Italy’s digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers who are employed by a company outside of Italy or who have their own business with clients predominantly based abroad. This visa allows holders to live and work in Italy for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. To qualify for the digital nomad visa, applicants must prove that they have a stable income of at least €2,500-3,000 per month from their remote work. They must also have comprehensive health insurance coverage for their entire stay in Italy.
Freelancer visa
Italy’s freelancer visa is geared towards self-employed individuals who want to offer their services to clients in Italy and/or establish their own business in the country. The freelancer visa requires applicants to demonstrate relevant skills, experience, and sufficient financial resources for their stay in Italy. They must also present a detailed business plan outlining their proposed activities and potential clients in Italy. Once approved, freelancer visa holders are required to register as self-employed workers with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Tax Agency, as well as obtain a VAT number (partita IVA) and comply with all relevant tax and social security obligations.
Key differences
After covering the basics of each visa, let’s dive into the key differences between the digital nomad visa Italy and the freelancer visa:
- Purpose – The digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers who are employed by or have clients outside of Italy, while freelancers can offer their services to Italian clients or establish a business in Italy.
- Business setup – Digital nomad visa holders are not required to set up a local business in Italy. In contrast, freelancer visa holders must register as self-employed workers and comply with Italian business regulations.
- Taxation – Digital nomad visa holders may be subject to Italian income tax only on their Italy-sourced income. In contrast, freelancer visa holders are required to pay Italian taxes on their worldwide income.
- Client base – Digital nomad visa holders must have a client base predominantly outside of Italy, while freelancer visa holders can work with Italian clients and businesses.
- Renewal – Both visas are initially valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Still, the renewal process and requirements may differ depending on the visa type and the holder’s specific circumstances.
Choosing between the digital nomad visa and the freelancer visa ultimately depends on your circumstances, work situation, and long-term goals. If you are a remote worker with a stable income from a company or clients outside of Italy and you want to experience living in the country without the complexities of setting up a local business, the digital nomad visa italy may be the best choice for you. Suppose you are a self-employed professional looking to expand your client base to Italy or establish your own business in the country. In that case, the freelancer visa might be a better fit. It’s important to carefully review the requirements, gather all necessary documents, and get professional guidance to ensure a smooth application process.