How to Apply for the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa

At long last the Italian government has answered our prayers and released their digital nomad visa. Now, we all know that this one is going to be massively popular as it’s one of the most visited countries in Europe and has a reasonably low cost of living to go with it. With that in mind, here’s how to apply for the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa, complete with everything you need to know about documentation, fees, lead times, and more.

Let’s dive in and find out more.

Who can Apply for the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

So, first things first, who can apply for the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa and what are the eligibility criteria?

There are a couple of different categories to consider:

Non-EU professionals
People who are highly skilled or specialists in their field
Self-employed people who work remotely
People who work remotely for a company overseas

The key here is the ability to work remotely or have a business that requires you to work from a laptop and internet connection. So, if you’re self-employed as a builder or tradesperson, you’re not going to be eligible for the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

Of course, if you’re from within the EU, you can live, work, and study in Italy as standard, so you don’t need to get an additional visa to get started.

Even though they’ve stated “highly skilled” and “specialist” workers, there isn’t a list of qualifying roles like there are in places like Australia or the UK at the moment. It’s assumed that if you can hit the monthly minimum income requirement and can work remotely, then your job is of a skilled or specialist level.

Requirements for the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa

As you might expect with a digital nomad visa, there are a few requirements that you have to hit in addition to your job level and ability to work remotely.

You have to have valid medical insurance/comprehensive health insurance
Be tax-compliant in Italy
Be earning a minimum of 2,500EUR per month
Proof that you’re being employed by a company outside of Italy
A clean criminal record
Somewhere to stay in Italy for the duration.

The upshot of all of this is that you don’t have to apply for the annoying “Nulla Osta” document. Essentially, this is the work permit that you need before you start your job in Italy. However, with any and all bureaucracy, this permit often takes weeks to come through. So, not having to rely on the Nulla Osta means it’s a more streamlined and easier process to go through as a remote worker in Italy.

What Documents do I Need for the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

As with any red tape or visa bureaucracy, there are certain documents that you’re going to need to apply for the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

A valid passport
Two passport-sized photographs
Completed visa application form
Work contract with a company registered outside Italy
Proof of financial means
- Either bank accounts, blocked accounts, or proof of passive income like rent from your overseas property.
Proof of a clear criminal record
Proof of accommodation
- Rental agreement or
- Letter from a friend or family member or
- Hotel booking
Proof of health insurance

As far as visa documents go, this is a pretty standard list and so far there isn’t anything massively unusual. The only contentious one may be the work contract if you’re a freelancer rather than a remote worker. In this case, you may have to supply a few contracts or work agreements alongside your financial means documents.

How Much Does the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The new Italy Digital Nomad Visa costs €116, which by visa standards is pretty low. As you don’t need an additional Nulla Osta, this is cheaper than other long-stay visas in Italy.

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that if you need your documents translating, this needs to be done officially and will cost extra. In some places, getting extra versions of your certificates also costs money, so factor this into your overall costs.

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How Long Does it Take to Receive the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

As with anything bureaucratic, the lead time for the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa can vary, but at the moment, it should take between 30-90 days to process. This is probably because it’s a new visa, so there’s a large leeway for getting the application through.

It has been reported that for more complex cases, like Digital Nomads who are more freelance, this can take up to 120 days. Hopefully, as this visa becomes more engrained, the processing times will speed up.

The other important thing to remember is that the consulate keeps your passport throughout the process, so you won’t be able to travel during this time. I recommend taking a photo or scan of your passport before you send it so you can book your Italy flights as soon as you hear of your approval, as it’ll probably take a couple of days for them to ship your passport and other documents back to you.

What’s the Process for Getting a New Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

So, what’s the process like for actually getting your hands on an Italian Digital Nomad Visa? Well, it’s pretty straightforward and only has four main steps.

Fill Out the Application Form

First things first, you need to download the application form from the Italian embassy or consulate website. This will be located in a different place depending on your home country, but if you search “Italian digital nomad visa application form”, it should come up with your embassy of choice.

Take your time with this. Remember that if you leave anything out or fill out anything incorrectly, it’ll slow your processing time or could lead to rejection altogether. Read through the whole application first, gather up any financial information you might need, and then start filling it out.

Book an Appointment with Your Italian Consulate or Embassy

When you have everything together, you’ll need to take your full application and document pack to your local Italian Consulate or Embassy in person. For this, you’ll need an appointment and they can get booked up in advance quickly, so it’s advised that you book your appointment early in the application process.

