide evidence of employment

– For remote workers: tax returns, pay slips or a letter from the employer can be used as proof of employment.

What documents must be provided by remote workers?

– A Criminal background affidavit: remote workers must file an affidavit with the Italian Consulate signed by their employer stating the latter has not been convicted of specific immigration crimes within the past five years. The regulation does not provide any information about a criminal background check with respect to the visa applicant himself/herself. Therefore, we do not expect Italian Consulates to ask for it. Although we have seen that some Italian Consulates require a criminal background check certificate for some types of visas in spite of the fact that the respective regulations do not list it as a requirement, we have not seen any Consulate asking for it so far. However, it is possible some Consulates might ask for the applicant’s background check as well.

– Employment contract showing a salary that equals or exceeds that required by the collective contracts negotiated by the relevant Italian national union, and that in any case cannot be below the median annual salary as calculated by ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics), which can be viewed at http://dati.istat.it/viewhtml.aspx?il=blank&vh=0000&vf=0&vcq=1100&graph=0&view-metadata=1&lang=it&QueryId=12006. This is a sample provided by Houston Consulate.

Do I need a lawyer or a professional support?

It is not mandatory, but it is recommended because a professional will highlight your requirements effectively and ensure 100% compliance. Specifically, we will be able to thoroughly review and optimize your financial documents and other paperwork to maximize your chances of obtaining the visa.