Key Takeaways
• Non-EU citizens can apply for Italy’s Type D Digital Nomad Visa if highly skilled and earning over €26,000 annually.
• Key documents: valid passport, employment contract, income proof, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Italy.
• Application takes 30–60 days; permit allows one-year residency, renewable, with permanent residency possible after five years.
Italy 🇮🇹 has always been a dream place for many, thanks to its beautiful cities, amazing food, and rich culture. Now, with the new Italy National Type D Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Visa, it’s possible for many non-EU professionals to move to Italy 🇮🇹 while keeping their jobs abroad. This complete guide explains who can apply, what you need, how long things take, what it costs, how to apply, and what happens after your arrival. Whether you work for a company or on your own, understanding these steps will help your move go smoothly.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Italy National Type D Digital Nomad or Remote Worker Visa, you must meet these requirements:
- You must NOT be a citizen of the EU or EEA.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You need to be considered ‘highly skilled’ under Italian rules. This usually means:
- Holding a university degree, or,
- If you work as an IT manager or specialist, you need at least 3 years of recent work experience, or,
- In other roles, 5 years of experience in your field, or a degree.
- You need a work contract with a company or clients OUTSIDE Italy 🇮🇹. You can work as:
- A regular employee for a foreign company,
- A self-employed professional with foreign clients.
- You must make enough income. Most official sources say you should earn between €26,000 and €32,400 per year. Before you apply, always confirm with your Italian Consulate the exact amount.
- Your income must come from remote work, not just investments or other passive income.
- You need to prove at least six months’ work experience in your area.
- You can’t have a criminal record for certain crimes in the last five years. You’ll be asked for an affidavit (a sworn statement) about this.
Note: These eligibility criteria are strictly enforced. If you miss even one, your application could be rejected.
Checklist: What Documents Do You Need?
Collect all the following before your appointment:
- Valid passport (it must be valid until at least three months after your visa would end)
- Two recent passport-sized photos (white background)
- Completed application form downloaded from your consulate or embassy website
- Employment contract or proof of ongoing self-employment with a foreign employer or clients
- Employees: Your employer will also need to submit an affidavit confirming you have no criminal record for the last five years
- Self-employed: You’ll need contracts with clients and professional references
- Proof you earn enough money (income statements covering the past year, recent bank statements)
- If your family is joining, prepare proof of more savings. Some sources suggest at least €10,000 extra per dependent
- Tax returns may be requested
- Proof of a place to stay in Italy 🇮🇹 (signed rental contract, deed to a property, or hotel booking)
- Valid health insurance covering your whole stay with at least €30,000 coverage
- Alternatively, you may register for the Italian public health system when you arrive (costs about €2,000 per year)
- A diploma, degree, or proof of work experience
- If you do not have a degree, you must show you have enough years of specialized work experience (6-60 months, depending on your field)
- If applying with a family: marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, and proof of extra savings
Tip: Sometimes, documents must be officially translated into Italian. This may need extra time and money.
Important: Incomplete or incorrectly filled documents are a top reason for delays or denial. Double check every requirement with your consulate’s current list.
Fees & Costs
Be prepared for these payments:
- Visa Application Fee: €116
- Residency Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): about €112
- Health Insurance: €350 or more per year (public health option costs about €2,000 per year)
- Revenue Stamp: €16
- Official translation and notarization of documents: Cost varies depending on where you live
Caution: Fees and payment methods may change. Confirm with your consulate. Most Italian consulates accept only cashier’s check or money order.
How Long Does It Take? (Processing Time)
The normal time to get a decision is 30 to 60 days, though busier periods or complex cases can take up to 120 days. It pays to get started early and keep close contact with the consulate.
How Long Is the Visa Valid For?
- The Italy National Type D Digital Nomad or Remote Worker Visa is usually valid for up to one year.
- You can renew it each year if you still meet the eligibility criteria.
- After five years of being in Italy 🇮🇹 with legal permits, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Remember: After you arrive, you must get a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight working days by visiting the local police headquarters (Questura).
Tip: If your family is with you, each member also applies for a permit and needs the right documents.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Step 1: Gather All Required Documents
– Collect originals and copies of all listed items above, and get certified translations if required.
Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form
– Get the form from your consulate or embassy’s official website.
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment
– Contact the consulate to book a time (online, by phone, or by email). Some locations have long waiting times, so try to book at least a month or more in advance.
Step 4: Attend Your Appointment in Person
– Bring all documents with you.
– Be ready to have your fingerprints taken, if asked.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
– Have your cashier’s check or money order ready. Double-check which payment methods are accepted by your local consulate.
Step 6: Wait For Processing and Visa Approval
– It usually takes between 30 and 60 days to hear back, but it might be longer.
