Italy Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2024)

Ever wondered how amazing it would be if you could prolong your Roman holiday for a year and explore all the historical, cultural, and natural riches Italy has to offer? 

Thanks to the Italy digital nomad visa, you’ll soon be able to explore all 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Italy without having to sacrifice a day of your PTO or vacation days.

If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to embrace the laid-back Italian lifestyle and enjoy the perks of the digital nomad and remote work lifestyle, we’ve got some amazing news for you.

The highly anticipated Italy digital nomad visa is in the works, and we’ve got all the details.

Read on to find out:

• The types of Italian visas available to digital nomads, 
• What sets the actual digital nomad visa apart from the rest, 
• Who can apply for the new digital nomad visa,
• The pros and cons of being a digital nomad in Italy, 
• The best Italian destinations for digital nomads, and 
• Tips for working and living in Italy. 

Before we get into detail on the available programs for digital nomads in Italy, let’s first take a quick look at the most important digital nomad visa facts for Italy.  

Italy visa questions	Italy visa answers
Does Italy have a digital nomad visa?	Italy still doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa. However, a Decree defining the digital nomad program was approved by the Italian government in March 2022.
Who can apply for the Italy digital nomad visa?	– Non-EU citizens – Self-employed or employed by a company outside Italy  – Individuals who perform highly qualified work using telecommunications technology
How much does an Italy digital nomad visa cost?	To be specified
Italy’s digital nomad visa length?	1 year
Minimum stay requirement?	Not specified
Possible to extend the visa?	Yes, to be specified for how long
Minimum income requirements?	To be specified
Processing time for visa application?	To be specified
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?	To be specified

Does Italy have a digital nomad visa?

Italy does not have an official digital nomad visa so far.  

To date, Italy has been working on one visa specifically designed for digital nomads. The visa was introduced in a Decree in January 2022, and in March 2022, it was signed into law. 

However, the Italy digital nomad visa is still not officially available, so many details regarding the requirements for issuing visas to digital nomads are yet to be defined. 

Here’s what is known so far: 

• The Italy digital nomad visa will be valid for 1 year.
• There will be the option to renew it for a yet-to-be-specified duration. 
• The Italy digital nomad visa is aimed at highly skilled professionals who work remotely, either freelance or for a company based outside Italy.

What is the main Italian digital nomad visa?

Ideally, the official digital nomad visa would be considered the main Italian digital nomad visa as it will meet the specific needs of digital nomads, their most common work models, and general lifestyle and preferences, with several benefits and administrative reliefs.

However, while we’re eagerly waiting for the next steps toward the official Italian digital nomad visa, some or one of the alternative visa options can be a great substitute, depending on the specific needs and preferences.

• For example, non-EU digital nomads looking for a short-term, hassle-free stay in Italy might find a tourist visa the best option. As short as it may seem, a 90-day stay is long enough to get a decent taste of the Italian lifestyle and culture. 
• On the other hand, digital nomads with sufficient funds from a passive income who want a more permanent residence in Italy can go for the passive income Italian visa.
• Digital nomads who don’t meet the criteria for the passive income visa can apply for one of the self-employment visa options and get approved for a more long-term stay. 

Who is eligible to apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa?

The Italy digital nomad visa targets non-EU professionals who work remotely using the Internet and other technological tools. 

As mentioned earlier, the Italian government has yet to draw up complete criteria for applying for the visa. However, there are a few key requirements known so far. 

The Italy digital nomad visa applications will be open for applicants who meet the following criteria: 

• Citizens of countries that don’t belong to the European Union (EU citizens can stay in Italy for up to 3 months without registration),
• Professionals who carry out highly qualified work activities, 
• Professionals who work remotely and need an internet connection and other technological tools to do so, 
• Professionals who are either self-employed or who work for a company registered outside Italy,  
• Applicants who have medical insurance, and
• Applicants who meet all relevant fiscal and contributions provisions in effect in Italy. 

Further decrees are expected to provide more details on the following procedures and categorizations: 

• The minimum earnings threshold for individual applicants/families,
• The detailed requirements for categorization of applicants as “highly qualified”,
• The procedures for determining whether applicants carry out work activities defined by the term “digital nomad”,
• The cost of the program, 
• Procedures for the visa extension process, and 
• Evidence regarding tax compliance, health insurance, and social security requirements.

What documents do you need to apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa? 

