So you’ve made the decision: you’re ready to swap your home office for a beachside coworking space—or maybe a quiet countryside villa. You know about Digital Nomad Visas, you’ve checked out a few destinations, and now you’re wondering: how long does it actually take to get one? Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but knowing what to expect will save you a lot of guesswork (and headaches).
Let’s start with the basics: the application timeline for a Digital Nomad Visa can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the country, the completeness of your paperwork, and even things like embassy backlog or local holidays. Some countries like Costa Rica or Portugal have relatively streamlined processes, while others—like Italy, which recently launched its own digital nomad visa—may still be smoothing out administrative wrinkles.
But here’s the deal: it’s not just about how long the government takes. A huge chunk of time often gets eaten up before you even hit “submit”.
The pre-application phase: where most delays happen
Think of the visa process as having two stages: pre-application and processing. And let’s be honest—gathering all the required documents can be a project in itself. Most digital nomad visa programs ask for:
- Proof of remote income (with minimum income requirements, often around €2,000–€3,000/month)
- Health insurance that covers your destination country
- A clean criminal background check
- Proof of employment or business ownership
Valid passport with sufficient validity
Some countries also require things like local accommodation contracts, bank statements, tax documents, or even certified translations. And if you’re applying from a country with long bureaucratic wait times (we’re looking at you, FBI background checks in the U.S.), just gathering your paperwork can take 3–6 weeks or more.
Here’s a practical tip: build a checklist based on your target country and get your documents in order before you apply. That way, when the application window opens, you’re not scrambling to find that one bank letter from six months ago.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application is in, the waiting game begins. Depending on the country, you might hear back within 15–45 days—especially in places like Croatia, Estonia, or Spain, which have already been issuing digital nomad visas for a while. Other destinations, like Italy or Greece, may take up to 90 days or longer, especially if applications are reviewed in batches or routed through consulates.
Visa approval timelines vary not just by country but by the embassy or consulate handling your case. Some are faster. Some are overloaded. It helps to research online communities or Reddit threads where applicants share real-time updates on wait times.
And here’s another layer: in some countries, once your visa is approved, you may still need to complete in-country steps, like registering with the local immigration office or applying for a residence permit card. That can tack on a few extra weeks after arrival—so don’t book your one-way ticket until you understand the full process.
Timing strategy: when should you start?
If you’re planning to relocate as a digital nomad, it’s smart to give yourself at least 2–3 months to prepare, but here’s the good news: Italy is making that process more welcoming than ever. With its newly launched Italian Digital Nomad Visa, the country is stepping confidently into the remote work era, offering not just stunning landscapes and world-class food—but a clear legal pathway for non-EU remote professionals who want to stay longer, work legally, and truly immerse themselves in Italian life.
While some countries are still ironing out the fine print, Italy has put serious effort into building a structured, official process. And when you’re equipped with the right documents—and the right guidance—the timeline becomes a lot more predictable. In many cases, applicants can receive approvals within 30–60 days, especially when supported by a team familiar with the system.
Unlike some destinations where digital nomad applications still feel like trial runs, Italy has committed to welcoming remote workers as long-term residents—not short-term tourists. That means less bureaucracy once you’re in, and more stability as you plan your life abroad.
Bottom line? If you’re serious about making the move, with the right support behind you, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
You’re not just applying for a visa. You’re choosing where to live, work, and thrive next. And Italy is making that decision easier than ever.
Get in touch with our team and let’s explore whether the Italian Digital Nomad Visa is the right fit for your lifestyle, goals, and timeline. We’ll walk you through the requirements, help assess your eligibility, and map out the steps—so you can focus on planning your new life, not paperwork.
