Italy has launched a Digital Nomad Visa: requirements and benefits explained

Italy started accepting applications for the Digital Nomad Visa in April 2024. Highly skilled professionals are now eligible for a one-year residency in Italy.

To qualify, applicants demonstrate a monthly remote income of €2,700 or more. Additionally, they need to purchase medical insurance and either rent or buy property in Italy.

Author •Igor Buglo

Head of the Maltese office, MBA

Italy has launched a Digital Nomad Visa: requirements and benefits explained

Freelancers and remote workers employed by foreign companies can now apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Italy. The relevant decree was published in the country’s Official Gazette on April 4th, 2024.

According to Italian law, a digital nomad is a non-EU citizen who works remotely "using technological means."

The Italian government approved the creation of a new visa two years ago, but the program’s conditions have only recently been revealed.

Requirements for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa include:

a monthly income of €2,700 or an annual income of €32,400;
savings of €30,000 or more;
remote work for at least the past 6 months;
higher education and confirmed professional experience;
purchased or rented property in Italy;
medical insurance for the entire duration of the residence permit;
no criminal record.

Italian Digital Nomad Visa grants a one-year residence permit. The status can be extended: the next residence permit will be valid for two years.

Types of Residence Permits in Italy: Requirements, Documents, and Validity Period

Italy residence permit types in 2024

Foreigners can apply for a residence permit in Italy while on its territory by visiting the local police station.

Digital nomads' relatives, including spouses, children under 18, and parents, obtain residence permits in Italy through family reunification.

For each family member included in the application, the required savings increase by €3,500 — €4,000, while the minimum income remains unchanged.

For example, if a digital nomad plans to relocate alone, they demonstrate a monthly income of €2,700 and savings of €30,000. If a spouse is included in the application, the income requirement remains €2,700 per month, while the savings sum increases to €34,000.

The Digital Nomad Visa grants the right to obtain permanent residency in Italy. To qualify, one must reside in the country for 5 years.

Where else can digital nomads get visas or residence permits

More and more countries are launching their own Digital Nomad Visas. Among them are Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and New Zealand.

The highest demand for Digital Nomad Visas is in Portugal, Spain, and Malta. The conditions of these programs are similar to the requirements of the new Italy Digital Nomad Visa:

Applicants demonstrate a certain amount of monthly income.
They provide a contract with a foreign employer, confirming the possibility of remote work.
They purchase or rent property in the country.

In Spain, remote employees with an income of at least €2,646 per month qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa. After five years of residency in Spain, foreigners are eligible for permanent resident status.

In Malta, the minimum income requirement for applicants is €3,500 per month. Digital nomads cannot apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Malta.

In Portugal, the Digital Nomad Visa is issued with a minimum income of €3,280 per month. In five years after applying for a residence permit, digital nomads can request citizenship or permanent residency in Portugal.

Practical Guide