Detailed official requirements for applying for Italy’s digital nomad visa are still to be defined and announced. 

What is known so far, according to the January 2022 Decree, is that anyone looking to get the Italy digital nomad visa will have to: 

• Be tax compliant in Italy, and 
• Have health insurance that covers the length of their entire stay in Italy.  

One significant benefit of the Italian digital nomad visa is that applicants are exempted from having to obtain the “nulla osta” document — a work authorization for non-EU nationals issued by Italian immigration authorities. 

The official list of documents for the Italy digital nomad visa is yet to be finalized. However, it’s safe to assume that it’ll include most of the documents found in the criteria for digital nomad visa applications in other countries:

• Valid passport, 
• Visa application form,
• Two passport-size photographs,
• Work contract with a company registered outside Italy,
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Italy (a minimum income threshold will be set),
• Criminal record certificate proving you have a clean criminal record, and 
• Proof of accommodation — rental agreement or hotel booking.

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Italy?

To date, Italy doesn’t have an official visa for digital nomads, so the detailed application process remains to be defined.

As mentioned, what’s known so far is that digital nomad visa applicants won’t have to obtain the “nulla osta” authorization before (or upon) entering the country. 

This will significantly shorten the application process for digital nomad visas compared to, for example, the process for the self-employment visa, which requires applicants to:

• Complete and submit the request for the issuance of the “nulla osta” authorization on the website of the Ministry of the Interior (the request must follow the guidelines, requirements, and time limits set by the annual Flow Decree), 
• Possess and submit the license documentation for the activity they plan to carry out (or proof of registration from the relevant Chamber of Commerce),
• Possess proof of accommodation in Italy (ownership or rental contract), 
• Possess proof that they had a yearly income of at least €8,500 (~$9,297.48) in the previous year, 
• Complete the visa application form, 
• Pay the visa application fee, and 
• Submit all of the mentioned documents (dated no earlier than 3 months) to the Italian diplomatic or consular Representation in the country of origin or permanent residence of the applicants. 

Digital nomads will probably have to submit work contracts or other documents proving they work for a company registered outside Italy. Still, the process is expected to be much simpler and shorter.

What types of digital nomad visas does Italy offer?

Since Italy doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa in force just yet, let’s take a look at other visa options available to people who want to live and work remotely in Italy. 

There are essentially 3 alternative visa options you can explore as a digital nomad in Italy: 

• Tourist (short-term) visa,
• Self-employment visa, and 
• Passive income (Elective residence) visa. 

Let’s take a closer look at each of these visa options and what they entail. 

Type #1: Tourist visa 

The Italian tourist visa is a great option for digital nomads looking for a short-term stay without any legal obligations. 

You can stay up to 90 days within a total period of 180 days in Italy on a tourist visa, and you don’t need to register with the local institutions or apply for a residence permit. 

To enter and stay in Italy on a Tourist visa, you only need to fulfill 2 requirements: 

• A passport valid for at least 3 months longer than your intended stay and 
• Documents justifying the reasons and duration of your stay in Italy. 

A tourist visa is a perfect option for digital nomads who want to stay in Italy for short periods while they’re waiting for the official Italian digital nomad visa to come into force. 

If, however, you’re looking for long-term residence, you might want to explore one of the next 2 options. 

Type #2: Self-employment visa 

The self-employment visa is a great alternative for people looking to live and work in Italy freelance or start a business. 

This visa is regulated by the annual entry quotas established by the law known as the “Decreto Flussi” (Flow Decree), which allows a set number of work permits to applicants whose work activities fall under the criteria set for the self-employment visa.

General documentation for the self-employment visa 

The self-employed visa grants the right to live and work in Italy for up to 2 years, and it comes with several more requirements.

The specific requirements and documentation vary depending on whether you plan to work as a freelancer or start a business in Italy. 

In both cases, you’ll need a general list of documents, which includes: 

• Visa application form, 
• Recent passport-size photograph, 
• Passport valid for at least 3 months longer than the length of the requested visa, 
• Proof of accommodation for the entire stay, 
• Proof that you have paid the application fees (€116 or ~$126.89), and 
• Proof that you had a yearly income of at least €8,500 (~$9,297.48) in the previous year. 

