why wait ITALY

Digital Nomad Visa

Discover Italy's new Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Learn about eligibility, application process, and benefits.

Checklist:

  1. Applicant must be a 'highly-skilled' worker performing work remotely

  2. Can be either a freelancer or an employee working for companies in Italy or abroad

  3. Must possess the requisite technological skills and tools to work remotely

  4. Valid for 1 year, renewable if requirements are still met

  5. Education requirement:

    • University or college degree (minimum 3 years) from an accredited institution

      OR

    • Suitable industry accreditation or licence

  6. Work experience:

    • At least 6 months of experience in the intended remote work industry
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      OR

    • 5 years work experience for applicants without a university degree

  7. Proof of accommodation:

    • Certified copy of property purchase contract (title deed)
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      OR

    • Property gift transfer
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      OR

    • Life interest
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      OR

    • Registered lease

    Note: Several consulates have accepted alternative accommodation arrangements

  8. For employees:

    • Must provide existing employment contract or binding employment offer

    • Employer must sign an affidavit stating no convictions of specific immigration crimes in the past 5 years

  9. Minimum annual income of €28,000

    • Private medical insurance with €30,000 coverage across the European Union for the entire stay duration

      Step 1:
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      Book your Initial Consultation

      Get Started

      Details:

      This visa is the new kid on the block and it's a game changer.

      Applications are open to 'highly-skilled' workers who perform their work through remote technology either as self-employed or as employees working for businesses based in Italy or abroad.

      Valid for one year, it's renewable when applicants continue to meet the requirements.

      The visa regulations set out the distinction between a 'digital nomad' and a 'remote worker'. While the Digital Nomad visa is available to both categories, there are several additional criteria stipulated for remote workers.

      A 'remote worker' is a subordinate worker (employee) who can use digital tools to work for their employer from abroad or from any place other than a central office operated by the employer. Remote workers may apply for a "subordinate work/remote worker visa". They must provide:

      • An existing employment contract, or binding employment offer

      • An affidavit filed with the Italian Consulate, signed by their employer, stating the latter has not been convicted of specific immigration crimes within the past 5 years

      A 'digital nomad' is an autonomous self-employed or freelance worker using (digital) technology to carry on his/her activities. The regulations do not stipulate that engagement letters, retainers, or other evidence of contracts between self-employed digital nomads and their clients are required. However, some consulates may request them. Self-employed applicants should also be prepared to provide a (personal) background check.

      All applicants, whether employees or self-employed, must demonstrate a minimum annual income of €28,000. This financial threshold is critical and can significantly impact the likelihood of approval. Applicants will need to provide documentation such as:

      • Previous fiscal year tax returns from the country of residence

      • Bank statements

      • Employment/client contracts

      Initially, the regulations allowed for the income amount to come from sources generated outside of the Digital nomad's principal activity. However, some Consulates may require proof that the entire €28,000 is earned from their work as a digital nomad.

      Proof of accommodation arrangements are required. Applicants will need to produce one of the following:

      • A certified copy of a property purchase contract (title deed)

      • A registered lease

      • Property gift transfer

      • A life interest

      Applicants for this visa must hold a private medical insurance policy with €30,000 coverage across the European Union for the entire duration of their stay.

      Available Tax Benefits:

      • Tax discount of 50% - 60% on employment income for 5 years for employees or self-employed individuals who take up residency throughout Italy from 2024 .

      • Freelancers with annual turnover under €85,000 can opt for a 5% tax rate for 5 years for a new business or 15% for ongoing business activities.

      Get Started

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Why Wait Italy offers a truly end-to-end, white-glove relocation service specifically designed for English-speaking clients. Unlike many consultancies, our key differentiator lies in our integrated approach. Founded by an Australian-trained lawyer with deep international business experience, we combine:
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      1. Legal & Tax Integration: Comprehensive visa packages include consultations with our vetted network of English-speaking Italian legal and tax professionals, alongside step-by-step guidance for your Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale) and Permit to Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno). This expert guidance often incurs significant extra costs elsewhere (typically ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 USD combined).

      2. Technology-Enhanced Process: We utilize a secure, user-friendly client portal for streamlined document submission, application tracking, and communication, minimizing common errors and providing real-time updates.

      3. Holistic Support: From the initial strategy assessment to post-arrival support, we provide step-by-step guidance, personalized assistance, and proactive communication, ensuring a smoother transition to life in Italy.

      4. Transparent Pricing: Our package fees are clearly outlined upfront, with no hidden costs for the included core services.

      We maintain a curated network of highly reputable, experienced, and vetted English-speaking legal and taxation professionals based in Italy. Crucially, initial consultations with these experts are integrated into our comprehensive visa service packages. This ensures you receive timely, accurate, and reliable advice tailored specifically to your chosen immigration pathway and personal circumstances directly from qualified Italian professionals, without the need to source and vet them independently. Our founder's legal background also provides an additional layer of understanding in coordinating these essential advisory services.

      Protecting your personal information is paramount. We employ bank-grade encryption and operate a secure, dedicated client portal for all document submissions and sensitive communications. Our processes strictly adhere to the data protection protocols mandated by GDPR EU legislation, ensuring the confidentiality and security of your information throughout your relocation journey.

      You can expect comprehensive, "white-glove" support from our dedicated team throughout the entire process. This includes:
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      • Personalized Guidance: Tailored advice and step-by-step instructions specific to your visa type and situation.
      • Proactive Updates: Regular communication and status updates via our secure client portal.
      • Dedicated Assistance: Prompt responses to your queries and ongoing support from initial strategy and document-preparation guidance through to consular-interview coaching and post-arrival requirements like the Permesso di Soggiorno.
      • Coordination: Seamless management of included consultations with legal and tax professionals.Our goal is to make the complex process as clear, manageable, and stress-free as possible.

      While our meticulous process aims to anticipate and prevent issues, immigration procedures can sometimes present unexpected challenges. With our extensive experience and legal understanding, our approach is to proactively identify potential hurdles before they occur. Should complications arise, we work collaboratively with you, leveraging our expertise and our network of Italian professionals to develop effective, tailored solutions quickly. Our focus is on navigating challenges efficiently to keep your application on track and achieve your relocation goals.

      The process begins with our mandatory Initial Consultation:

      1. Book Consultation: Visit the Why Wait Italy website to schedule and pay for your 40-minute preliminary visa assessment via video consultation.
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      2. Assessment Call: During this call, we'll discuss your goals, assess your individual circumstances, and recommend the most suitable immigration strategy and visa pathway for you.
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      3. Engage Services: Following the consultation, if you decide to proceed, you will receive a private link of your service agreement to sign to formally engage our services and commence work on your chosen visa package.

      No immigration consultancy can, or should, guarantee visa approval. The final decision always rests solely with the relevant Italian authorities (e.g., the Italian Consulate in your jurisdiction or the Questura in Italy).

      However, a core part of our service and ethical commitment is proactive assessment and honesty. During our initial evaluation and throughout the preparation process, based on our extensive experience, if we identify significant factors that make visa approval highly unlikely or problematic, it is our responsibility to inform you directly. Our goal is to identify and mitigate potential issues before an application reaches the decision stage, allowing us to adjust strategy, address concerns, or manage expectations realistically.

      We believe in transparency and do not make promises we cannot keep. While we cannot guarantee the final outcome decided by the authorities, engaging Why Wait Italy ensures your application is meticulously prepared, complete, and compelling. Our expertise, integrated legal/tax support, and proactive approach significantly maximize your chances of a successful outcome by presenting the strongest possible case.