Italy's digital nomad visa, launched in April 2024, presents a unique opportunity for remote workers to live and work in one of the world's most culturally rich countries for up to a year, with the potential for renewal. This visa has quickly gained popularity among freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees drawn to Italy’s lifestyle and professional opportunities. However, the application process can be complex, requiring careful preparation and attention to detail. Below, we present one case called Case for privacy reasons.

Case 1. An American entrepreneur and one of the first individuals to successfully obtain Italy's digital nomad visa, shared her experience navigating the application process. One of the significant hurdles she encountered was securing a rental contract, which is a crucial document for the visa application. In Italy, obtaining a lease usually requires an Italian tax code. However, she discovered that with the help of a local real estate agent, it was possible to sign a lease without this code, which is vital for those not yet residing in the country. Additionally, she had to get her academic degree certified through Italy’s Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (CIMEA). This certification process, though time-consuming, was essential for her visa approval and underscores the importance of thorough preparation when applying for the digital nomad visa.

Further insights into the specific requirements for the digital nomad visa are provided by the Italian consulate, saying that applicants must meet several criteria, including an annual income of at least €28,000, health insurance coverage, a valid passport, and proof of accommodation in Italy. The visa application process is relatively straightforward compared to other Italian visas, as it does not require a pre-clearance, making it more accessible to highly skilled professionals. The application fee is approximately €116, and processing times can range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the consulate and the applicant's preparedness.

To apply for the digital nomad visa, the first step is to schedule an appointment at the Italian consulate or visa application center in your country of residence. It is crucial to prepare and submit all necessary documents, including a bank statement proving your income, a contract with your employer or clients, and proof of accommodation in Italy. Once your visa is approved, you must travel to Italy and apply for a residence permit within eight days of your arrival. This residence permit is essential for legally staying in the country and can take up to a year to process. For applicants with families, there are two options for applying: either from Italy if family members have a Schengen visa, or from the consulate in their country of residence after the main applicant has received the residence permit. It is important to note that changing your region of residence during the application process is not recommended, as it could complicate the process and delay the issuance of the residence permit.

Finally, it is important to know that the advice of visa experts, local estate agents and tax specialists can greatly facilitate the process and help ensure compliance with Italian regulations. By following these steps and being well-prepared, remote workers can successfully transition to life in Italy, taking full advantage of the country’s rich cultural heritage while continuing their professional endeavors. 

At PHC Advisory, we can offer you full support on matters regarding doing business in Italy or Asia or any other issues your business may face. If you would like to know more about policies relevant to your business in Italy or Asia, please contact us at info@phcadvisory.com. 

PHC Advisory is a company of DP Group: an international professional services conglomerate of companies with approximately 100 experienced professionals worldwide. We offer comprehensive services in tax, accounting, and financial consulting, including financial supervision, financial audit, internal audit, internal control over financial reporting, and support for audited financial statements and annual audits, ensuring clients' financial transparency and compliance.

Would you like to learn more about the business environment in Italy? Click the link and download our Practical Guides on Amazon!

The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only, financial advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and the contents of this article do not legally bind PHC Advisory with the reader in any way.

If you want to know more about doing business in Italy or Asia, please have a look at our previous articles: 

• Interpreting GAC makes revision of new customs duty law

• China Offers Tax Incentive for Green and Digital Development