Specific documentation for the self-employment visa 

If you’re looking to apply for the self-employment freelancer visa or the self-employment business owner visa, you’ll also need: 

• A “Nulla osta” (no impediment) work certificate from the relevant Questura (police station),
• A Certificate of abstract recognition of the resources necessary for the business, trade, or craft activity you plan to undertake, issued by the relevant Chamber of Commerce (not less than the minimum annual income — €4,962.36 (~$5,428.84)), and 
• Proof that you have sufficient financial funds in Italy to guarantee the resources for the Certificate. 

A self-employment start-up visa is a self-employment visa option applicable to people looking to open an innovative start-up business in Italy. To apply for this visa, you’ll have to get a specifically designed “nulla osta” authorization from the Italy Startup Visa Technical Committee at the Ministry of Economic Development. 

Type #3: Passive income visa 

The Passive income (Elective residence) visa is primarily intended for retirees who want to stay in Italy long-term. 

However, as the requirements don’t necessarily state that you have to be retired to obtain this visa, you can look into this option as an alternative digital nomad visa for Italy. 

Essentially, you’ll only have to prove that you have an income larger than €31,000 (~$33,916.37) per year from sources other than paid employment wages or work-related money and savings. 

For example, a passive income can include anything from the rent you receive from a property you own outside Italy to a pension from a government or other institution. 

To apply for the Italian passive income visa you’ll need: 

• Visa application form, 
• Recent passport-size photograph, 
• Passport valid for at least 3 months longer than the length of the requested visa,
• Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (a signed ownership or rental contract), and 
• Proof of extensive financial resources under the applicant’s name. The resources need to be stable and regular, and they have to be from sources other than paid employment. 

_______

While all these documents and requirements are listed on the official website of The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, it’s best to contact the visa office of the nearest Italian Embassy or consult your local Italian diplomatic mission to check the detailed requirements and documents. 

Quick facts for digital nomads in Italy

From the beautiful scenery and comfortable climate to the rich history and vibrant culture — Italy does seem to have something for every type of digital nomad out there. 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect as a digital nomad in Italy, according to the available data. 

Italy digital nomad FAQ	Italy digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	76.32 Mbps — median download speed 20.07 Mbps — median upload speed
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and highest number of voters):	Wire Coworking, Rome (5 stars from 103 voters)
Friendly to foreigners:	Yes — the locals are friendly and welcoming to tourists, digital nomads, and expats alike.
Most popular place for digital nomads in Italy:	Rome — impressive historical sites, colorful culture, and plenty of coworking spaces make the city a top spot for digital nomads.
Weather in Italy’s most popular place for digital nomads:	– Average annual temperature 21°C (71°F); – Coldest month average temperatures (January) — 2°C–13°C (36°F–55°F); – Hottest month average temperatures (July, August) — 17°C–32°C (62°F–89°F); – 102 sunny days;  – 79 rainy days;
Type of climate:	Mediterranean
Annual air quality average:	US AQI — 65 (moderate quality, there may be a risk to some people sensitive to air pollution) PM2.5 — 3.8x the WHO annual air quality guideline value (moderate quality)
Average cost of living:	Family of four: €2,989.6 (~$3,256.9) per month (without rent) Single person: €785.2 (~$932.3) per month (without rent)
Average coworking space cost:	€209.28 (~$228) per month
Crime per 100k population:	39.04
Ranking of Italy’s healthcare system:	22nd place
Interesting fact for digital nomads:	Digital nomad community programs offer remote workers a chance to enjoy off-the-beaten-track locations in Italy.

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Italy?

As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy has always been a top vacation destination for people of all ages and interests. 

While your favorite vacation spot doesn’t always translate into a perfect work location, you’ll notice that many of the benefits we list below also apply to digital nomad life in Italy.

Here are all the reasons Italy is a great place for digital nomads:

• Culture — Italy is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 
• Safety —  Italy is considered a safe country to live in as a relatively progressive country concerning individual rights,   
• Great public transport infrastructure — The country is widely known for its amazing railway system, 
• Welcoming, laid-back culture — Italy is known for its traditionally relaxed, easy-going attitude towards life in general, 
• Diverse scenery — From scenic coasts and valleys to gorgeous mountain landscapes and volcanoes — Italy has it all.

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Italy?

While the pros of being a digital nomad in Italy highly outweigh the cons, there are still a few drawbacks to take into consideration before you start packing for your Italian digital nomad adventure.

