Italy Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need To Know

Italy is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, known for its decadent pizzas and ancient monuments.

As such, it’s no surprise that moving to the European nation is a bucket-list dream of many.

The digital nomad scene is already thriving in Italy and is expected to grow even more over the next few years as expats and remote workers travel across the globe to gobble gelato and soak up the sun.

But, can you just hop on a plane and start your new life in the heart of Europe? It’s not quite that simple, but living as a digital nomad in Italy is easy enough to figure out.

In this guide, we’ll cover digital nomad visas in Italy to help you figure out your options, as well as the best cities and towns for expats to live in once they arrive.

Wondering if you need a visa for Italy? Check out iVisa.

Visas In Italy

Those who are residents of EU / EEA nations can easily stay in Italy for up to 90 days, without needing to obtain any type of visa.

Residents of non-EU / EEA countries can also stay in Italy for 90 days, by declaring their presence to the immigration office within 8 days of their arrival.

Select nationalities will need to obtain a short-stay visa to enter Italy, including residents of Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Ghana.

If you wish to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a D-visa, which is Italy’s long-stay program.

The visa application process usually takes between 1 and 3 weeks to get approved, and the process is relatively straightforward.

However, you will need to partake in an in-person interview and so it’s advisable to begin the process several months before your stay.

In order to qualify for the visa, you’ll need to fill in various paperwork and prove you’ll be able to support yourself financially while in the country.

The amount of money you’ll need to prove you have varies depending on how long you intend to stay in the country and ranges between €10 and €270 per day.

Digital Nomad Visa

Currently, there is no official digital nomad visa in Italy. However, the government is in the process of introducing a specific visa for non-EU remote workers, which was approved in March 2022.

So, it’s not a question of if Italy will be introducing a digital nomad visa, but when.

There is currently limited information about the visa available, but we do know that you’ll need to be a resident of a country outside of the EU to apply. You’ll also need to work for a company based outside of Italy.

There will be a minimum earning requirement, although this has not been set as of yet.

There are already many digital nomads living and working in Italy and the introduction of this visa will encourage even more remote workers to flock to this southern stretch of mainland Europe.

Best Places To Live In Italy For Digital Nomads

Italy is one of Europe’s best countries for digital nomads. As such, there are plenty of locations within the country that are suitable for remote workers and it can be difficult to choose between them.

Here are 5 of the best places to live in Italy for digital nomads.

Rome

Italy’s capital — Rome — is a unique mix of modernity and ancient civilization.

Built in the 8th century B.C., the city still features many monuments from over 2,000 years ago, including the renowned Temple of Hercules Victor and the Pantheon.

Not just for history buffs, Rome boasts some of the best food in Europe, as well as world-class shopping.

Most expats in Rome live in central neighborhoods including Trastevere, Prati, and Testaccio.

Digital nomads who have young families may consider staying in the Monteverde region, which has plenty of green spaces and international schools.

Expats typically choose these neighborhoods as they are within easy reach of the city center by foot or on public transportation while retaining a village feel.

You’ll have access to all of the amenities you need while experiencing the real Italy in any of these destinations.

Digital nomads in Rome can work from a number of coworking spaces, designed to help them connect with other like-minded individuals.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the best coworking spaces in Rome:

• Office 21
• BSide Coworking
• Impact Hub

There are dozens of coworking spots in Rome, meaning you’re bound to find one to your liking, whichever side of the city you’re on.

Milan

Milan is one of the most popular choices for digital nomads to live in Italy. This is due largely to the city’s unbeatable infrastructure, including high-speed internet and great accommodation.

With architecture, art, and monuments aplenty, everyone can find something to do in this energetic city.

Many expats choose to live outside of the city center, as the inner city can be a costly place to lay roots. However, you can use Milan’s easy metro system to make the short journey from the outer suburbs easily.

The neighborhoods that are popular with expats include Isola, Fiera, and Monza.

Those who prefer being in the center of the hustle and bustle can choose to live in Centro Storico or Brera, however, they can expect the price to reflect the area.

