Remote workers, freelancers, and location-independent entrepreneurs now have a compelling new reason to head to Europe: Italy’s long-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is finally live in 2024!
With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and lively cities, Italy is officially opening its doors to non-EU professionals who want to live and work remotely, legally and hassle-free.
There are technically two categories under this new visa: the Remote Worker Visa (for employees) and the Digital Nomad Visa (for freelancers and contractors). But to keep things simple, we’ll refer to both as the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) throughout this guide.
If you’re eyeing Italy over other popular destinations like Spain or Portugal, this article will walk you through the 5 essential steps to apply for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, helping you navigate key requirements, common pitfalls, and tips to make a smooth transition to La Dolce Vita.
What is the Italian Digital Nomad Visa?
The Italian Digital Nomad Visa is a long-stay visa designed to attract non-EU citizens who work remotely and earn a stable income. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or digital entrepreneur, this visa offers a legal pathway to live in Italy while continuing to work for clients or employers outside the country.
The visa initially grants a 1-year stay, with the option to renew it for up to 2 additional years, allowing a total stay of up to 5 years.
Key Benefits:
- Live legally in Italy while working remotely for a non-Italian employer or client base
- Access Italy’s public services and enjoy free movement across the Schengen Area
Important: This visa is not intended for those seeking local employment in Italy, nor is it the same as the traditional self-employment visa
(visto lavoro autonomo). It’s specifically tailored for remote professionals who already have a steady income from outside Italy.
The 5 Steps to Get the Digital Nomad Visa Italy
✅ Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before you dive into paperwork, make sure you qualify. Italy has set clear guidelines to ensure that only qualified remote professionals and digital nomads can access this visa.
Minimum Income:
You must prove a minimum annual income, typically between €25,500 and €35,000, depending on the consulate or region. This threshold is higher than Italy’s average salary and is meant to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
Be aware: Don’t underestimate how strict consulates are about proof of income. A single deposit or a bank screenshot won’t cut it. You'll need to provide you’ll need bank statements, client contracts, tax filings that clearly demonstrate consistency and sustainability.
Pro Tip: Go Beyond the Basics. For all our clients, we submit a mix of income documents: bank statements, tax returns, invoices, platform reports (like Upwork or Payoneer) and, crucially, a clear explanatory note that links everything together. This gives the officer a complete and easy-to-follow picture of your financial stability.
Remote Work Status:
You can be:
- A remote employee working for a non-Italian company
- A freelancer or consultant with long-term international clients
- A business owner operating a company registered outside Italy
In all cases, your work must be location independent.
Professional Qualifications:
Italy requires proof of professional experience and educational background, such as:
- A university degree or
- At least 5 years of work experience in your field (For some fields, such as IT management, 3 years may be sufficient)
Even regarding professional qualifications it’s always a good idea to go beyond the minimum and collect as much as possible proof of your work experience. Showing a well-documented professional background helps confirm that you’re a serious, skilled remote worker and makes your application stand out.
To strengthen your application:
- Include reference letters from previous employers or clients
- Submit copies of past contracts, portfolios, or project documentation
- If applicable, add certifications, especially for technical or regulated professions
✅ STEP 2: GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
This step is where most applications fail. Be meticulous and start early. Here’s a comprehensive list of documents you’ll likely need (requirements may vary slightly by consulate):
- Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity after the first year visa expiration)
- Work contracts, client letters, or proof of business ownership
- Proof of income (bank statements, payslips or invoices, tax returns)
- International health insurance valid in Italy, with coverage of at least €30,000
- Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental agreement or, sometimes, host declaration is accepted).
- University degree (with Declaration of Value or CIMEA validation) or work experience proofs
Translations and Legalizations: Some consulates require official Italian translations and apostilles for documents like University degree, exhams transcript. Don’t leave this to the last minute, these can take weeks to arrange.
Best Practice: Every consulate can interpret requirements differently. Always check the specific consulate’s website for exact instructions, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly. In our experience, they do reply and sometimes provide valuable clarifications.
Pro tip: If you're unsure how strict your consulate will be, use what we call the “most demanding rule.” For example, even if your consulate doesn’t specify that short terms reservations are not accepted, preparing a 12-month lease registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate ensures your application meets the highest standard and avoids rejection for preventable reasons.
✅ STEP 3: SUBMIT APPLICATION AT THE ITALIAN CONSULATE
Once your documents are ready, it’s time to book your appointment at the Italian consulate in your country of legal residence.
Steps to Apply:
- Check your consulate’s website for the latest rules and documentation requirements
- Book your visa appointment either online through the Prenot@Mi platform or by email, depending on your consulate’s procedure
- Submit your application
- In most cases, this must be done in person, including both original documents and copies
- Some consulates may require you to mail your documents instead always double-check!
Important: Appointment availability and processing times can vary wildly by location. In some countries (like the U.S.), it may take weeks of daily checking to find an open appointment slot. In others, you might be able to book an appointment within a few days. Some consulates are slow to respond to emails or don’t pick up calls. If your consulate doesn’t respond to emails or calls, or you cannot find any available slot using the online app Prenot@mi, persistence and flexibility are your best allies.