Here are some of the most significant drawbacks of living in Italy as a digital nomad: 

• Overtourism — Tourism is expected to make up around 12% of the country’s GDP, which means huge tourist crowds during the spring and summer months.  
• Low English proficiency index — Italy scored relatively low in the 2023 English proficiency rankings, earning 35th place globally. 
• Smoking — While smoking in closed public places is prohibited by law, there are a great number of designated smoking areas and rooms in almost any establishment, and smoking outdoors is a very common occurrence.

Where to live in Italy as a digital nomad?

Now that we’ve uncovered all the methods of coming to live in Italy as a digital nomad, and some of the most important pros and cons of doing so, it’s time to pick the best destination for your home base while you’re there.

As we mentioned many times before, Italy is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, so it’s impossible to pick only a couple of destinations, but we’ll give it a try. Moreover, we’re sure you’ll find some free time to explore some other parts of the country that we couldn’t fit into this guide. 

So, without further ado, here are the top 5 destinations for digital nomads in Italy.  

Rome — Best for those who like history and culture

Rome really has it all for the explorer type of digital nomads — from the comfortable Mediterranean climate, plenty of historical and cultural sites, and world-renowned cuisine to a wide range of accommodation and coworking options. 

Here are our top picks for things you can do in Rome: 

• Visit the iconic Colosseum and Pantheon. 
• Take a walk through beautiful Villa Doria Pamphili or Villa Borghese parks. 
• Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain (or take an underground tour of Trevi if you’re adventurous). 
• Take a Trastevere Rome food tour.
• Rent a Vespa and drive around the city. 

Rome is generally considered welcoming to foreigners and it’s quite safe. However, as the country’s capital, Rome isn’t the most affordable option for nomads on a budget, so expect higher rent prices, especially closer to the city center. 

And, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Rome gets crowded with tourists during the spring and summer months, so it’s virtually impossible to do any work outside your accommodation or a designated coworking space. 

Still, the city makes up for its drawbacks with its unbelievable charm and plenty of coworking spaces and networking opportunities in general. 

Where to work in Rome 

There are hundreds of coworking spaces in Rome. The highest-rated one, according to Google, is the Wire Coworking, with a 5-star rating out of 103 reviews.

Benefits of Rome for digital nomads

We spoke to Saema Nasir, a B2B PR Consultant and CEO of Mindthis Strategy, who spent a month in Rome as a digital nomad in 2023. 

When asked about the benefits of being a digital nomad in Italy, and Rome in particular, she highlights feeling perfectly safe while staying in the city: 

Nasir continues:

Nasir also adds that excellent public transport, great walkability, and great internet connectivity are the 3 most important benefits of Rome for digital nomads. 

Milan — Best for those who like the fast-city life 

As one of the world’s most important fashion capitals and the main technology, finance, and commerce center in Italy, Milan is naturally the number one pick for digital nomads looking for a cool big-city vibe. 

In addition to having great infrastructure, amazing networking opportunities, and vibrant culture, Milan also has a rich cultural heritage. 

It is home to some of the world’s most important cultural and historical sites such as: 

• The Duomo of Milan, 
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,
• La Scala Opera House, and 
• The Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

If you’re into exploring the local bar and club scene, you’ll find plenty of fun options in Milan, as the city is widely known for its exciting nightlife. 

The city is quite expensive. However, you can always save on rent by opting for a location outside of the city center, for example. 

Where to work in Milan 

One of the biggest advantages for digital nomads staying in Milan is the sheer amount of great coworking spaces. There are hundreds of well-equipped places to choose from if you don’t like to work from busy cafes, or you want a change of scenery from your regular setup in your accommodation. 

The highest-rated coworking space in Milan according to Google is the YoRoom Coworking & Office. It has a rating of 4.5 stars from 171 reviews. 

Florence — Best for creatives who like a relaxed vibe 

Florence is ideal for digital nomads looking to experience authentic Italian culture and some of the world’s most magnificent cultural, architectural, and artistic masterpieces.

The entire Historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so when you’re not working, you’ll probably find yourself walking around the picturesque streets of Florence admiring the Renaissance art and architectural gems located in this city.

You’ll also be tempted to explore other parts of the scenic Tuscany region, so make sure to plan a couple of weekend tours to some of its world-renowned vineyards. 

Although the cost of living in Florence is by no means cheap, it’s still more affordable than in Rome or Milan. You can find decent accommodation outside of the city center in areas such as the up-and-coming bohemian nomadic neighborhood — Santo Spirito, or Santa Croce — which is perfect if you enjoy the bustling nightlife.

