Digital Nomad in Italy
One documented route of this kind in Italy, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Italy's Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali e Lavoratori da Remoto), introduced in April 2024 under Legislative Decree 286/1998, allows non-EU nationals with highly specialised remote careers to live and work in Italy for one year, renewable. Two sub-categories exist: digital nomads (freelancers and independent consultants) and remote workers (employees of foreign companies performing all duties remotely). Minimum annual income: €24,789.
- Processing time
- Not officially specified; varies by consulate. Consulate appointment scheduling is typically the primary bottleneck.
- Validity
- 1 year; renewable at the Questura in Italy.
- Language requirement
- No Italian language requirement for the initial visa.
- Permanent residence
- After 5 years of continuous legal residence, holders may apply for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit.
- Citizenship
- After 10 years of continuous legal residence (non-EU nationals), holders may apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Requirements
- Non-EU nationality
- Highly specialised career with post-secondary degree or minimum 3 years professional training/experience
- Minimum annual income of €24,789 from remote work activity (passive income excluded)
- At least 6 months prior work experience in the relevant field
- Valid Italian property lease or deed in applicant's name for the visa duration
- Health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
- For remote workers: employment contract meeting CCNL standards and employer letter confirming clean record
Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 15 months remaining validity, at least 2 blank pages) required
- Completed visa application form (National Visa for stays over 90 days) required
- Proof of qualifying profession: university degree, professional licence, or evidence of 5+ years' experience required
- Proof of at least 6 months' prior work experience (invoices, tax returns, pay slips) required
- Proof of minimum annual income of €24,789 (bank statements, tax returns, contracts) required
- Italian property lease, rental contract, or deed in applicant's name required
- Health/medical insurance with minimum €30,000 (or $50,000) coverage required
- For remote workers: employment contract and employer criminal record letter
- Proof of legal residence in the consulate's jurisdiction (for applications outside home country)
Official fees
- National visa application fee (varies quarterly by exchange rate) 116 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Gather documentation
Prepare all required documents including income proof, professional qualifications, Italian accommodation contract, and health insurance. Ensure your passport has at least 15 months validity.
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2
Book consulate appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Apply for a National Visa (for stays exceeding 90 days) using the Visa for Long Stay / National Visa application form.
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3
Submit visa application
Attend your appointment, submit all documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics if required.
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4
Receive visa and travel to Italy
Once your visa is approved, travel to Italy. You must enter Italy before the visa entry deadline.
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5
Register and apply for permesso di soggiorno
Within 8 working days of arrival, go to the post office (Ufficio Postale) to submit your permesso di soggiorno application kit. You will then attend an appointment at the Questura to complete biometrics and submit documents.
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6
Collect permesso di soggiorno
Collect your one-year residence permit from the Questura once notified. Renew before expiry at the Questura as long as you continue to meet employment, accommodation, and insurance requirements.