Digital Nomad Visa

Italy's Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali e Lavoratori da Remoto) allows non-EU nationals who perform highly qualified remote work to live in Italy while working for employers, clients, or their own businesses located outside Italian territory. The program became operational in April 2024 following the Interministerial Decree of 29 February 2024 and targets two categories: digital nomads (self-employed, freelancers, independent professionals) and remote workers (employees of a foreign company). A key advantage is that this visa falls outside the annual immigration quota system and does not require a work authorization, simplifying the entry process.

• Non-EU/EEA citizen performing highly qualified remote work
• Must qualify through one of four pathways: university degree of at least 3 years, regulated profession certification, 5 years of relevant professional experience, or 3 years of experience for ICT managers and specialists
• At least 6 months of prior experience in the relevant work activity
• Minimum annual income of approximately €24,789–€25,500 from remote work (in practice, consulates often expect €28,000–€30,000)
• Must work for employers or clients located outside Italy
• Income must derive from active remote work — passive income such as pensions, investments, or savings does not qualify

• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the visa period and 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
• Completed national visa application form
• Two ICAO-standard passport photographs (35×40mm, colour, white background)
• Proof of qualifying profession (degree recognition via CIMEA, professional certification, or documented work experience)
• Proof of minimum annual income (payslips, tax returns, or bank statements — some consulates now request up to 12 months of statements)
• Health insurance certificate with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for the entire stay
• Registered rental contract with the Agenzia delle Entrate or property ownership document in Italy (hotel reservations and hospitality declarations are not accepted)
• Documentation of at least 6 months of prior work experience
• Remote workers must also provide an employment contract and employer declaration confirming no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

The residence permit is issued for up to 1 year with the designation "nomade digitale – lavoratore da remoto." Renewal must be requested at least 60 days before expiry at the provincial Questura, provided all conditions continue to be met. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, holders may apply for an EU long-term residence permit.

Visa holders may sponsor a spouse (not legally separated) and children under 18 (including stepchildren with parental consent) through family reunification at the local Questura. Parents and adult dependants over 18 are not eligible. Family reunification processing occurs after the main applicant has established residence.

A codice fiscale (tax identification number) is assigned as part of the residence permit process. Self-employed digital nomads must register for a partita IVA (VAT number) and comply with Italian social security contributions (INPS). Holders who spend 183 or more days per year in Italy become tax residents and are subject to progressive income tax on worldwide income at rates from 23% to 43%. Italy has an extensive network of double taxation treaties. A proposed dedicated tax incentive for digital nomads (50% income reduction for five years) was discussed during the 2026 Budget Law proceedings but was not included in the final legislation.

Applications are submitted at the Italian embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. Some consulates accept applications by mail, while others require in-person submission. Since January 2025, fingerprinting is mandatory for all national visa applicants (children under 12 are exempt). Processing takes up to 90 days for remote workers and up to 120 days for digital nomads — some consulates cite 45–90 business days. The visa application fee is €116, adjusted quarterly.

Upon arrival in Italy, the holder must apply for a residence permit at the provincial Questura within 8 working days.

Law 131/2025 (effective September 2025) introduced employer social security contribution exemptions for companies adopting remote work in mountain municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants: 100% exemption (capped at €8,000/worker/year) for 2026–2027, reducing to 50% for 2028–2029 and 20% for 2030. While not specific to the digital nomad visa, this creates complementary incentives for remote workers settling in Italy's low-density areas.

• The accommodation requirement is strict: a registered rental contract with the Agenzia delle Entrate or a property deed is required. Third-party hospitality declarations and hotel bookings are not accepted.
• Non-EU university degrees must be validated through CIMEA or a Declaration of Value, with documents apostilled and accompanied by certified Italian translations.
• Consular scrutiny of documentation has increased in 2026, particularly around income stability and accommodation proof.
• Overstaying is a criminal offence with fines of €5,000 to €10,000 and potential expulsion.
• A residence permit may be revoked if the holder is absent from Italy for a continuous period exceeding 6 months.