– Check for updates through the consulate’s communication channels if possible.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa Sticker in Your Passport
– Once approved, the visa is placed inside your passport.
After Arrival in Italy 🇮🇹:
Step 8: Apply for Your Residence Permit Within Eight Days
– Go to the Questura (local police headquarters) in your new city with the required documents.
– Pay the permit and postal fees (about €50 plus some postal bulletin costs).
Step 9 (Optional): Register Your Address
– To stay long-term or for future permanent residency, register your address at the local town hall (Anagrafe).
Step 10 (Optional): Enroll Dependents or Family Members
– If your family came with you, they need to apply for permits and provide their own paperwork.
Checklist Recap:
– [ ] Passport valid 3+ months after visa ends
– [ ] Passport photos (2)
– [ ] Application form
– [ ] Work contract or client agreements
– [ ] Income proof and recent bank statements
– [ ] Accommodation proof in Italy 🇮🇹
– [ ] Health insurance
– [ ] Education/professional experience proof
– [ ] Marriage/birth certificates (if bringing dependents)
– [ ] All papers officially translated if needed
Other Things to Know
- Family Members: Your spouse or child can apply to join you, but you must show extra savings (about €10,000 for each).
- Tax Obligations: If you live in Italy 🇮🇹 for over 183 days a year, you are seen as a tax resident. This means you may need to pay taxes on your worldwide income. Always check with a tax advisor who knows rules for both Italy 🇮🇹 and your home country.
- Permanent Residency: After five years with your legal residence permits, you may apply for permanent residency. To later become an Italian citizen through naturalization, you’ll need to pass an Italian language test at the B1 level.
- No ‘Nulla Osta’ Needed: Applicants do not need to get a ‘nulla osta’ — this used to be a required work authorization for non-EU citizens but is now not needed for this visa.
“One significant benefit… is that applicants are exempted from having to obtain the ‘nulla osta’ document—a work authorization previously needed by non-EU nationals.” (Source: Pumble.com)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Missing paperwork: Incomplete or non-translated documents are one of the top causes for delayed or denied applications. Always check your consulate’s up-to-date list.
- Income sources: Remember, only income from actual remote work (not rent or investments) counts. Be ready to prove this.
- Timing: Not applying for your residence permit within eight days can cause big problems. Mark your calendar!
- Payment issues: Some consulates will only accept certain payment types. Double check before your appointment.
Tips for Success
- Start early—some documents (like background checks or official translations) can take weeks to arrange.
- Store both digital and paper copies of every form, stamp, and approval.
- Money matters: Plan for your first months in Italy 🇮🇹 by having extra cash available, even above the official minimum.
- Speak to a tax professional before moving so you know how your taxes will change.
What Happens Next?
After you have submitted your visa application and completed all the steps, here’s what you can expect:
- While waiting, stay in contact with the consulate for any updates or missing documents.
- Once you enter Italy 🇮🇹 with the visa and have your residence permit, you are allowed to live and work remotely from anywhere in the country—city, countryside, or coast.
- You can travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, unless Italian immigration rules change.
- Plan ahead for your yearly renewal by keeping up with documentation and official notices.
Where to Get More Information or Help
- The official Italian Consulate in New York provides the most up-to-date information, application forms, and fee details.
- For a closer look at policy changes or personal stories, you can read guides and analysis from VisaVerge.com.
Final Thoughts
The Italy National Type D Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Visa is a big step forward for remote professionals who want to live and work from Italy 🇮🇹. This visa lets highly skilled non-EU workers enjoy Italy’s lifestyle while keeping their jobs abroad. Getting your paperwork and finances in order takes time and care, but the process is well worth it for those who qualify. Make sure you follow each step, stick to deadlines, and use official resources to check for any rule changes. With strong planning and up-to-date guidance, you can soon call Italy 🇮🇹 your new home.
Learn Today
Type D Visa → A long-stay visa allowing non-EU citizens to reside in Italy for over 90 days, often for work or study.
Digital Nomad → A professional who works remotely using digital technology, often living in different countries or locations.
Permesso di Soggiorno → Italian residency permit required after arrival, granting legal stay beyond the visa period in Italy.
Affidavit → A sworn written statement confirming facts, such as absence of a criminal record, required for visa applications.
Nulla Osta → A work authorization previously mandatory for non-EU workers in Italy, now not required for the Digital Nomad Visa.
This Article in a Nutshell
Italy’s Type D Digital Nomad Visa offers highly skilled non-EU professionals a chance to live in Italy while working remotely. Applicants must meet income and experience requirements, submit detailed documentation, and obtain insurance. Successful applicants enjoy up to one year’s residency, with renewal and permanent residency options after five years.
— By VisaVerge.com
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