Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa (Italy) — 2025 Guide

By Piero Lorenzo

Who this is for: Non‑EU professionals who work remotely (employee or self‑employed) and want to live in Italy while working for clients/companies outside Italy.

Italy plans to introduce a 'digital nomad visa' for non-EU workers.
Digital nomads are defined as highly qualified workers who work remotely for a non-Italian company, either as freelancers or as employees. The ‘Digital nomad visa' would allow remote workers to legally live and work in Italy for up to a year, and it can be extended to close family members!

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The Italian government has not yet specified the requirements needed to apply for the digital nomad visa, including which professional categories will be considered “digital nomads”, and what income requirements they’ll need to meet.
The visa would last for a year, and workers would have to purchase health insurance, find accommodation (buying or renting a place), comply with Italian tax, and have a clean criminal record.

Forbes notes that 25% of all professional jobs in North America are currently remote, and predicts this amount will increase through 2023.

Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country.
In Italy, you can find art, history, culture, food, fashion, ancient structures, the seas, the mountains, green, rolling Tuscan hills, rocky and stunning cliffs over crystal waters, cultural heritage sites, Greek ruins, cannoli, pasta, the perfect espresso, and much, much more...
Living in Italy will be about 30% cheaper than living in a major city in the United States. You can find lovely houses to buy at a very affordable price (and you can easily Airbnb them when your visa expires, and come back regularly for 3 months at a time, assuming you don’t renew the visa). The food is excellent everywhere, and you can easily visit all of Italy and Europe by train, car, and low-cost flights, with extremely short travel times.

At a glance

Visa type: National (long-stay) visa for Digital Nomads/ remote Workers.
Who qualifies: Non-EU highly skilled remote workers (employees or self-employed) who meet income, insurance, and background requirements.
Income: At least three times the Italian healthcare co-pay exemption threshold (many consulates list approximately €24,789/year; confirm locally).
Experience: 6+ months of prior remote work experience.
Insurance: Private health insurance covering your entire stay.
Accommodation: Proof of suitable lodging in Italy.
Background: No criminal convictions in the last 5 years.
After arrival: Apply for a permesso di soggiorno within eight working days.
Initial duration: Up to 1 year, renewable if requirements continue to be met.

Who qualifies (the quick test)? You’re likely eligible if you:

Are a non‑EU citizen;
Perform highly‑skilled work remotely using digital tools;
can document income ≥ 3× the national healthcare co‑pay exemption threshold;
can show remote‑work experience (≥ 6 months);
Hold comprehensive health insurance for Italy;
can show accommodation in Italy;
Have no criminal convictions in the last 5 years.

Not remote? If you plan to retire or live on passive income only, the Elective Residence Visa is the usual path. Ask me which visa aligns with your goals.

Required documents (typical consulate list)

Visa application form + photo + passport (valid beyond your intended stay).
Proof of income meeting the threshold (employment contract, invoices, bank statements, tax return).
Evidence of remote work (contracts, client agreements) and experience (at least 6 months).
Health insurance valid in Italy for the whole stay.
Accommodation (rental contract, hotel/temporary housing booking, invitation/host declaration).
Criminal background check (last 5 years), apostilled/translated as required.
Statement of Tax Compliance / Commitment to Comply with Italian Tax Rules.
Visa fee (consular fees vary).

Each consulate can add small variations.

How the process works
1) Pre‑check & income/insurance. Confirm eligibility and gather proofs (income, insurance).
2) Appointment. Book and attend an in‑person consulate appointment with your documents.
3) Visa result. If approved, you will receive a national visa (D).
4) Arrival in Italy. Within eight working days: file your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit).
5) Renewals. Typically annual, renewable if you still meet all requirements.
Processing time: varies by consulate and season. Plan months ahead and avoid summer holidays when offices slow down.

Taxes & practical notes

Tax residency depends on days and center of life interests. Many nomads avoid becoming Italian tax residents by limiting time and ties; others do opt in and register. Get a tax consult—don’t guess.
Family members can often join under family‑unity rules once you hold your permit.
Switching visas. Some switches are possible within Italy, while others require reapplication abroad.

I coordinate with trusted immigration attorneys and commercialisti to align your visa, residency, and property purchase timeline.

FAQ
- What’s the actual income number? The law ties it to a moving threshold; consulates commonly publish an approximate euro figure each year (often just under €25k for a single applicant). Couples/families should budget higher.
- Is W‑2/employee OK? Yes—employee or self‑employed is fine if you work remotely and meet the other criteria.
- Can I freelance for Italian clients? The visa targets work for companies/clients outside Italy. Some consulates accept limited Italian clients—confirm before applying.
- Can I buy a home on this visa? Yes. Owning does not grant a visa by itself; the visa grants stay rights.

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