Italy’s charm is not lost on the digital nomad community, and while the dedicated Italy Digital Nomad Visa was voted into law on March 28, 2022, the details of the visa have yet to be released. While remote workers wait for more information, many travelers are turning to Italy’s Self-Employment Visa as their longterm visa option. This alternative is perfect for those who can’t wait to pair their work with a view of rolling Tuscan hills or the historic streets of Rome. Before we dive into Italy’s Self-Employment Visa, here’s a few bits of information to keep in mind about the upcoming Italy Digital Nomad Visa.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Some of the eligibility requirements for the Italy digital nomad visa that are known by now are:
- Must be a non-EU citizen
- Must work for an employer registered outside Italy
- Must work by using telecommunications technology (i.e., work online)
- Must have valid health insurance coverage
Unknown information includes:
- Minimum income thresholds
- Definition of digital nomad work and criteria for being “highly qualified”
- Visa costs and extension options
- Tax implications
Other Visa Options: Italy Self-Employment Visa
Most nomads are turning to the Italy Self-Employment Visa as their longterm visa option. The Self-Employment Visa allows visitors to enter the country, however additional authorization is required for opening a business and/or work permits. There are three types of self-employment visas:
- The Italy Startup Visa. You can apply for this visa if you want to open an innovative company in Italy or join an existing company in an executive role.
- The Italy Freelancer Visa. You can apply for this visa if you want to be self-employed, do freelance work and not work for a company.
- The Italy Entrepreneur Visa. You can apply for this visa if you want to implement an investment plan (of no less than €500,000) that benefits the Italian economy.
Italy Self-Employment Visa: Overview
- Visa Name: Italy Self-Employment Visa (Italy Digital Nomad Visa)
- Visa Duration: Typically issued for 1 year, renewable
- Visa Benefits:
- Allows non-EU nationals to work remotely in Italy.
- Provides an opportunity to experience Italian culture and lifestyle while working.
- Can be renewed, offering a longer-term stay in Italy for digital nomads.
Who Can Apply for the Italy Self-Employment Visa?
To apply for the Italy Self-Employment Visa, you must:
- Be a non-EU or non-EEA national.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds to support your stay and professional activities.
- Proof of income from the previous year, which must be higher than the minimum level required by law for exemption from health care contribution (€8,400).
- Obtain health insurance to cover hospitalization or medical expenses in Italy for at least the first 30 days upon entry.
- Secure proof of accommodation in Italy.
- Acquire a certificate of ‘no impediment’ for freelance services and highly qualified work activities in Italy (see below).
- Maintain a clean criminal record.
How to Apply for the Italy Self-Employment Visa?
Navigating the application process for the Italy Self-Employment Visa involves a few crucial steps:
- Obtain a ‘No Impediment/Security Clearance’ (Nulla Osta) from the Italian Immigration desk.
- Obtain the necessary work permits and authorization with the help of a proxy in Italy while still residing in your home country.
- Apply for the visa from the Italian embassy/consulate in your home country. Processing time is approximately 2 months from the application date. A list of required documents is below. The visa cost is 116 EUR.
- Apply for and obtain the ‘Residency Permit’ (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days of your arrival in Italy. This permit is valid for one year and is renewable. The residency permit varies from 40-100 EUR, depending on the length of residency. Administrative fees also apply.
What documents are required for the Italy Self-Employment Visa?
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid at least three months longer than the visa you will be issued.
- Two passport sized photos that comply with Italy visa photo requirements.
- The ‘Nulla Osta’ (No Impediment/Security Clearance) from the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
- Proof of sufficient financial means, with a minimum annual income requirement.
- Proof of income from the previous year, which must be higher than the minimum level required by law for exemption from health care contribution (€8,400).
- Evidence of suitable accommodation in Italy.
- Health insurance valid in Italy, covering at least the first 30 days of stay.
- Any certificates, licenses, or registrations required for your freelance activity in Italy. Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the area you will be working, recognizing you have the resources necessary for the self-employed activity you will be doing. The resources cannot be less than the annual amount of the minimum income (€4,962.36).
- Civic status documents.
Need Help? Our Recommended Visa Agents
The Italian visa process can be intricate, and sometimes it’s best to call in the experts. For those looking for assistance, here are our top visa agent recommendations:
- iVisa: If you’re after speed and ease, iVisa provides a streamlined service that simplifies the process.
- RushMyTravelVisa: When time is of the essence, RushMyTravelVisa can expedite your application, ensuring you meet your travel deadlines.
Are There Any Other Italy Self-Employment Visa Requirements I Should Know About?
When applying for the Italy Self-Employment Visa, keep in mind that you cannot apply for an Italy self-employment visa anytime. Italy has an immigration policy in place when it comes to how many work visas is will issue on a yearly basis in compliance with the decreto flussi. The decreto flussi opens periodically and it is Italy’s annual quota system to limit visa availability. Each year, the decreto flussi opens for a few months. During that time, non-EU nationals can apply for various Italian work visas. To learn more about this process, it may be best to consult a visa agent. Our recommended visa service is iVisa.
Feeling overwhelmed? We were too. We asked the team at iVisa for guidance with our visa process. There are also ‘easier’ visas to apply to for 90-day stays. This might be a easier option if a short term stay is what you’re seeking.
Not sure if Italy is right for you? Weigh these considerations when choosing the best country and visa for your digital nomad life.
Ready to go? Italy has a variety of towns, cities, villages, and everywhere in between. It’s hard not to fall in love with one (or many) of the beautiful places Italy has to offer for digital nomads. So get your backpack packed, secure your flight, and ensure your visa matters are in order.
Ciao!
