Italy

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 from remote work
• Must work for employers or clients located outside Italy

• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the visa period and 2 blank pages
• Completed national visa application form
• Two ICAO-standard passport photographs
• 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 for the most recent 3 months)
• Health insurance certificate with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for the entire stay
• Registered rental contract 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

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. Processing takes up to 90 days for remote workers and up to 120 days for digital nomads. 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. The residence permit is issued with the designation "nomade digitale – lavoratore da remoto" for up to one year.

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. 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%.

Renewal must be requested at least 60 days before the permit expires at the provincial Questura. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, holders may apply for an EU long-term residence permit.

• 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.
• 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.

Links

• https://conslosangeles.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/visa-type/digital-nomad-remote-worker-visa/
• https://consnewyork.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/visas-to-enter-italy/digital-nomad-remote-worker-visa/
• https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/3736/Nomadi-digitali-e-lavoratori-da-remoto-ecco-le-regole

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Europe