Your closest embassy may also be in another city, sometimes in another state, so you should factor in the travel and accommodation costs of going to this appointment in your overall visa budget!

Get Your Documents Together

Once you’ve filled out your application form, you need to get the rest of your documentation together. This might take some time, especially if you have to figure out accommodation and health insurance options. Also, sourcing and organizing your financial documents can take a while as well, so don’t leave it to the last minute!

You need to make sure that you have original versions of your documents on headed paper where possible. Copies of your passport won’t be accepted and you won’t get your application fee back if you’re rejected, so don’t waste it!

Submit Your Documentation and Wait!

On the day of your embassy or consulate appointment, give yourself plenty of time to get there. You do not want to be late and miss your slot after waiting weeks (sometimes months) to get the appointment.

During the appointment, the agent will go through your documents and ask you some questions to make sure everything adds up. They’ll also take biometric scans, such as fingerprints, to verify who you are and check against the criminal database.

You won’t find out on the day if your application is successful – this is just to verify your documentation. After this point, you need to sit back and wait for a response. Before you leave your appointment, you can ask your interviewer about the lead times in your area and how you’ll hear back from them. Usually, you’ll receive a letter and your documents with your successful or unsuccessful status within a few weeks or months.

How Long does the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa Last?

As with many digital nomad visas around the world, the Italy Digital Nomad Visa lasts one full year. This gives you plenty of time to settle into rental accommodation or move around the country, staying in different areas for a couple of months at a time.

Does an Italy Digital Nomad Visa Grant Access to the Schengen Area?

Yes, if you have the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, you can now access the Schengen Area freely and enjoy visa-free access in other Schengen and EU nations. This is a huge bonus as it means that you can travel around the EU and Schengen without the restrictions that come from countries outside the EU.

At the moment, it’s unclear whether this extends to being allowed to work in other EU nations. Logically, this should be okay, but it’s always best to check with the consulate before committing to extensive European working holiday plans.

What’s the Minimum Income Requirement for the New Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

The minimum income requirement for the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa is 2,500EUR per month. This is designed not only to give you enough to live in Italy but also more than the standard cost of living, so you can go out and spend money in the local economy.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Italy?

Italy has a relatively cheap cost of living versus a lot of Europe and is definitely a lot cheaper than much of the US. Of course, if you’re staying in the heart of Rome, Florence, or Milan, it’s going to be expensive, but there are plenty of beautiful and affordable places to stay.

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €754.55 without utilities. However, in the Sicilian city of Trapani on the west coast, the average one-bedroom rent is just €350 per month. The gateway to the Dolomite mountains, Bolzano has an average one-bedroom rent of €885, and Bergamo, a medieval city within striking distance of Lake Como has an average one-bed rent of just €663.

Eating out and transport here is relatively cheap because it’s a huge part of life here. Going to bars and restaurants with friends and family is common for locals and visitors alike, so there are always affordable, high-quality options outside of the key touristy areas.

Where Else in Europe has a Digital Nomad Visa?

If the Italian Digital Nomad Visa isn’t for you but you still want to live and work remotely in Europe, there are plenty of nations to choose from now. Here’s a rundown of the European countries that have Digital Nomad Visas and what you need to get them.

Portugal

Home to world-class surfing, beautiful islands including Madeira and the Azores, and one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, Portugal is massively popular with digital nomads. In fact, there are remote worker accommodation complexes and co-working spaces all across the major cities.

Application cost: €75
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: €3,280

Spain

Let’s be honest, so many people dream of running away and living in Spain. Whether that’s the mainland, the Balearic Islands, or the Canary Islands, there’s a lot to choose from and it’s relatively cheap to live here. It doesn’t hurt that the minimum income requirement is one of the lowest in Western Europe and you can extend this digital nomad up to five years, making you eligible for a permanent residency application. It’s an ideal pathway for permanently moving to Spain.

Application cost: €80
Maximum stay: One year (extendable to five years)
Minimum income requirement: €2,400

Greece

Want to live out your Mamma Mia fantasies? Well, you can move to Greece for at least a year and live and work on the mainland or one of the many beautiful islands. Be aware that not all the islands have decent WiFi so factor that into your decision-making process!

Application cost: €75
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: €3,500

Croatia

With so many stunning islands to choose from, waterfall-filled national parks, and medieval walled cities to get lost in, Croatia is becoming a European vacation hotspot, so it’s natural that the digital nomads follow. Located up the coast from Montenegro and Albania, and just over the water from eastern Italy, it’s a beautifully located country, filled with good food and great vibes.

