How to Get the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy in 2025 – The Freelancers’ Guide
by Adriana ruiz
If you’ve ever imagined writing emails from a sunny terrace in Sicily or taking Zoom calls from a café in Rome, here’s everything you need to know about the Italian Digital Nomad Visa in 2025.
What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) that allows non-EU citizens to live in Italy while working remotely for a foreign company or managing freelance contracts abroad. It’s part of Italy’s effort to attract international talent while supporting local economies, especially in smaller or lesser-known regions.
This visa is not tied to Italian clients or employers, which makes it ideal for:
▪ Freelancers
▪ Remote employees
▪ Entrepreneurs with overseas business income
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, you must:
▪ Be a non-EU citizen
▪ Work remotely (as a freelancer or employee) for a company outside of Italy
▪ Earn at least €28,000/year (subject to updates)
▪ Have proof of remote work (employment contract or freelance agreements)
▪ Provide proof of accommodation in Italy
▪ Have valid health insurance for the duration of your stay
Note: These requirements may vary slightly depending on your consulate and updates to the law.
What Documents Will You Need?
Here is the typical documentation required to apply:
▪ Valid passport (with 6+ months left)
▪ Completed visa application form
▪ Passport-size photos
▪ Proof of income (bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns)
▪ Remote employment or freelance contracts
▪ Health insurance covering your time in Italy
▪ Proof of accommodation ( Lease/Own Property)
Some consulates may ask for more or fewer documents — always check with your local Italian consulate.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary by location, but on average:
▪ Visa processing: 2 – 12 weeks after application
▪ Once approved, you must enter Italy and apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days
What’s the Cost?
▪ Visa application fee: ~€116
▪ Permesso di Soggiorno fee: ~€ 70
▪ Health insurance: Depends on age and coverage
Why Choose Italy as a Digital Nomad?
Besides being gorgeous, Italy has:
▪ Affordable cost of living in many regions (Abruzzo, Calabria, Puglia, Umbria)
▪ Excellent healthcare system
▪ World-class food, wine, and culture
▪ Fast, affordable train system for weekend trips
▪ A growing digital nomad and expat community
Step-by-Step Application Guide
1. Check Your Eligibility
Confirm your income level and that your work qualifies as remote.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather everything from proof of income to accommodation and insurance.
3. Apply at Your Local Consulate
Submit your application at the Italian consulate in your home country. They will review your case and may request an interview.
4. Receive Your Visa and Move to Italy
Once you receive the visa, you’ll have a limited time to enter Italy.
5. Apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno
Within 8 working days of arrival, go to your local post office to start the residence permit application.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Italy
▪ Rome: Great for networking, history, and events
▪ Turin: The first Italian Capital Town, Great Culture
▪ Pescara: Affordable and sunny in Abruzzo
▪ Palermo: Great food, beaches, and culture
▪ Trento: Fast internet and high quality of life
Tips for Success
▪ Join local groups like Expats Living in Rome for support and networking
▪ Consider coworking spaces to meet others and stay productive
▪ Brush up on your Italian – locals will love the effort!
▪ Ask for help – immigration assistance can be a lifesaver
Need Help Applying?
Expats Living in Rome helps remote workers and digital nomads with:
▪ Finding housing
▪ Navigating the visa process
▪ Translating documents
▪ Connecting with others in Italy
Contact us at [email protected] or join our private network to get personalized support!
Helpful Resources
▪ Official Consulate Page for Visa Applications
▪ Digital Nomad Visa Italy News
▪ Housing Requests for Digital Nomads
For any inquiries or assistance regarding your application, please email us at [email protected].
Work remotely. Live fully. In Italy.
Let 2025 be the year you make the move.
Find and Buy Your Ideal Property in Italy with Our Professional Services
Bringing Your Family to Italy: A Guide for Non-EU Citizens
For non-EU citizens residing in Italy, having your family with you is a tangible goal. Italian law provides a framework for family reunification, allowing you to bring close relatives to live with you under specific conditions. This guide outlines the key requirements, procedures, and rights to help you navigate the process. Who Can Apply for […]
How to Become a Self-Employed Worker in Italy
Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed worker in Italy? This guide explains the conditions you must meet, the procedures to follow, and the rights you can enjoy during your stay. Conditions for Self-Employment To legally engage in independent work in Italy, non-EU citizens must satisfy several conditions and obtain the […]
Transport strikes scheduled across Italy in September 2025
September is shaping up to be a turbulent month for travelers in Italy, with more than 14 national strikes scheduled. Widespread protests are expected to cause significant disruption across trains, flights, and local public transport networks. Rail and Air Travel Disruption Commuters and long-distance travelers on trains should be aware of a major nationwide strike […]
Buying Property in Italy: Understanding Judicial Real Estate Auctions or Aste Immobiliari
As a resident in Italy, you may already be familiar with the dynamics of the local housing market and perhaps have contemplated purchasing property. However, there exists a lesser-known yet potentially advantageous avenue worth exploring: Aste Immobiliari, or judicial property auctions. What Are Judicial Auctions? Judicial auctions in Italy are public sales of assets, including […]
Important Update: Changes to Shipping from Italy to the U.S.
If you live in Italy and need to send packages to the United States, there are new rules you should know about. Starting August 29, 2025, all goods shipped from Italy to the U.S. will be subject to customs duties before arriving. Until now, parcels valued under $800 could be sent duty-free, but this exemption […]
Italy’s Passport Ranks Among the World’s Most Powerful in 2025 rankings
The Italian passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, ranking third in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This prestigious position is shared with passports from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Finland, and Denmark, allowing holders to travel to 189 out of 227 destinations without a pre-approved visa. The index, widely regarded as a […]
Rome Takes a Historic Step Toward Autonomy
Rome is undergoing a significant transformation with the recent approval of a constitutional bill aimed at elevating its status and granting it greater autonomy. This historic reform, championed by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, seeks to address the unique challenges of governing Italy’s capital. The proposed changes are designed to improve Rome’s ability to manage its own […]
Constitutional Court Rejects Limits on Italian Citizenship by Bloodline
Rome, July 31, 2025 – Italy’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that the current rules for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) remain valid, rejecting attempts to limit automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad. Under the existing law (Law 91/1992), anyone with an Italian mother or father is automatically an Italian citizen at […]
