There’s a lot of misinformation online about Italy’s digital nomad visa. When I was researching, I found plenty of confusing (and sometimes just plain wrong!) advice. That’s why I want to share my real experience as someone who has successfully been granted the Italian Digital Nomad Visa from the U.K. in September 2024.
If you’re dreaming of living and working in Italy, here’s exactly how the process went, plus one major curveball no one tells you about…
Step 1: Contacting the Italian Consulate
Your first step is always with the consulate. In the U.K., you apply through the Italian Consulate that covers your region.
This is where you’ll get the official requirements, book your appointment, and submit your application.
Step 2: Preparing Your Application
The application itself can feel overwhelming, so here’s what I had to prepare:
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of income (to show you can support yourself while living in Italy)
- Certificates and Professional Memberships
- Health insurance covering your time in Italy
- Passport photos and valid passport
Make sure you check your local consulate’s website for the most up-to-date list of requirements, as these can vary.
Step 3: Booking Your Appointment
You’ll need to book an appointment at the consulate. Availability can be tricky, so book as early as possible. For the U.K., this process is handled through VFS. Set up an account with them and book your appointment via their system.
Step 4: The Appointment Day
On the day of your appointment:
- Arrive on time and organised
- Bring printed copies of everything (as well as the originals)
- Pay your visa fee
Step 5: Meeting the Requirements
One of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of the process is proving your accommodation in Italy.
You’ll need a registered lease contract (contratto registrato) in Italy, which isn’t as simple as just booking an Airbnb. This part can be tricky if you don’t yet live in Italy, but it’s essential to your application.
The Curveball No One Tells You About
Here’s the surprise I wasn’t prepared for: your lease must be officially registered with the Italian tax authorities. This can delay things and add an extra layer of complexity. Make sure you work with a landlord who knows how to register the lease properly.
How Long Does It Take?
From start to finish, the process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on your consulate, how quickly you gather documents, and whether your lease is registered correctly.
Is the Digital Nomad Visa Worth It?
For me, absolutely. I became one of the first successful applicants from the U.K., and now I get to live and work in Italy legally, enjoying the beauty of Lake Como and beyond. But it’s not without its challenges, especially when it comes to residency and bringing your family with you. I explore this more in depth in my Permesso di Soggiorno Video here.
If you’re prepared, organised, and committed, the Italian Digital Nomad Visa can open the door to your Italian dream.
✨ Next Steps:
- Check out my full step-by-step guide to give you the exact framework and checklists you’ll need for preparing to move to Italy- The Italian Relocation Starter Pack.
- Watch the next part of my journey on YouTube: Italian Digital Nomad Visa Success, Now What?
- Subscribe on YouTube and follow me on Instagram @debsthorpe for more expat life in Italy.
☕️ If this guide has helped you, I’d love to share a coffee (or spritz!) together. You can support me here: Buy Me a Coffee.