Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Complete Guide to Requirements, Costs & How to Apply
With everything going on in the world today, I’ve seen lots of discussion about moving to Italy and living a more carefree lifestyle. The majority of these people come to Italy without realistic expectations and, frankly, there is a lot of information you should sit with before making any big decisions. While Italy may be a dream destination, working here in the traditional sense can be anything but idyllic. In 2025, Italy’s unemployment rate remains around 7.2%, with youth unemployment still alarmingly high—hovering over 22% in some southern regions. Even for those who do find jobs, precarious contracts (known as “contratti a termine”) and informal labor arrangements are common. Many workers are paid “in nero” (under the table), without benefits or legal protections (imagine not being paid in months and there’s nothing you can do about it!). It’s not unusual to face long hours, toxic work environments, low wages, and outdated workplace hierarchies that leave employees with little flexibility or room for growth. For foreigners hoping to build a life here, navigating the Italian labor market can be a frustrating uphill battle, especially if they come here thinking that their low Italian salary will afford them the lifestyle they’re used to (cost of living is lower here, but it ain’t that low!). That’s why more and more people are choosing to bring their remote work with them—and the digital nomad visa offers a legal, structured way to do just that.
You see, Italy is in a bit of a pickle. With a dying population and “la fuga dei cervelli” (the escape of the brains - the nickname given to the phenomenon of Italy’s brightest youth fleeing the country’s unemployment and poor working conditions to find work where their skills are appreciated and properly compensated), Italy needs a strategy to attract skilled professionals and revitalize small towns and mid-sized cities. So, Italy joined other EU countries in offering a visa for digital nomads in early 2024. This visa is especially attractive because it offers a legal, stable path to living in Italy while working remotely—no more tourist visa and hopes of not being caught. Launched in 2024, this much coveted visa allows qualified non-EU remote workers to legally live and work in Italy for up to a year—with the option to renew. Whether you’re a freelancer, employee, or business owner, I will walk you through everything you need to know to apply in 2025.
✨ Quick Facts: Italy Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
Who’s it for?
Non-EU remote workers or self-employed professionals
Minimum income (2025)
Estimated €28,000/year (update once official)
Duration
1 year, renewable
Tax residency?
Yes, if staying over 183 days
Where to apply
At your nearest Italian consulate
Work type allowed
Remote work for foreign clients/employers only
Family reunification?
Yes—spouse and dependents allowed
✅ Do You Qualify? Italy Digital Nomad Visa Checklist
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:
✔️ Be a non-EU citizen
✔️ Prove you’re a remote worker (employee or self-employed)
✔️ Work for clients or companies located outside Italy
✔️ Earn above a minimum income (approx. €28,000/year gross — check the latest amount for 2025)
✔️ Have valid international health insurance
✔️ Have no criminal record
✔️ Secure accommodation in Italy before applying
You’ll need to submit:
Passport with 6+ months validity
Proof of employment or freelance contracts
Proof of income (bank statements, tax returns)
Health insurance documents
Background check from your home country
Lease or proof of lodging
Marca da bollo (stamp duty)
Note: The official income threshold is based on the INPS minimum for highly skilled workers and may be updated annually.
🗂️ How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Book an appointment at your nearest Italian consulate (wait times can be, read: will be, long—plan ahead).
Prepare your documents (translated and apostilled where needed).
Pay the application fee and submit your documents in person.
Wait for approval (processing takes 30–90 days).
Once approved, enter Italy and apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit) within 8 days.
TIP: You’ll need a certified Italian email address (PEC) for some parts of the process. Not sure what that is? Contact me!
💶 What Does the Visa Cost?
Application fee: Around €116
Marca da bollo (tax stamp): €16
Health insurance: Varies (~€40–€100/month)
Translation/legalization fees: Varies by country
Permesso di soggiorno (in Italy): ~€70–€100
💰 Will You Pay Taxes in Italy?
Yes, if you live in Italy more than 183 days per year, you become an Italian tax resident.
However, you may qualify for Italy’s “impatriati” tax regime, which allows eligible new residents to pay tax on only 30–50% of their income for up to 5 years (even longer in southern Italy).
👉 Consult a tax advisor to make sure you're covered.
🏡 Best Cities in Italy for Digital Nomads (2025 Picks)
Bologna – student energy, excellent internet (read below), great central location
Naples – affordable, authentic, growing expat scene, only for the hardcore
Lecce – southern sunshine, coworking spaces, baroque charm
Florence – historic beauty, culture, international community, more used to foreigners
Palermo – vibrant and budget-friendly island life, diverse
💻 Can’t imagine that it’d be hard to get signal in the year 2025? Think again. You’ll need to look for towns with strong Wi-Fi, walkable centers, and good rail access. The countryside is so beautiful and affordable in Italy, but Wi-Fi is not a guarantee, even in town. Check sites like NomadList or local coworking spaces.
🙋♀️ FAQs
Can I freelance while on this visa?
Yes—as long as your clients are based outside of Italy.
Can I bring my partner or kids?
Yes, the visa allows for family reunification, but you'll need to show higher income and more paperwork.
Can I switch to another type of visa later?
Possibly—especially if you get a local job or want to convert to a long-term residence permit after 5 years.
Can I apply from within Italy?
No—you must apply from your home country’s Italian consulate. This can make the process slightly trickier, as some of the required documents are more easily acquired in Italy. I would definitely plan to travel to Italy ahead of applying to scope things out and come up with a flexible plan for things like housing.
🎁 Want Help Navigating Italian Bureaucracy?
Getting a visa is just step one—what about banking, healthcare, phone plans, rental contracts, and taxes?
👉 Download my upcoming guide: “Italian Bureaucracy Survival Kit for Expats”
✔️ Common documents explained
✔️ What to ask at the Questura
✔️ Cultural tips that save hours
➡️ Join the waitlist here or subscribe for updates by sending in a contact form
✈️ Ready to Make Italy Your Office?
If you're dreaming of slow mornings with cappuccino, cobblestone streets, and a remote-work lifestyle that gives your life meaning beyond just your job, the Italy digital nomad visa could be your key.
🛍️ Coming soon: a full checklist, downloadable planner, and a list of hand-picked affiliate resources to make your transition easy.
💬 Questions? Send me a DM on Instagram @sarahboleninitaly or send me a message here.