Prepare for the Interview:
Most consulates require a short interview. Be ready to discuss:
- Your work and income source
- Why you chose Italy
- How you’ll support yourself
- Your accommodation plans
Best Practice: Use a simple but powerful tool: explanatory notes. We include more than one in every client application. Think of them as a cover letter for specific blocs of documents, a clear, structured guide that walks the officer through your financials, qualifications, and any potential ambiguities. It helps streamline their review and builds trust.
✅ STEP 4: RECEIVE THE VISA & ENTER ITALY
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a D-type visa (National visa), valid for up to 1 year. The visa starting date is the date you indicated in the DNV application form.
It’s time to prepare your bags and Enter Italy!
The visa allows multiple entries into Italy and the Schengen Area.
✅ STEP 5: APPLY FOR RESIDENCY PERMIT (PERMESSO DI SOGGIORNO)
Once you arrive in Italy, your visa allows you to enter, but not stay long-term until you convert it into a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno).
Deadline - Within 8 days:
Within 8 days of arrival, go to your local Post office and submit the “KIT giallo” template. Submitting the KIT your going to receive the appointment that you need to attend in person to the Questura (police immigration office) to apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno. You’ll need to send with the “KIT giallo”:
- KIT application form filled in;
- Full copy of your passport (every page also blank pages);
- Copy of your Visa;
- Copy of your signed lease agreement and registration at the Agenzia delle Entrate;
- Copy of your signed health insurance policy;
- Copy of your Financial Resume and most recent Tax Return;
- Copy of your Work Experience Note ("Nota esplicativa esperienza professionale");
- Copy of your most recent work contract;
- Copy of your Diploma apostilled and sworn translated;
- Tax stamp (€16 marca da bollo)
Timeline and Fees
Planning ahead is key to a smooth application process. From document gathering to final approval, the total timeline for obtaining the Italy Digital Nomad Visa typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your preparation and your consulate’s processing speed.
Timeline breakdown:
- Document Preparation: Allow 2 to 4 weeks to collect all required documents, arrange for certified translations, obtain apostilles, and fulfill any legalization requirements.
- Consulate Processing: After submission, most consulates take 30 to 60 days to review and approve applications.
Application costs
Expect to spend €500 to €1,000 in total for the visa process, depending on your location and specific needs. Here's a breakdown of common expenses:
- Visa application fee: €100–€150
- Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit): €70–€100 (payable once in Italy)
- Tax stamp (marca da bollo): €16
- Document-related costs:
- Certified translations
- Apostilles/legalizations
- Background checks
- Health insurance: International coverage required
- Travel costs: If you need to appear in person at your consulate
Optional: work with a Relocation Expert
While it’s entirely possible to handle the process on your own, many applicants choose to work with a relocation agency or visa consultant to reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes.
Expect to pay between €1,500 and €2,000 for full-service assistance.
A reliable service typically includes:
- Personalized eligibility checks
- Document preparation & review
- Clear explanatory notes for consular officers
- Appointment booking support
- Step-by-step guidance through the residence permit process
Pro Tips to avoid common Mistakes
❌ Don’t apply with the bare minimum. Meeting the requirement is not the same as proving your case clearly. Add context, add supporting
evidence, and add structure.
❌ Avoid short-term Airbnb rentals if they don’t offer valid contracts. A registered lease or host declaration is often required.
❌ Underestimate the translation and apostille process at your own risk. Delays here can hold up your entire application.
✅ Start early. Some consulates have long wait times, especially in North America and Asia.
✅ Be proactive and thorough. Include explanatory notes, check local consulate instructions carefully, and prepare for the strictest
interpretation of every requirement.
✨ Final Thoughts: is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa Worth It?
Absolutely, if you plan strategically.
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa is tailor-made for serious remote professionals with a solid income, clear purpose, and thorough preparation. This isn’t a shortcut for casual travelers or part-time freelancers, it’s a structured path for those ready to fully embrace life Italy, not just visit.
If you're committed to relocating, capable of meeting the requirements, and eager to experience Italy from a local's perspective rather than a tourist’s, this visa could be your gateway to La Dolce Vita, legally, sustainably, and with peace of mind.
How MoveWise Can Assist You
Applying for a NLV can feel overwhelming, but MoveWise is here to simplify the process. Our mission is to make your application journey smooth and stress-free with a range of expert services:
- Tailored Support: We adapt our services to fit your unique situation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Optimized Scheduling: We streamline your application timeline to ensure everything progresses on schedule.
- End-to-End Support: From preparing documents to final submission, we take care of every detail of your application.
- Tax Guidance: Our specialists provide clarity on the tax obligations and options associated with your DNV.
- Thorough Documentation: We ensure every document is correctly prepared and meets all official requirements.
- 100% money back guarantee: If your application is not approved, we offer a full money-back guarantee as a testament to our commitment.
The non-lucrative visa for Spain offers a fantastic opportunity to live abroad without the need for employment, granting you the freedom to explore and enjoy the country’s vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle.
Ready to embark on your next adventure?
Contact Us
The Italian Digital Nomad Visa is an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Italy while working remotely. At MoveWise, we specialize in guiding applicants through the Digital Nomad Visa process with proper preparation and attention to detail. We ensure a stress-free experience, so you can soon find yourself living 'la dolce vita' while maintaining your career. BOOK TODAY a 100% Free Consultation.
Buona fortuna!
