Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Eligibility and How to Apply

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa, also called the “Visa for Remote Workers,” allows remote workers and digital nomads from non-EU/EEA countries to live in Italy while working for foreign companies or clients.

The visa is available to highly skilled professionals who either work remotely as employees or operate as self-employed freelancers.

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa grants a one-year residency with the option to renew and offers access to the country’s high quality of life, business opportunities, and cultural heritage.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Italian Digital Nomad Visa, including who qualifies, the required documents, application steps, costs, and validity.

This is more of what we will cover:

• What is Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa?
• Benefits of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
• What are the eligibility requirements for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?
• Italy Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
• Italy Digital Nomad Visa Fees

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the remote worker visa allows non-EU/EEA nationals to live in Italy while working remotely using only a computer and telecommunications systems.

To qualify, applicants must have at least six months of experience in their field and be highly skilled freelancers or remote workers.

This Italian visa is divided into two categories: digital nomads, who are freelancers, consultants, or other independent specialists, and remote workers, who are company employees capable of performing their work entirely remotely.

Applicants must provide proof of a three-year university degree, a government-licensed profession, or a high professional qualification. They must also submit an employment contract with a foreign company or a business agreement with clients outside Italy for at least one year.

Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit has a Global Digital Nomad Report that ranks countries based on factors like internet speed, cost of living, safety, and quality of life for remote workers. It highlights the best destinations for digital nomads, with around 65 countries now offering some form of digital nomad visa. Italy ranks 25th in the report, making it a competitive option for remote workers looking to live and work abroad.

The Italian Digital Nomad Visa is for highly skilled professionals whose jobs require a post-secondary degree or at least three years of training or experience. Some consulates may ask for both requirements.

Digital Nomad Visa applicants must meet the general government criteria, including demonstrating the necessary education, professional background, or expertise for remote work in Italy.

• Be a non-EU or non-EEA national.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a clean criminal record.
• Show proof of a lease, rental agreement, or deed in the applicant’s name that is valid for at least one year.
• Provide a letter or certificate of travel medical insurance showing coverage for medical expenses of at least €30,000.
• Proof of legal income
• Applicant must meet the minimum income requirements.
• An employment contract showing a salary that equals or exceeds that required by the collective contracts negotiated by the relevant Italian national union and that cannot be below the median annual salary as calculated by ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics).
• Letter from employer stating that the employer has not been convicted in the past five years of any crimes related to the facilitation of illegal immigration, the exploitation of minors for work purposes, the violation of labor laws, or other crimes listed under comma 5-bis of article 22 of the Testo Unico Sull’Immigrazione.
• A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree must be recognized by CIMEA or a Declaration of Value.
• Licensed professionals (e.g., architects, engineers, teachers) need certification from an Italian Authority and may need a license.
• A high-level qualification requires five years of proven experience with official documents from past employers.
• ICT executives and specialists need only three years of experience in the past seven years.

When living in Italy, a digital nomad or remote worker can apply for a family visa to bring their spouse and children under 18 to join them. This includes a spouse’s child from a previous marriage or a child born out of wedlock, as long as the other parent agrees to the visa issuance.

As of 2025, digital nomads or remote workers are not able to sponsor children over 18 or their parents to live with them in Italy, even if these individuals are financially dependent on them.

Here are some of the key benefits of being a digital nomad in Italy:

1. Extended stay: The visa allows digital nomads to stay in Italy for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.
2. Access to the Schengen Area: The Digital Nomad Visa provides freedom to travel within the Schengen zone without needing additional visas, enabling easier movement across European countries.
3. Family-friendly: The visa also allows applicants to bring close family members, ensuring a balanced work-life environment while living abroad.
4. An inexpensive way to obtain a second residency: Unlike other types of visas, there is no need to invest in Italy.
5. Access to healthcare and education: As a Digital Nomad Visa holder, you and your family gain the right to high-quality education and public healthcare.
6. Path to EU citizenship: EU citizenship is possible after ten years of permanent residency in Italy.
7. Tax benefits: New tax residents can take advantage of special tax regimes.
8. ETIAS exemption: Starting in mid-2025, Digital Nomad Visa holders will be exempt from the ETIAS requirement for entering ETIAS member countries.
9. The Italian lifestyle: The work-life balance in Italy allows digital nomads to enjoy the country’s amazing cuisine and history-filled cities while focusing on career growth.

What is the minimum income requirement for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

• €28,000 per year (€ 2,066 per month).
• If you come with your spouse, the income increases to €34,087 per year (€ 2,841 per month) plus €1,550 per year for every child.

The documents required for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa include:

• National application form – Completed and signed.
• Passport – Must be valid; non-citizens must also provide a residence permit.
• Two passport-size photos – Recent and in the required format.
• Proof of residence – Document showing physical residence in the consular district.
• Criminal record check – No prior convictions.
• Health insurance covers at least €30,000 annually, valid in Schengen countries.
• Proof of accommodation – Lease, rental contract, or property deed in the applicant’s name, valid for the visa’s duration.
• Proof of qualifications – Must meet one of the following:
  1. A recognized bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree (via CIMEA or a Declaration of Value).
  2. A certification from the Italian Authority for regulated professions.
  3. At least five years of professional experience (three years for IT executives/specialists).
• Work experience – At least six months of experience in the field, proven by tax returns, invoices, pay slips, or employer letters.
• Proof of employment – Contract for at least one year (for employees) or evidence of client contracts (for freelancers).
• Proof of income – Payslips, tax returns, or bank account statement proving the required income level.
• Employer’s criminal record check – A letter confirming the employer has no convictions for immigration, labor, or child exploitation offenses in the past five years.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa holders shall enter Italy and request the Digital Resident Permit. The permit is valid for one year and renewable every year as long as you prove you are working remotely in Italy for a foreign company and have the minimum required Income. You must apply for your Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight working days of entering Italy by going personally to the Police headquarters (Questura) where you intend to live.

