Italy Visa for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers: Requirements, Benefits, Application Process

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is a type of national D visa designed for remote workers and self-employed professionals who earn their income from clients or employers outside Italy. It allows holders to live and work in Italy for up to one year, with the option to renew.

How the visa is regulated

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa has a dedicated legal basis: Article 27.4 of Italy's Consolidated Immigration Act, introduced by Legislative Decree 152/2022 and made operational by Decree Law No. 79/2024^{[1]Source: Gazzetta Ufficiale — Decree Law No. 79/2024, 4 April 2024}.

The implementing rules define who qualifies as a digital nomad or remote worker and set the main eligibility requirements, including proof of remote work and sufficient income.

National D visa vs residence permit

The national D visa and the residence permit are two separate documents that work together. The D visa is issued by Italian consulates abroad, allowing digital nomads to enter Italy and stay longer than 90 days. It is valid for one year from issuance but does not itself grant residency rights.

After entering Italy, the holder must apply for a residence permit within eight working days at the local immigration office — this is the actual legal document granting the right to live in the country, access healthcare, and exercise other residency rights.

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa offers several significant advantages for remote workers seeking European residence, from quality of life to business opportunities and long-term settlement options.

1. Opportunity to move to Italy

Italy has a developed economy and a high standard of living. It attracts expats with its warm climate, local culture, cuisine, and historical landmarks. For example, the country is home to 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Entrepreneurs and investors appreciate Italy's central location in Europe, which allows it to maintain fast trade turnover and wide business connections with other European countries. In terms of GDP volume, Italy ranks 3rd in the European Union.

2. Prospects of obtaining Italian citizenship

If a digital nomad decides to stay in Italy, obtains residence, and lives there for at least ten years, they can apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

The Italian passport is one of the strongest globally, providing visa-free access to 179 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Japan.

As Italy is a member of the European Union, Italian citizens can reside in any other EU country, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, without needing a residence permit. They are entitled to live, work, start a business, and study freely in these countries.

3. Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

A residence permit in Italy allows visa-free entry into other Schengen Area countries. The allowed stay there is up to 90 days within 180 days.

Digital nomads can travel to meet clients, attend conferences, or work from coworking spaces in other Schengen countries without applying for a separate visa each time.

4. Prospect for family members to work or start a business in Italy

Digital nomads can bring their spouse and minor children to Italy through family reunification.

Family members can work, study, or start a business in the country. No Nulla Osta required — unlike other foreign workers in Italy.

5. Access to education and healthcare

Digital nomads can enrol their children in public kindergartens and schools. Enrolling a child in a private educational institution where classes are taught in English or another language is also possible.

Healthcare in Italy is a mix of public and private systems. Insurance covers most medical treatments. Italy ranks in the top 6 countries in the world for life expectancy and has a very low infant mortality rate.

Applicants qualifying for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa include:

• remote workers employed by companies registered outside of Italy;
• self-employed professionals providing services to international clients;
• freelancers with ongoing contracts or client portfolios;
• entrepreneurs managing businesses that do not require physical presence in their home jurisdiction.

Work must be fully remote and supported by highly qualified professional status. Applicants must also show six consecutive months of verified remote-work experience.

Core requirements checklist

Applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria to qualify for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
3. Have a clean criminal record: no convictions carrying more than one year of imprisonment under Italian law.
4. Earn at least €28,000 gross annually from remote work and be able to prove it by contracts, client agreements, or tax returns.
5. Be a highly skilled professional: demonstrate a post-secondary degree or at least 3 years of training or professional experience.
6. Have at least 6 months of remote-work experience provided contracts, invoices, or employer letters.
7. Secure accommodation in Italy by purchasing property or renting one for at least 1 year.
8. Hold valid health insurance: coverage must include medical expenses in Italy for the entire visa period.

Eligibility criteria for family members

Close family members may obtain residence together with the main applicant. Eligible dependents include: 

• spouse, 
• unmarried children under 18, 
• financially dependent parents with no other children in their country of origin or residence, or parents aged 65+ whose other children cannot support them due to documented serious health reasons.

Relatives apply for family reunification visas and submit their documents at the same time as the main Digital Nomad Visa application. Dependent visas are linked to the main applicant's residence permit and must be renewed together.

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa requires a specific set of documents to prove income, qualification, and remote work status. The exact list depends on the case, but the required documents stay the same for most applicants.

