Digital Nomads

Living in Italy as a Digital Nomad

The practical side of living in Italy as a remote worker: finding a flat, the codice fiscale, phones and internet, trains and getting around, healthcare, community, Italian customs and staying safe.

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Daily life in Italy is a pleasure: markets, cafes, passeggiata and long dinners. Setting up takes patience, because bureaucracy is slow and housing is tight in the big cities. This page covers the practical details.

Renting a Place#

  • Where to look. Immobiliare.it, Idealista and Subito are the main portals; Spotahome, HousingAnywhere and Uniplaces list furnished mid-term rentals; city Facebook groups are busy.
  • Transitional leases (contratto transitorio) of 1 to 18 months suit nomads; long leases usually run four years plus four.
  • Deposit is usually two or three months, plus agency fees if you use an agent.
  • Registered lease. Make sure the lease is registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate; you need it for residence.
  • Scams are common in Rome, Milan and Florence: never pay before viewing.

Phones and Internet#

  • SIM cards: Iliad, Ho., WindTre, TIM and Vodafone sell cheap prepaid plans; you need your passport and codice fiscale. EU roaming rules apply.
  • Home internet: fibre of 1 Gbps or more is common; contracts often run 24 months, so rentals with internet included are easier.
  • Apps worth having: Trenitalia and Italo (trains), FreeNow and itTaxi (taxis), Glovo and Deliveroo (delivery), and WhatsApp.

Getting Around#

High-speed trains link the main cities, and regional trains reach almost everywhere cheaply. Milan, Rome, Naples and Turin have metros; buses and trams fill the gaps. Historic centres are best on foot, and many have limited traffic zones (ZTL) that fine unauthorised cars automatically. A car helps in the countryside and the south.

Healthcare#

Italian healthcare is good. Residents can register with the SSN for an annual fee; nomads often use private clinics and insurance. Pharmacies are excellent. For emergencies, call 112. Get health insurance, which the visa requires.

Community and Meeting People#

Milan has the biggest international and startup community; Rome, Florence, Bologna and Naples have smaller nomad groups. Coworking events, language exchanges, aperitivo and Facebook groups are the easiest ways in. Learning Italian makes a huge difference outside the big cities.

Customs and Etiquette#

  • Coffee: cappuccino is a morning drink; after lunch, Italians order espresso.
  • Meal times: lunch from 1pm, dinner from 8pm or later.
  • Greetings: “buongiorno” and “buonasera” when entering shops.
  • Churches: cover shoulders and knees.
  • August: many businesses close around Ferragosto (15 August).

Safety#

Italy is generally safe. Pickpocketing is common in Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples and on crowded trains and buses. Watch for scams around major sights, and be careful with bags in busy areas.

Emergency number: 112.

Everyday Life FAQs#

How do I find a flat in Italy as a digital nomad?

Use Spotahome, HousingAnywhere or Uniplaces for furnished mid-term rentals, or Immobiliare.it and Idealista for longer leases. Make sure your lease is registered.

What is a codice fiscale?

Italy’s tax code, needed for leases, SIM cards, bank accounts and many contracts. Get one at an Agenzia delle Entrate office or an Italian consulate.

Is Italy safe for digital nomads?

Yes. Pickpocketing in big cities and tourist areas is the main risk.

Do I need to speak Italian?

In Milan and Rome you can manage in English, but Italian helps a lot with bureaucracy, landlords and life outside the big cities.