Here is a detailed application process:

1. Fill Out the Application Form – Complete the visa application form, carefully following all instructions.
2. Set an Appointment – Schedule an appointment at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country to submit your application, provide biometric data, and attend an interview.
3. Prepare Your Documents – Gather and organize all required documents, ensuring any necessary translations and Apostille certifications are completed.
4. Submit Your Application – Attend your appointment and provide all required paperwork.
5. Obtain the Digital Nomad Visa – If approved, receive a one-year visa.
6. Request the Nulla Osta for your family, and then request the family reunification visa at the Consulate of your legal residence.
7. Travel to Italy – Enter the country within the visa’s validity period.
8. Apply for a Residence Permit—Within eight working days of arrival, apply at the local police headquarters (Questura). If arriving from a Schengen country, visit the Questura within two days to get a passport stamp.
9. Register Your Residence – Update your residence details at the Italian Office of Vital Statistics (Anagrafe).
10. Renew Your Residence Permit – Extend your permit before it expires.
11. Apply for Permanent Residence – After 5 years of legal residence, you can request a permanent residence permit.
12. Apply for Italian Citizenship – After 10 years of legal residence, you can apply for an Italian passport.

• Payment receipt for the €30.46 postal bulletin for printing the electronic document. This payment should be made at a post office.
• Receipt of payment of the € 50.00 postal bulletin, which contributes to the issuance of the residence permit. The payment should be made at a post office.
•  A € 16.00 revenue stamp.
• The nonrefundable visa application fee must be paid in the exact amount using a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Consulate General of Italy. The fee is updated every three months on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st, based on the official euro to dollar exchange rate set by the Italian government. The current fee is listed on the consulate’s website.

The processing time of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa is expected to take 30 to 60 days from the date of application submission. However, the visa process can take up to 120 days.

Yes, digital nomads in Italy are generally required to pay taxes. If you spend more than 183 days in a year in Italy, you become a tax resident and are taxed on your worldwide income. Even if you stay for less than 183 days, income earned from work performed in Italy is subject to Italian income tax and social security contributions.

Additionally, freelancers will need to obtain a VAT number. Once the Police issue a resident permit, it will be sent to the Italian Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate), which will monitor potential tax violations. This system ensures that digital nomads contribute to Italy’s tax system while working remotely, even if they aren’t permanent residents.

How to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Italy?

Here is a simple process to follow when paying taxes as an expat on the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

• Check if you’re a tax resident: If you stay in Italy for more than 183 days in a year, you’re considered a tax resident and must pay tax on your worldwide income.
• Register with the Italian tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate): Once you move to Italy, apply for a codice fiscale (tax ID) and register as self-employed or under the applicable regime.
• Choose your tax regime: Many digital nomads apply for the “regime forfettario”, a simplified tax system offering a flat tax (5% or 15%) on income up to €85,000.
• File annual tax returns: Tax returns are filed between May and November, depending on your accountant’s schedule and region.
• Pay social security contributions: If you’re self-employed, you must register with the INPS (Italian Social Security Institute) and pay contributions based on income.

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa does not directly lead to citizenship, but it can be a stepping stone. Here’s the general path:

1. Temporary Residence: You’ll initially be granted a temporary residence permit for the Digital Nomad Visa. This permit is typically valid for one year but can be renewed.
2. Permanent Residency: After residing in Italy for five years under legal residency status, you can apply for permanent residency. This includes meeting certain language and integration requirements.
3. Citizenship: You can apply for Italian citizenship after ten years of legal residence in Italy. Italy allows dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your original nationality. The period can be shortened to two years if you are married to an Italian citizen or to three years if you can prove descent from Italian parents or grandparents.

Throughout this process, you must maintain a stable income, complying with residency requirements, and contributing to Italy’s social systems are crucial for successful citizenship applications.

Other Italy Visas: Alternative Route to Italian Residency

These are the other Italian visas to consider that also lead to Italian residency.

The Italy Elective Residency Visa, also called the Retirement Visa, lets you live in Italy if you have enough money to support yourself without working. You must show proof of passive income, like pensions or rent, not job income. You cannot work in Italy or in your home country while on this visa. It is a good option for people or families who want to move to Italy without investing money to get a visa.

The Italy Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants non-EU citizens a renewable two-year residence permit with a qualifying investment in Italy starting from €250,000. This visa is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who want to establish a presence in Italy. It has no stay requirement and allows visa-free travel within the EU, making it ideal for investors seeking mobility and long-term settlement in Italy. This is an alternative to the Digital Nomad Visa for anyone looking for long-term residency in Italy.

If your spouse or partner is an EU citizen or holds an Italian residence permit, you may be eligible for a Family Reunification Residency Permit. This visa allows you to join them in Italy, live together, and in some cases, also work legally in the country.