If you’re wondering if Milan is a safe place to live, you’ve no need to worry. The city has a low crime rate and as such is very safe for solo digital nomads and young families.

Digital nomads in Milan can choose to work from their rented accommodation. However, many enjoy the source of inspiration and change of pace that a coworking space provides.

Below, you’ll find some of the best coworking spaces in Milan:

• YoRoom
• Copernico
• Coworking Lab

Florence

Those who get bored easily should consider heading to Florence, where a thriving arts scene will keep even the most difficult-to-please captivated.

The entire city has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and its ancient landmarks range from the Ponte Vecchio to the Basilica of Santa Croce.

One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city for expats is Santo Spirito, where you’ll find plenty of other digital nomads to connect with. This part of the city is also cheaper to live in than more central neighborhoods.

Other areas you may choose to explore are San Frediano and San Marco.

If you’re wondering about the overall crime rate in Florence, you can relax as it’s a very safe city.

Like any city, pickpocketing is common in this Italian destination, but looking after your belongings is the only thing you’ll need to worry about.

Like other spots on this list, Florence has plenty of coworking spaces for digital nomads to hang out and enjoy a creative environment.

Below, you’ll discover some of the most highly-rated coworking spaces in Florence:

• 91C
• The Social Hub
• Impact Hub

Trieste

If you’re looking for a more authentically Italian experience, you may consider swapping the bright city lights of Milan and Florence with the small-town charm of Trieste.

Despite the city being noticeably smaller than others in this article, you can still enjoy all the amenities that the larger cities provide.

As a port city, Trieste enables expats to enjoy the ocean and dine on a feast of fresh seafood every night.

One of the best neighborhoods for expats to live in Trieste is Citta Vecchia. Located in the old part of Trieste, this central region can be on the pricier side, however, you’ll be rewarded with being in the heart of the action.

Alternatively, try finding an apartment to rent in San Giacomo or Rozzol.

Due to the intimate feeling that envelopes you when you step foot in Trieste, you’ll find that the city is a very safe place to live.

While the digital nomad scene is still developing in Trieste, there are several coworking spaces that you can explore.

Below, you’ll find some of the best coworking spaces in Trieste:

• LABY
• Regus
• SAGEMI

Palermo

Those who prefer island life can explore the capital city of Sicily — Palermo. Here you’ll find a melting pot of culture, history, and island charm, with picturesque beaches and spectacular architecture.

While you may be worried about internet connectivity on the island, you’ll be pleased to hear that Palermo has high-speed internet that rarely fails.

Many expats choose to live in Palermo as it is significantly cheaper than other Italian cities. Opt for an apartment in the Centro Storico region if you’re concerned with safety.

There are several coworking spaces to provide you with a change of scenery in Palermo. Below you’ll find several of the best ones to explore while in the city:

• PMO Colavoro
• Beet Community
• Atelier CoWork

Cost Of Living In Italy

The cost of living in Italy greatly depends on the region you choose and the type of lifestyle you wish to live.

For example, a budget meal costs between €10 and €15, while dining at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around €30 per person.

You can find dormitory-style accommodation in hostels of all main cities from around €20-€30 per night while renting costs upwards of €700 for a studio apartment.

If you choose to stay in the center of any city, you’ll be more likely to pay over €1,000 per month for a rental. Overall, the city you choose will largely determine your budget.

Those with tight purse strings may choose Palermo while those who have more money to spend can opt for the larger cities, such as Rome or Milan.

Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads In Italy

Italy is a bucket list destination and is an ideal location for digital nomads. In this European nation, you can find exquisite historical monuments, divine food, and a culture unlike any other.

While Italy isn’t the cheapest place for digital nomads to live in Europe, it is highly regarded as one of the best and offers great variety, with mountains, beaches, and rolling vineyards aplenty.

Plus the introduction of a digital nomad visa in Italy will make moving to the nation a doddle for anyone who is a remote worker.

So, if your budget allows, it’s definitely worth basing yourself in one of Italy’s expat-friendly cities for a while.

Not sure if Italy is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:

• Australia digital nomad visa
• Montenegro digital nomad visa
• Poland digital nomad visa