Basic documents for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Applicants for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa are required to present:

• copy of a valid passport;
• motivational letter and application description;
• Digital Nomad Visa Application form;
• diploma or proof of experience — at least 3 years for IT specialists and at least 5 years for other professions — supported by contracts, letters, invoices, or tax returns;
• proof of minimum annual income of €28,000 from remote work;
• employment contract or contracts with clients, confirming the remote work;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• lease agreement or an ownership certificate for residential property in Italy;
• medical insurance;
• proof of savings in the amount of €10,000 in the bank account.

Applying for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa with family members raises the savings requirement: €9,360 is required for a spouse and €1,560 for each child.

Additional documents for family applications

To include family members under the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, the main applicant needs to submit:

• certified copies of marriage certificates for spouses;
• birth certificates for children under 18;
• proof of financial dependency for parents over 65 — or under 65 if they have no other children able to support them in their home country and are fully dependent on the main applicant.

Financial dependency is demonstrated through tax returns, bank statements showing regular transfers, or affidavits.

Applicants for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa and residence permit must cover several mandatory and discretionary expenses:

1. National D visa consular fee — €116. Paid at the consulate in local currency.
2. Document apostille and legalisation — €200—500 per document, depending on the issuing country.
3. Sworn translation services — €300—800. Depends on number and length of documents.
4. Health insurance — €350—700 per person annually^{[2]Source: Feather Insurance — Private health insurance for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa}. Comprehensive coverage of at least €30,000 is required^{[3]Source: Italian Consulate General in Washington, D.C. — Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa}. 
5. Residence permit fee — €0—100. Varies by the local Questura office.
6. Property rental deposit and first month — €1,200—3,000. Depends on city and property size.

These are one-time or first-year costs. Renewal of the residence permit incurs minimal fees, but ongoing costs include annual health insurance premiums, property rental, and living expenses.

Digital nomads get their first residence permit cards for 1 year. Renewal is available if the holder continues to meet the programme requirements, including income level, remote work activity, and accommodation in Italy.

Residence permit validity

After the initial 1-year period, the residence permit is renewed for 2 years at a time. Subsequent renewals are also issued for 2-year periods and can be extended repeatedly.

When applying for renewal, a digital nomad must prove that they have been meeting the eligibility requirements throughout each renewal cycle.

Renewal eligibility criteria

To qualify for renewal of the Italy Digital Nomad residence permit, applicants must demonstrate:

• continuous compliance with the minimum annual income requirement of €28,000 from remote work, evidenced by updated employment contracts, client agreements, or tax returns;
• proof of ongoing remote work for a foreign company or international clients;
• valid health insurance or enrolment in the Italian national healthcare system;
• valid accommodation in Italy, supported by a renewed rental contract or proof of property ownership.

Renewal applications must be submitted at the local immigration office before the current permit expires.

Italy provides a structured route from temporary residence to permanent residence and later to citizenship by naturalisation. Each stage is defined by a clear timeline and specific legal requirements related to residence duration, integration, and compliance with national rules.

Permanent residence requirements

Applying for permanent residence is permitted after 5 years of living in Italy with a residence permit. It is important not to leave the country for more than six consecutive months or ten months in total during this period.

Applicants for permanent residence must demonstrate:

• sufficient income to support themselves and their families;
• Italian A2 level certification issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena, Università per Stranieri di Perugia, or Società Dante Alighieri;
• a registered address in Italy — either through a rental agreement or purchase of the residential property;
• proof of adequate housing meeting habitability standards.

Obtaining Italian citizenship

Italian citizenship is granted by naturalisation after 10 years of living in the country with residence. To qualify, applicants need to permanently reside in the country before applying, have a stable income, and a record of paying taxes. Also, they do not need to renounce other passports because Italy recognises dual citizenship.

The Italian passport is one of the strongest in terms of freedom of movement it provides. The document allows visa-free travel to 172 countries, as well as the right to live and work in any European Union state.

Digital nomads have the same rights as other Italian residents. They can:

• live in the country as long as their residence permits are valid;
• get free medical treatment in local clinics;
• study in Italian schools and universities;
• open accounts in Italian banks;
• travel to other countries of the Schengen Area without a visa.

Obtaining an Italian tax identification number

Digital nomads must obtain a codice fiscale, or Italian tax identification number. This ID is required for most administrative tasks, such as opening a bank account, signing a lease, and registering for healthcare.

