Residence permit for digital nomads in Italy

Introduction to digital nomadism

This visa allows foreign remote workers and freelancers to obtain an annual residence permit with the right to an unlimited stay in the Mediterranean country. To receive it, applicants must prove a monthly income of more than €2,700 and deposit at least €30,000 in a local bank account. The residency application may include the foreigner's family members: spouse, children, and parents.

The term of the 1st residence card is 1 year. After its expiry, the status can be renewed every 2 years. After 5 years of residence on the state territory as a resident, a foreigner can obtain a permanent residence permit and, after another 5 years, citizenship. A passport will open visa-free access to more than 170 destinations. To get it, applicants must prove average Italian language fluency.

The disadvantages of living in Italy as a resident include the possibility of cancellation of the card if a foreigner annually spends less than 183 days on the state territory. Also, persons who obtained residence permits fraudulently or threaten national security may be deprived of status.

Conditions for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Italy

Remote workers and freelancers applying for residency status must fulfil the following criteria:

• Legal age of majority;
• The absence of an EU country passport;
• The absence of a criminal record;
• 6 or more months of remote work experience;
• Ownership of real estate in the country or the existence of a rental agreement;
• At least €2,700 of monthly income;
• At least €30,000 of savings in a bank account.

Documents to obtain a digital nomad visa in Italy

The documents required to participate in the programme are determined individually for each foreigner. The basic package includes:

• Passport copy;
• Marriage and birth certificates of children (if family members are included in the application);
• Bank account statement;
• Labour agreements or contracts with customers;
• Authorisation to perform duties remotely from the employer;
• Certificate of non-criminal record;
• Certificate of ownership of immovable property located in the country or a rental contract;
• Health insurance policy.