Did you know that Italy ranks among the top five destinations for digital nomads worldwide? With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder remote workers everywhere dream of setting up their laptops in a cozy Italian café.
Thanks to Italy’s introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, this dream can easily become your reality.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Italy Digital Nomad Visa—who can apply, what you need, and the incredible experiences awaiting you in this beloved European destination.
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely using digital technology, giving them the freedom to live and work from anywhere in the world. In Italy, digital nomads experience the perfect blend of productivity and pleasure.
Unlike typical tourists, digital nomads settle temporarily into their chosen cities, immersing themselves in local communities, forming connections, and embracing the Italian lifestyle.
They typically work online in fields like IT, marketing, design, writing, or consulting, allowing them to explore the country in-depth without sacrificing income or career growth.
To be eligible for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet specific legal and professional criteria. The visa is open exclusively to non-EU citizens who work remotely—either as employees of foreign companies or as freelancers offering services to international clients.
The Italian government introduced this visa to attract highly qualified, self-sufficient professionals who can support themselves without entering the local job market. You’ll need to demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of €28,000, which must come from non-Italian sources.
This figure isn’t arbitrary—it aligns with Italy’s legal benchmark for financial self-sufficiency and shows the government that you can live in the country without relying on public resources.
The application must be submitted at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Here’s what to prepare:
Italy’s digital nomad visa caters specifically to remote workers and freelancers outside the EU. But what if you want to bring your family along?
Good news—Italy allows you to bring your family with you. That includes your spouse, dependent children under 18, and even dependent parents, as long as you can demonstrate enough income to support everyone included in your application.
To qualify, you must meet the base income threshold of €28,000 per year. But if you're applying with family members, Italy requires you to show additional monthly income:
For example, a digital nomad moving to Italy with a spouse and one child would need to show at least €2,990/month, or roughly €35,880 annually.
Visiting Italy through the digital nomad visa has countless perks beyond the obvious joys of living in one of the world’s most beautiful countries:
Whether you want fast-paced city energy, seaside tranquility, or a cozy cultural hub, Italy has a city (and a coworking space) that fits your workflow and lifestyle perfectly.
If you're drawn to history but still want the hum of a modern city, Rome is a dynamic base. It’s Italy’s capital for a reason—there’s energy on every cobblestone street, endless cultural sites, and a growing ecosystem for creatives and tech professionals.
Digital nomads will feel right at home at places like Talent Garden Ostiense, a buzzing innovation campus that attracts startups and freelancers alike. For something more relaxed, Industrie Fluviali offers riverside coworking in a beautifully repurposed space that often hosts exhibitions and community dinners.
Italy’s style and business capital, Milan is where fashion, finance, and forward-thinking tech collide. It’s fast-paced and polished, perfect for remote professionals who thrive in a high-efficiency, cosmopolitan environment.
A great example of this balance is Co(z)working at 21 House of Stories, located in Milan’s creative Navigli district and student-friendly Città Studi. These aren’t your typical coworking offices—they’re part of a larger hybrid concept that blends work, hospitality, culture, and connection all in one space.
Co(z)working offers flexible work areas both indoors and outdoors, with spots like hammocks in the courtyard, quiet corners overlooking the canal, and lounges ideal for both focused work and relaxed networking.
Florence is one of Italy’s most livable mid-sized cities for digital nomads, with a population of around 360,000 and a walkable layout that makes it easy to get around without a car. It’s best known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and today it continues to attract creatives, founders, and remote professionals.
Coworking options in Florence are well-developed for its size. Nana Bianca stands out as the city’s most established startup incubator, located in the heart of the city. And for digital nomads looking for both flexibility and community, Yellowsquare Florence blends coworking with hostel living—offering workspaces, social events, live music, and workshops all in one lively space.
Bologna is a gem for digital nomads who want the authentic Italian experience without tourist crowds. Home to Europe’s oldest university, the city hums with intellectual energy and offers excellent value for long-term stays.
The Social Hub Coworking adds to that appeal with a modern, all-in-one space that blends work, community, and comfort. With flexible desks, private offices, and a steady lineup of events and networking opportunities, it’s perfect for freelancers and remote workers who want a productive base in the heart of Bologna’s lively, walkable center.
Down in the Mediterranean, Palermo offers a slower, richer rhythm. With its sun-drenched piazzas, street food markets, and coastal charm, it’s perfect for nomads who appreciate balance and beauty.
Palermo offers low living costs, a growing nomad scene, and spaces like Cummari Coliving—Europe’s first travel house for solo female travelers, artists, and digital nomads. Set in a traditional Sicilian home, it combines coworking, community, and culture through shared meals, workshops, and residencies.
The cost of living in Italy varies widely. On average, you’ll find it surprisingly affordable compared to many European counterparts.
Budget-conscious nomads can thrive in smaller cities or suburbs, whereas urban enthusiasts might find city-center living worth the additional expense.
Getting Wi-Fi in Italy is straightforward—most cities offer free hotspots in busy squares, parks, or public spaces through apps like WiFi Italia, and cafés, restaurants, and nearly all hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi for customers and guests.
Pocket Wi-Fi devices can also be rented in advance, but travelers often find using an eSIM simpler and more budget-friendly.
For easy mobile connectivity, consider an eSIM—digital SIM cards you activate online without the hassle of swapping SIM cards. Providers like Holafly offer unlimited data, GigSky has flexible, app-based plans, and Truphone provides longer-term packages ideal for extensive travel throughout Europe.
Here's the comparison table to help you choose:
| Provider | Plans available | Starting price | Key features | |
 | Holafly | Unlimited data (5–90 days) | From $6.90 | Easy setup, unlimited data, 24/7 support |
 | GigSky | 512MB – 5GB (7–30 days) | $4.99 for 7 days | App-based activation, flexible options |
 | Truphone | 1GB – 20GB (30 days) | $5 for 1GB | Works in 130+ countries, 5G speeds |
The visa doesn’t grant automatic citizenship. To apply for Italian citizenship, you typically need 10 years of legal residency (or 4 years if you're an EU citizen).
Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate (or criminal record check) from their home country or countries of residence in the past 5 years.
Yes, the Italian Digital Nomad Visa allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to live and work remotely from Italy, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
No, the visa is initially valid for one year but can be renewed annually. After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
In Italy, digital nomads who become tax residents—typically by residing in the country for over 183 days within a year—are subject to Italian income tax on their worldwide income. Italy employs a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 23% to 43%, depending on income levels.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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