In most cases, applicants receive it automatically when collecting their residence permit from the local police headquarters, Questura. If the codice fiscale was not issued at that point, digital nomads can request it directly from the local Agenzia delle Entrate office^{[4]Source: FiscoeTasse.com — Codice fiscale per stranieri}.

The codice fiscale is a laminated card with a unique identification code, and it's valid for life. Each family member must receive their own card.

Healthcare enrolment and SSN registration

Digital nomads can register with Italy's national health system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN. Access to the SSN gives digital nomads the same healthcare rights as Italian residents, including primary care, specialist visits, and hospital treatment.

To register, applicants go through voluntary registration, or iscrizione volontaria, at the local health authority, the Azienda Sanitaria Locale, in their municipality of residence.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• a valid residence permit;
• a valid identity document;
• codice fiscale;
• a self-certification of residence.

Registration requires a fixed annual contribution of at least €2,000^{[5]Source: ASL Sassari, official regional health authority — Informativa su contributi iscrizione volontaria, citing Law No. 213/2023}.

After registering, applicants receive a card called the tessera sanitaria, which grants access to services covered by the SSN. The card remains valid for the same period as the residence permit{{source: Source: Ministero della Salute & Ministero dell'Interno, official Italian ministries — Informa Salute}.

Foreigners who obtain residence after the Digital Nomad Visa begin to pay taxes only after becoming tax residents in Italy. 

Tax residency: the 183-day rule

Under Italian tax law^{[6]Source: PwC Tax Summaries — Italy: Individual — Residence}, tax residency is separate from residence permit status. This means that having a residence permit does not automatically qualify one as a tax resident.

An individual becomes a tax resident if they meet any of the following conditions in a calendar year:

• physical presence in Italy for more than 183 days;
• registration in the Italian civil registry;
• establishment of habitual residence or centre of vital interests in Italy.

Once classified as a tax resident, the individual is subject to taxation on all income, regardless of source. Digital nomads who remain in Italy continuously to maintain their residence permits will typically meet the tax residency threshold and will pay taxes on an equal basis with other tax residents.

Income tax rates and brackets

Italy applies a progressive national income tax, or IRPEF, with the following brackets: 

• €0—28,000 — 23%;
• €28,001—50,000 — 33%;
• over €50,000 — 43%.

In addition to national tax, regional and municipal surcharges apply, typically adding 1—3% depending on the municipality. There are no special exemptions or reduced rates for digital nomads. 

Flat-rate regime for freelancers

Self-employed digital nomads who register a Partita IVA in Italy may qualify for the flat-rate tax regime, regime forfettario, if their annual income is below €85,000. This applies regardless of where their clients are based — Italy or abroad. 

The regime replaces progressive IRPEF. Applicants pay a single substitute tax of 15%, reduced to 5% for the first five years if they weren't an Italian tax resident in the three preceding years.

Double taxation treaties 

Italy has double taxation treaties with more than 100 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European and Asian nations. These treaties allocate taxing rights based on residence and source of income, preventing the same income from being taxed twice^{[7]Source: Italian Trade Agency — Doing Business in Italy 2024, International agreements section}.

Digital nomads who remain tax residents of their home country, or earn income from treaty countries, can generally claim a foreign tax credit in Italy for taxes already paid abroad. The credit offsets Italian tax liability, up to the amount of Italian tax attributable to that foreign income^{[8]Source: PwC Tax Summaries — Italy: Individual — Foreign tax relief and tax treaties}.

INPS social security contributions

Self-employed digital nomads and freelancers registered in Italy must contribute to the national social security system, INPS. Rates depend on whether the applicant already has other mandatory pension coverage: around 26% for those who don't, and 24% for those who do^{[9]Source: INPS — Circolare n. 27 del 30 gennaio 2025 — Gestione Separata: aliquote contributive 2025}.

Remote employees of foreign companies generally don't pay INPS if they stay enrolled in their home country's social security system, under EU or bilateral agreements — usually by holding an A1 certificate or equivalent proof of coverage^{[10]Source: INPS — Workers moving within the EU: social security contributions / Portable Document A1}.

Authorities assess contribution obligations individually, considering employment status, income source, and applicable international agreements^{[11]Source: European Commission — EU social security coordination: which rules apply to me}.

Deductible business expenses for digital nomads

Italy Digital Nomad Visa holders can deduct eligible business expenses. However, this applies only to some of them.

Remote employees pay tax on their salary as Italian residents. Their employer covers business costs abroad, so there are no expenses for the employee to deduct^{[12]Source: Italy Law Firms — Full Remote Work, Taxes, Cost of Living in Italy for Expats}.

