In April 2024, Italy officially introduced the opportunity to obtain a digital nomad visa. This is a full-fledged permit to reside in the country for one year, with the possibility to be absent from the country for up to half of this period. The program is designed for citizens of non-EU countries.
The main innovation of this visa is the absence of the need to request a residence permit in Italy. Applicants apply directly at the consulate. A residence permit is granted for one year and can be extended if conditions are met.
Specifics of the Freelance Visa in Italy
It is important to remember that for the first five years of stay in the country, freelancers are only allowed to work remotely. Official employment in Italy is not available.
After five years of living in Italy, it is possible to apply for a permanent European residence permit for long-term residency. This residence permit has no restrictions or endorsements. And after ten years of living in the country, one can apply for citizenship.
Taxes for Holders of Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
For the first five years, a favorable tax regime is also in place for hired workers or the self-employed who have not previously lived in Italy. However, the exact figures are not yet specified. Therefore, it is best to rely on standard Italian tax rates:
- Incomes up to €28,000 are taxed at 23%.
- Incomes from €28,000 to €50,000 – 35%.
- Incomes over €50,000 – 43%.
- Mandatory health insurance costs about €2,000 per year.
How much does the freelance visa to Italy cost?
From direct expenses necessary for gathering a package of documents to obtain a nomad visa in Italy, a fee of €116 is required for the consular fee (the consular fee amount may vary by country). If you prefer not to handle the collection and submission of necessary documents on your own, there are companies that provide these services on a turnkey basis. Costs vary, as the service packages offered differ.
Necessary Documents and Requirements
Mandatory documents required for submission to the consulate:
- Passport, copy and a photograph.
- Completed application form.
- Work contract.
- University degree.
- Income documents.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Health insurance.
- Payment of the consular fee – €116.
Additional Documents:
For obtaining legal residency status in Italy, you will also need:
- Documents proving an annual income of €25,000 (for family reunification – additional income of €8,500 per year).
- Obtain health insurance.
- Secure housing (may be rented, or prove the availability of funds for rent).
- Provide evidence of previous work experience and regular income.
Understanding all the bureaucratic intricacies on your own is sometimes not easy, but our experts are always ready to review your case and help on the path to a comfortable life.
Recent Changes Regarding the Nomad Visa in Italy
In 2022, a bill introducing the digital nomad visa was approved in Italy. The authorities are actively trying to attract remote workers, as several other EU countries have successfully done for years.
The advantages of such visas for the state are clear. Italy will gain an influx of new highly skilled specialists, who will not only pay taxes but will also spend their earned money in the country. Meanwhile, this new flow of workers will not take jobs from the local population, as their employer is abroad.
This is beneficial for the economy and the development of certain regions of the Italian state. However, the current tax conditions cannot be called attractive. Nonetheless, there are several programs in Italy that allow for state support, including relocating to specific regions or purchasing property in certain cities.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Italy
Due to the peculiarities of the Digital Nomad visa in Italy, according to open data from Google Trends, there is an abrupt dynamics of interest in the program, but the general dynamics over 2 years show a general increase in demand for it.