Where to work in Florence

Although the city looks like one big, beautiful museum, Florence also has a great infrastructure and plenty of options for digital nomads to work, organize community gatherings, and network.

There is a wide variety of coworking spaces in Florence with average monthly prices of around €191 (~$208), which is relatively cheap compared to prices in Rome and Milan. Impact Hub Florence is a coworking place that has the highest rating (4.6 stars based on 226 reviews), according to Google.  

Palermo — Best for those who like beautiful nature and island vibe

Palermo is perfect for digital nomads who like a more relaxed, island vibe with wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, and a growing digital nomad community. 

The city offers the best of both worlds in a way. On the one hand, you have the traditional Sicilian welcoming culture and a slower pace of life, while you’re still getting all the perks of city life and optimum infrastructure to make your work and day-to-day life easier. 

Palermo (and Sicily in general) is also considerably cheaper than most other cities in Italy (and the EU). With an average cost of living of around €861.9 (~$787.5) without rent, Palermo is a perfect option for digital nomads on a budget.  

Although you’ll notice trash piles in the streets from time to time and encounter many smokers and smoking areas, Palermo has good air quality and offers a solid base for nomads looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a good work-life balance. 

Where to work in Palermo

If working on a beautiful beach isn’t your forte, you can opt for one of the options from the growing list of coworking spaces in Palermo. With a 5-star rating out of 58 reviews, the Beet Community coworking space has the highest rating according to Google. 

Naples — Best for those who like authentic Italian culture

If you’d like to experience authentic Italian culture with all the perks and infrastructure of a big city, Naples might be the place for you. 

Naples is the 3rd biggest city in Italy, with the largest historic city center in Europe listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it is known for other historical and natural landmarks, including the nearby Roman ruins of Pompeii and the magnificent Mount Vesuvius. 

Apart from exploring the cultural heritage of Naples, you’ll also have the opportunity to try the world’s best pizza right from the source, as the first pizza ever was, allegedly, made in Naples. 

Naples is relatively cheap compared to other bigger cities, so you’ll find decent places for rent for as little as €400 (~$436.64) per month. For a more authentic Neapolitan experience with lower prices, you can pick the Quartieri Spagnoli (the Old Spanish Quarter) as your base in Naples. If you prefer a more vibrant atmosphere with lots of shopping and restaurant options, you can look for places around the historic center of Piazza Dante. 

Where to work in Naples

If you like to keep your living and working areas separate, you’ll be happy to learn that Naples has a great offer of coworking spaces to accommodate all types of remote workers. Dialogue Place tops the list with a rating of 5 stars from 77 Google reviews. 

Tips for digital nomads in Italy

Coming to Italy as a tourist and living and working there as a digital nomad are two completely different concepts. 

While you’re pretty much all set up on a tourist arrangement, as a digital nomad you’re left to fend for yourself. This often involves learning to navigate the complex Italian bureaucracy, as well as language and cultural barriers.

To help you overcome some common challenges, we’ve compiled additional tips on how to have the smoothest possible experience as a digital nomad in Italy.  

Tip #1: Get legal advice 

As you’ll notice from the moment you start planning your Italian nomadic experience, Italy has a highly complex bureaucracy. On top of that, official resources are limited and poorly updated, so in most cases, you’re left to rely on your own investigative skills. 

To avoid the strenuous process of figuring out all the different requirements and navigating the complex tax system in Italy all by yourself, you might be best off getting in touch with legal teams specializing in Italian immigration law and/or the Italian tax system. 

Tip #2: Check the internet speed before booking accommodation

Although generally reliable and fast on average, the Internet in Italy can be a hit or miss, depending on where you are located. In most cases, download speeds are fine pretty much anywhere in the country. 

However, if your work requires plenty of video conferencing, be sure to check the upload speeds before renting a space.

Coworking spaces will have great internet speeds, and major cities like Rome and Milan won’t almost ever disappoint.

However, if you happen to be in less urban areas, you might experience some unpleasant surprises in this regard, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and make sure you have all the resources for uninterrupted work ready.  

Tip #3: Get in touch with locals 

Sure, tourist guides and popular resources can get you accurate information on official data and offers. However, if you want to experience a more authentic (and more affordable) Italian lifestyle, your best bet is to get acquainted with the local community. 

This shouldn’t be difficult, especially in the more southern parts of the country where people are known to be super friendly and welcoming to foreigners — so use this to your advantage. 