Self-employed nomads with a Partita IVA usually fall under the regime forfettario. This flat-rate scheme taxes a fixed share of revenue — 5% for the first five years, then 15% — based on the applicant’s activity code^{[13]Source: Agenzia delle Entrate — Regime forfetario (Law No. 190/2014, Art. 1, paragraphs 54–89)}. Expenses such as training, equipment, and travel are not deducted separately, because the flat rate already accounts for them^{[14]Source: Fiscomania — Il coefficiente di redditività nel regime forfettario}.

Self-employed nomads who exceed the €85,000 forfettario threshold move to Italy's ordinary tax regime. Under this regime, tax applies to net profit, and applicants can deduct real, documented expenses — training, conferences, and certain travel costs — under standard Italian tax rules^{[15]Source: PwC Tax Summaries — Italy: Individual — Income determination}.

Italy offers numerous cities suitable for digital nomads, each with distinct advantages in terms of lifestyle, infrastructure, cost of living, and professional networking opportunities.

Rome

Rome is Italy's capital and the largest city, known for its rich culture and many historical sites. It is located in Central Italy and offers good transport connections to all parts of the country and other European states.

The city has high living standards and developed infrastructure. It boasts many coworking spaces and cafés with Internet connection as well as leisure activities. There is also a large community of expats, including digital nomads, and many networking events.

On average, a single person needs around €3,200 per month for a moderate level of living. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is €850—1,300.

There are smaller towns around Rome where the cost of living is lower. Some of them are Ostia, Ciampino, Fiumicino, Frascati, and Tivoli. Trains connecting the capital and its suburbs run from early morning to late at night, making it easy to get to the capital in less than one hour.

Milan

Milan is the second-largest city in Italy, located in the northern part of the country. It is known as a fashion, cultural, and financial hub. It also offers a blend of modern amenities and historical and cultural richness.

The Internet in Milan is one of the fastest in Italy^{[16]Source: Fondazione Ugo Bordoni — Misura Internet Mobile 2023 Report, commissioned by AGCOM}, with a download speed of around 90 Mbps. In comparison, the average speed of the Internet in the world is 92 Mbps. The country also has the largest number of coworking spaces.

The cost of living in Milan is relatively high. On average, a single person needs around €1,000 per month, excluding rent. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city center costs €1,200—1,800.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany, a region known for picturesque landscapes with vineyards and olive groves. It is also the birthplace of the Renaissance, and thus there are many galleries and museums.

Florence is located in the centre of Tuscany, making exploring the region and enjoying its gems easy. This city is an excellent destination for digital nomads who want to dive into culture and have a relaxed lifestyle. The fact that Florence is one of the safest cities in Italy also contributes to a peaceful atmosphere.

Living in Florence is rather expensive but more affordable than in Milan. On average, a single person needs around €1,000 per month; the renting cost is €850—1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Palermo

Palermo is located on the island of Sicily on the board of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It suits digital nomads who like to sunbathe, swim, or engage in water activities.

One of Palermo's main advantages is its climate. It is pleasant, with long and warm summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 18°C, and there are more than 300 sunny days.

Palermo is relatively affordable compared with Rome, Milan, and Florence. For a moderate lifestyle, one needs around €800 per month, and renting costs €500—850.

Turin

Turin is located in northern Italy, a two-hour drive from Milan, and surrounded by the Alps. In winter, ski resorts function around Turin, allowing Italians and foreigners to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. According to Numbeo, it is the best Italian city in terms of quality of life.

Turin is also known as an innovation hub with institutions like the Politecnico di Torino and major tech companies working there. This creates opportunities for networking and collaboration, especially for IT specialists.

The city is more affordable than Rome, Milan, and Florence. The average cost of living there is around €900 per month, and renting a one-bedroom apartment would cost €500—1000.

Foreigners obtain a national D visa to Italy based on different grounds. However, some visas do not grant the right to work in the country. For instance, the Residenza Elettiva, a visa for foreigners with passive income, is granted on the condition that visa holders will not work in Italy.

Golden Visa for investors

The Italian Golden Visa, introduced in 2017, is a national D visa available to wealthy individuals who invest €250,000 or more in the Italian economy.
The visa is issued to foreigners over 18 with legal income and no criminal record. Investors can add family members to the application: a spouse and minor children. Children over 18 and parents can be included if the investor financially supports them.