Application cost: €60 (Resident card is €310)
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: €2,539.21

Malta

You might not know a lot about the island of Malta, but it has over 300 days of sunshine a year, fresh seafood, and gorgeous coastal scenery. If that wasn’t enough, it also has superfast internet all across the island, making it the ideal digital nomad hotspot in Europe.

Application cost: €300 (plus 27EUR Visa printing fee)
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: €42,000 per year

Estonia

If you’re looking for Scandi vibes without the expensive price tags, consider moving to Estonia. Located in the Balkans, it’s an interesting blend of Scandinavian and Soviet vibes due to the proximity and occupation by Russia through most of the 20th century. Nowadays, it’s a hub for startups and tech, with an excellent craft beer scene. You’re also just a short ferry from Finland and they’re building a tunnel to make that journey even quicker!

Application cost: €100
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: €4,500

Norway

Do you love sweeping panoramas, amazing hikes, ski-filled winters, and cozy vibes? Norway might be for you. While, as expected, it’s not the cheapest digital nomad visa on this list, the annual income requirement is not ridiculously high. It actually works out to just under 3,000EUR per month which considering the beauty and social service level of Norway is pretty decent.

Application cost: €600
Maximum stay: One year, extendable to two years for non-EU remote workers
Minimum income requirement: €35,719 per year

Iceland

What else can we say about the Land of Fire and Ice that hasn’t already been said? Enjoy world-class sceneries, thundering waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and black volcanic beaches. Of course, Iceland is notoriously expensive, so the minimum income requirement is one of the highest I’ve seen anywhere in the world. It’s also only for half the year, so it’s also one of the shorter digital nomad visas out there.

Application cost:12,200 ISK (81,60EUR)
Maximum stay: Up to 180 days
Minimum income requirement:1,000,000 ISK (6,688.90EUR)

Czechia

Filled with history, natural beauty, and bustling cities, Czechia is often either overlooked or just considered to be its capital, Prague. However, there is so much to see and do here, and the cost of living is low due to the fact that Czechia doesn’t use the Euro. You’re also ideally positioned in the heart of central Europe, meaning it’s super easy to explore other countries on your days off!

Application cost: CZK 5,000 (201EUR)
Maximum stay: One year, but can be extended to two years
Minimum income requirement: CZK 60,530 (2,445.07EUR)

Germany

I might be biased but Germany is pretty great to live in! The only issue with Germany’s Digital Nomad Visa is that it’s not really a digital nomad visa. There is a self-employed visa and there’s a freelancer visa, however, the freelance visa is mostly for creatives who want to work in Berlin. It’s more complex than the other European digital nomad visas, but it might just be worth the hassle!

Application cost: €72 (plus an additional 200EUR for Resident’s Permits)
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: Depends on the self-employed versus creative freelancer D-Visa. It can be as little as €9,000 per year.

Romania

Having recently joined the EU, Romania is a great place to check out with its spooky Transylvanian castles and historic cities.

Application cost: €120
Maximum stay: One year, extendable to two years
Minimum income requirement: €3,700

Albania

Recently touted as the Maldives of Europe, Albania has been all over TikTok for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Add in the historic cities like Tirana, and the low cost of living and low-income requirement, and it seems like a no-brainer! You’re also just across the border from Greece and Montenegro for weekend getaways.

Application cost: €100
Maximum stay: One year, but can be renewed for up to five years
Minimum income requirement: $9,800 per year (9,142.42EUR)

Georgia

So, Georgia has been a digital nomad staple for a while with its super low cost of living, income requirement, free visa fees, and tax-free earning system. It’s also home to amazing hiking in the Caucasus and some of the oldest vineyards in the world!

Application cost: Free
Maximum stay: One year
Minimum income requirement: €1800

Hungary

Want to stay in amazing historic cities like Budapest, indulge in thermal baths, and eat delicious food on a daily basis? With a low cost of living in central Europe, it might be a perfect match!

Application cost: €116.85
Maximum stay: One year, but can be extended to two years
Minimum income requirement: €3,000

Cyprus

Looking for a sunny getaway that’s full of world-class cuisine, amazing beaches, and ancient ruins? Cyprus might be for you. With less tourists than Greece but with a similar vibe, it’s a gorgeous place to live and work.

Application cost: €70
Maximum stay: One year which is extendable for another two years
Minimum income requirement: €3,500

Vanessa Wachtmeister

Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.