Building friendly relationships with locals can help you get more accurate info on all the best places, restaurants, off-the-beaten-path locations, and affordable accommodation options. And, while you’re at it, you might also learn some Italian — a skill much needed since English is not as widely spoken in Italy as you may think. 

Tip #4: Make a plan

More often than not, you’ll find yourself experiencing extreme FOMO in Italy, simply because there is so much to see and do in this beautiful country.

To avoid losing sleep or hours of work trying to be everywhere at once, try to come up with a realistic plan including destinations, work hours, budget, free time, and trip itineraries.

Tip #5: When in Rome, use the official Roman taxis 

Another invaluable tip from our contributor, Saema Nasir, pinpoints the super convenient and oftentimes the most affordable alternative to public transportation when navigating the busy streets of Rome — the official city taxis. 

Frequently asked questions about the Italy digital nomad visa

Here are some additional answers to commonly asked questions about the Italy digital nomad visa to help you get all the details.  

How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa for Italy?

It’s still not specified how long the processing time will take for the Italy digital nomad visa, as the program is still in the works. However, it takes approximately two months to get a self-employment visa. 

Does the Italian digital nomad visa lead to citizenship?

Although the Italian digital nomad visa grants residency, it does not lead to citizenship, per se. However, the country offers other options such as a Golden Visa scheme that can lead to permanent citizenship.   

Do digital nomads pay tax in Italy?

Digital nomads will have to pay taxes in Italy, according to a previously mentioned amendment to the Law converting Decree-Law n. 4/2022 (Sostegni ter).

However, there are two favorable tax regimes offered to newcomers, and it’s safe to assume that digital nomads will be eligible for these reliefs:

• The “Regime Forfetario” — allowing self-employed individuals earning a gross yearly income of up to €65,000 (~$71,024.20) to pay a 5% flat tax for the first 5 years on a percentage of gross billings, and 
• The “Impatriates Regime” — allowing a 70% tax deduction in earned income subject to tax to self-employed and unemployed individuals. 

Moreover, US and dual US/Italian citizens who work in Italy can choose to pay taxes for social security through the US social security system per the Totalization agreement between the US and Italy. 

To ensure a smooth tax registration process, it’s best to take a couple of precautionary steps before arriving in Italy: 

• Check your eligibility and the conditions for the tax relief, 
• Plan the timing of tax payments in advance, and 
• Seek professional advice on the timing of the move. 

How to pay tax on a digital nomad visa in Italy? 

To pay tax in Italy, you’ll need a unified tax form F24. 

However, before you’re able to pay taxes in Italy, you need to register for (in this case) self-employment tax in Italy. 

To do so, you must first get a tax identification number or “codice fiscale” issued by the Italian Revenue Agency. You can do this by taking your passport and residence card to your local immigration desk or police headquarters. 

If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll also need to define your business structure before registering for self-employment tax. 

Finally, you’ll need to get a VAT number issued by the Italian Revenue Agency, which is obligatory for anyone performing “business or agricultural activity or an artistic or professional activity on a regular basis” and anyone earning over €65,000 (~$71,024.20) as a self-employed person. 

Can I live in Italy without a digital nomad visa while working remotely?

Yes, there are ways you can live in Italy without a digital nomad visa while working remotely, but the conditions vary depending on your country of origin and permanent residence.

If you are an EU citizen, you can live and work remotely in Italy without any visa for up to 90 days.

After that, you are required to register with the local “Anagrafe” (Register Office).

In addition to EU/EEA citizens, nationals of the following countries looking to stay in Italy for up to 90 days don’t have to apply for a work visa:

• Australia,
• Israel,
• Japan,
• Canada,
• New Zealand, 
• The Republic of South Korea, and
• The USA.

However, if they wish to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, they need to apply for a residence permit. 

Citizens of any other country must apply for a digital nomad visa or an alternative (work) visa type mentioned above. 

What are the costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Italy? 

Now that we’ve figured out all the different ways you can stay in Italy as a digital nomad, it’s time to crunch the numbers and see if it’s realistically feasible to do so. 

Considering all it has to offer, Italy is not an excessively expensive country. If you have a decent income and perhaps some extra cash for a few additional trips around the country, you’ll definitely do more than just get by in Italy as a digital nomad.

Let’s break all the major expenses down to see what budget you’ll need as a digital nomad in Italy. 

