Italy has launched a visa for digital nomads: how to get it and how much you need to earn

Italy has always been a country that has attracted tourists from all over the world. In recent years, the country has also become a popular destination for those seeking to combine work and travel - digital nomads.

Recently, the launch of a visa was announced that opens up new opportunities for those who want to work while traveling and enjoying life in Italy. Chelsea Waite, a U.S. native who started her business in 2020 and has been working remotely ever since, shares her experience of obtaining it.

Italy has a new visa for digital nomads that allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year. Although it has only been available for a few months, it has already attracted some adventurous travelers who have taken advantage of the new opportunities.

After her first visit to Italy in 2017, Veit realized that this country would become her new home. So when she learned about the launch of the digital nomad visa, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity immediately.

However, the process of obtaining the visa was complicated and required considerable preparation. Since the initiative was new, there was very little information on how to apply. This forced Chelsea to look for answers to numerous questions on her own and solve many problems associated with the process.

Is it difficult to get a digital nomad visa in Italy?

One of the main challenges Chelsea faced was obtaining a rental contract, which is a prerequisite for applying for a visa. In Italy, a "codice fiscale" - a tax code usually issued to Italian citizens at birth - is often required to conclude a lease agreement. It is also required to open a bank account and obtain a phone number in the country. However, it can be difficult to obtain a "codice fiscale" for a foreigner who does not yet reside in the country or does not have a visa.

Fortunately, thanks to the help of an Italian real estate agent, Chelsea was able to find a way to sign a lease agreement for those who are planning to move to Italy and do not yet have a tax number.

Income level

The Italian visa for digital nomads also has some differences from the visas offered by other European countries. It is aimed at highly skilled workers with an annual income of at least 28,000 euros.

Education

For Chelsea, part of the application process involved obtaining proof of education. Initially, she thought it would be enough to have her documents notarized in the United States, but Italy requires verification of qualifications through the Center for Academic Mobility and Equivalency (CIMEA), which manages the recognition of foreign diplomas.

Tips for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Italy

Based on her experience, Chelsea shared her top three tips for those who want to obtain a digital nomad visa in Italy.

Preparation

The visa application process can be complicated, so it's important to be as prepared as possible, have all the necessary documents, and anticipate any difficulties.

Seek help from the locals

It is important to have support in Italy, especially when dealing with issues related to renting a house and other administrative issues.

Finances

The application process can be expensive, given the costs such as insurance premiums, document verification, and the visa itself.

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