To obtain the Italian Golden Visa, applicants choose one of the following options:

• purchase shares in an innovative startup for €250,000+;
• acquire shares in a local limited liability company for €500,000+.

The application process has three steps:

1. Nulla Osta. Before applying for the visa, investors obtain a Nulla Osta through the Investor Visa for Italy Committee's online portal — a pre-approval certificate confirming there is no impediment to the proposed investment. No funds need to be transferred at this stage.
2. D visa. Once the Nulla Osta is granted, investors submit documents for the D visa at the Italian consulate responsible for their place of residence, attaching medical insurance and a lease or purchase agreement for residential property in Italy. The D visa is valid for two years and allows investors to enter the country.
3. Residence permit. Within 8 days of arrival, investors apply for a residence permit — this is what grants the right to actually stay in Italy. The qualifying investment must be completed within 3 months of entry.

The residence permit is issued for 2 years and can be renewed for another 3 years, provided the investment is maintained.

Self-employment visa

The Lavoro Autonomo is a national D visa for self-employment in Italy. It is obtained by freelancers, startup owners, and entrepreneurs. The visa allows staying in the country for more than 90 consecutive days, opening a business, and working remotely.

The application process has three steps:

1. Nulla Osta. Before applying for the visa, applicants obtain a Nulla Osta and work permit from the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
2. D visa. Applications are submitted in person or through a representative with power of attorney, at the Italian consulate responsible for the applicant's place of citizenship or residence. The D visa allows the applicant to enter Italy.
3. Residence permit. Within 8 days of arrival, the applicant applies for a residence permit, which grants the right to stay and work in the country.

The residence permit is issued for 2 years and can be renewed.

The Self-Employment visa is issued within quotas, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 cards per year. At the beginning of every year, the Italian government publishes a decree regarding the acceptance of documents from foreign workers. This decree remains in effect for several months. At other times, obtaining this type of visa is impossible.

Special Cases Visa for professionals

The Special Cases Visa, or Lavoro Casi Particolari Previsti, is a work visa issued outside the quotas. It can be obtained by company executives and employees, teachers and university professors, researchers, translators, journalists, athletes, or artists.

The applicant signs an employment contract with an Italian company and requests a Nulla Osta. Then, they arrive in Italy and submit documents for a residence permit for work purposes within 8 working days.

The first residence card is usually issued for one year with the possibility of renewal.

High tax rates. Italy's progressive income tax rates range from 23% to 43%. Regional and municipal surcharges add up to 3% on top, resulting in an effective top marginal rate approaching 46% for high-income earners.  

No exemptions. Unlike some digital nomad tax regimes offered in other European countries, Italy does not provide specific tax exemptions or reduced rates for digital nomads. For example, Greece offers a temporary 50% tax reduction on employment income for qualifying new tax residents under its expatriate tax incentive scheme.

Self-employed individuals earning below €85,000 annually may qualify for Italy’s flat-rate tax regime, which is a simplified taxation system for eligible sole traders and freelancers and applies a 15% tax rate. However, this option is subject to specific eligibility criteria and is not guaranteed for all applicants.

Immigrant Invest is an international consulting company with 20 years of experience and over 10,000 clients. Our team specialises in residence permits and citizenship by investment programmes. Our in-house AML Compliance Department assesses applicants' backgrounds at the early stages to minimise refusal risks.

For digital nomads seeking Italian residence, we provide the following support:

1. Preliminary Due Diligence to assess eligibility and identify potential refusal risks.
2. Document preparation, including verification of income, professional qualifications, and remote work experience.
3. Visa application support, from completing forms to preparing documents for submission to the Italian consulate.
4. Residence permit assistance after arrival in Italy, including guidance on the required formalities.

1. The Italy Digital Nomad Visa offers a viable pathway for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking residence in the European Union with access to Schengen travel and eventual permanent residence or citizenship.
2. The programme is best suited for highly qualified applicants who can meet the €28,000 annual income threshold, are willing to establish genuine residence in Italy, and accept Italy's progressive income tax regime without special exemptions.
3. Cross-border tax planning is essential for applicants who remain tied to their home country's tax system, especially for US, UK, and Canadian citizens subject to worldwide taxation or complex residence rules.
4. Applicants for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa can bring a spouse, unmarried children under 18, and eligible dependent parents, but families should budget for additional housing and healthcare costs.
5. The programme is most attractive to digital nomads who value Italian lifestyle, culture, and EU mobility.