Expense #1: Rent (or accommodation)

First things first, you’ll need to consider probably the highest expense you’ll have as a digital nomad in Italy — accommodation.

The monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the larger city centers is around €780 (~$852.34). For a 3-bedroom apartment in these areas, you’ll need around €1,386.52 (~$1,515.11). 

Naturally, the rent prices are significantly lower in locations outside of the city center, where you can get a 1-bedroom apartment for €576.80 (~$630.29) per month and a 3-bedroom for around €959.81 (~$1,048.82) per month. 

Let’s take a closer look at the average rent prices for 1-bedroom apartments in the most popular cities for digital nomads in Italy. 

City in Italy	Average cost of rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (per month)
Rome	€500–€800 (~$546.35–$874.16)
Milan	€741–€1,300 (~$809.69–$1,420.52)
Florence	€500–€950 (~$546.35–$1,038.07)
Palermo	€250–€550 (~$273.18–$601)
Naples	€400–€950 (~$237.09–$1,038.08)

Expense #2: Utilities

For basic utilities in Italy, you’ll have to pay between €120 and €350 (~$131.13–$382.46) per month. 

This includes: 

• Electricity,
• Heating and AC,
• Water, and 
• Garbage. 

In some cases, utilities will be included in your monthly rent price. So, if you’re renting a place in Italy, be sure to check whether the rent price includes the utilities. 

For cable or ADSL Internet you’ll pay around €28 (~$30) per month. A prepaid SIM card costs around €10 (~$10.93), while you’ll need to spend around €25 (~$27.32) for an unlimited monthly plan. 

Expense #3: Transportation

Like most European countries, Italy is perfectly pedestrian-friendly. In addition to being considered rather safe, Italy is also one of the countries with the most amazing cultural, historical, and natural attractions, so walking is most certainly the best way to get around and explore. 

Cycling is another healthy and convenient option, as Italy is also a generally bike-friendly country.

For traveling between cities and towns, we suggest you take advantage of the famously extensive inner-city and regional train network.  

The metro train system is also a super effective and cheap way to get around bigger cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples. 

That being said, let’s not forget that most Italian cities are not very car- or bus-friendly, mostly due to the traffic and narrow streets, and due to the somewhat more aggressive local driving culture. A great and faster alternative would be to rent a motorcycle or a Vespa, especially during summer days.

City in Italy	Monthly public transport ticket price
Rome	€35 (~$38.19)
Milan	€39 (~$42.56)
Florence	€35 (~$38.19)
Palermo	€31 (~$33.83)
Naples	€35.50 (~$38.74)

Expense #4: Groceries

The prices of groceries in Italy vary between different cities and different types of stores.
If you stay in Rome or Milan, for example, you can expect higher prices in supermarkets and markets than you would encounter in smaller cities.

Since Italy is famous for delicious local food, you might want to explore markets and greengroceries for fresh produce and a great quality-price ratio.

If you want a rough average estimate of how much you’ll spend on groceries in Italy, here’s a list of average prices of some commonly bought groceries:

• Milk (1l (~33.8 fl oz)) — €1.46 (~$1.59) 
• Bread — €1.99 (~$2.17) 
• Water (1,5l (~50.7 fl oz)) — €0.44 (~$0.48) 
• Local cheese (1 kg (~2.2 pounds)) — €13.16 (~$14.36) 
• Chicken filets (1 kg (~2.2 pounds)) — €10.65 (~$11.62) 
• Red meat (1 kg (~2.2 pounds)) — €17.12 (~$18.68) 
• Tomatoes (1 kg (~2.2 pounds)) — €2.82 (~$3.08) 
• Apples (1kg (~2.2 pounds)) — €2.02 (~$2.20) 

Expense #5: Restaurants and cafes

Delicious cuisine is probably one of the top 3 first things associated with Italy. And for a good reason. The country really lives up to its reputation regarding amazing food — from thousands of Michelin-star restaurants to the world’s best pizza place and traditionally great coffee and wine culture, it really has it all.

And if you’re wondering how much you’ll have to pay to enjoy all of this delicious food in Italy, you’ll be happy to know that it’s quite affordable, considering the quality. 

For example, you can get a meal at an average or mid-range restaurant for around €15–€30 (~$16.37–$32.74).

Prices in cafes and bars go from €1.58 (~$1.72) for a cappuccino and €4.5 (~$4.91) for a bottle of beer, while a bottle of Coke or Pepsi is around €2.41 (~$2.63).  

Expense #6: Internet 

Italy has great internet coverage pretty much anywhere in the country. In fact, it has fixed broadband and NGA coverage levels above the EU average. 

As mentioned above, your monthly internet expenses will be around €28 (~$30).

The median download speed of fixed broadband Internet in Italy is currently 76.32 Mbps, while the median upload speed is 20.07 Mbps. 

Expense #7: Coworking spaces 

If you like to keep your work area separate from your living space, you’ll need to add the costs of coworking space to your monthly list of expenses. 

Prices of coworking spaces in Italy vary depending on the city and area you live in.

Milan, for example, is one of the cities with the most expensive monthly hot desk prices in Europe. For a hot desk at one of the 71 coworking spaces in this city, you’ll need around €242 (~$264) per month on average. 

Rome is similarly pricey, with average monthly prices of €236 (~$257). However, in Florence, for example, you can get a monthly pass for around €191 (~$208).  

Italy digital nomad visa: A chance to experience la dolce vita while working remotely  

The highly anticipated Italy digital nomad visa will allow digital nomads outside the EU to experience life in Italy while working remotely. The visa will be valid for 1 year, with the option to extend it for yet to be specified amount of time.

While they will be obliged to comply with all tax and social security requirements (with potentially privileged regimes), digital nomads in Italy will have the significant advantage of not having to apply for one of the working stay permits. 

As the visa is not yet officially available, there are many requirements to be defined.

To date, the only officially known requirements and criteria for the Italian digital nomad visa are the following: 

• It only applies to non-EU citizens, 
• It can only be used by professionals performing “highly professional and digital tasks” (a category yet to be defined in more detail), and
• It will have a set minimum income threshold. 

So, be sure to check back for the latest updates on the Italy digital nomad visa, or use our guide to learn about the alternative ways you can stay in Italy as a digital nomad. 

Stay connected to your team with Pumble  

While you’re exploring all the beauty Italy has to offer on your digital nomad journey, your main challenge might be staying up to date on work all the time. 

Luckily, you don’t have to compromise on the quality of your team communication and connection with Pumble. 

Pumble is a team communication app that keeps your team connected and synchronized through functionalities such as: 

• Direct messages — for one-on-one chats,
• Channels — for team topic-oriented discussions, 
• Video conferencing — for virtual meetings, 
• File sharing — for productive collaboration, and 
• Meeting recording — for asynchronous communication when your team members are working across time zones. 

To experience more productive team communication and collaboration, try Pumble for free today! 

Italy digital nomad visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Italy digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various topics.

Please bear in mind that our article has been updated in Q1 of 2024, so any changes made in the Italy digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

Further reading for digital nomads in Italy: 

• The Italian Association of Digital Nomads — initiatives and programs aimed at making Italy more digital nomad-friendly. 
• Digital Nomads Italy — the official website for digital nomads in Italy offering information on communities, best coworking spaces, accommodation suggestions, and legal and tax advice. 
• KINO Italy — organization bringing communities of digital nomads and remote workers to experience the hidden gems of Italy. 
• NomadList and The Nomadic Network — communities of digital nomads living and traveling around the world. 

References: 

• EF EPI 2022 – EF English Proficiency Index. (n.d.). EF Epi 2023 – EF English proficiency index. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/  
• European Commission. (n.d.). Study on broadband coverage in Europe 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/desi-connectivity
• FreedomHouse. (n.d.) Italy: Freedom in the World 2023 Country Report. FreedomHouse. org. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://freedomhouse.org/country/italy/freedom-world/2023  
• IQAir. (n.d.). Italy air quality index (AQI) and Air Pollution Information. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.iqair.com/italy  
• Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale (The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation). Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx  
• Ministero dell’Interno (The Italian Ministry of the Interior). Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.interno.gov.it/it 
• OECD Better Life Index. Italy. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/italy/ 
• Speedtest Global Index. (n.d.). Internet speed around the world. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.speedtest.net/global-index  
• Statista Research Department, (2023, March 8). Share of daily smokers in Italy 2010–2021. Statista. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/810899/share-of-daily-smokers-in-italy/ 
• Supplemento ordinario alla “Gazzetta Ufficiale” n. 73 del 28 marzo 2022 — Serie generale “Decreto-Legge 28 marzo 2022 n. 25.” Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/gu/2022/03/28/73/so/13/sg/pdf 
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). World Heritage List Statistics. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/stat