Overview
Italy's visa is open to non-EU citizens classed as highly qualified workers — either remote employees or freelancers — who can work from anywhere. It is issued as a national (type D) visa, converted into a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) after arrival.
Unlike some programmes, Italy requires demonstrable professional standing: a relevant degree or several years of experience, plus at least six months of prior remote-work history.
Editor's note — Italy rewards credentials: a relevant degree or solid professional history makes the application far smoother than for many other nomad visas.
Who is eligible
- Non-EU national working remotely as a highly-qualified employee or freelancer.
- A higher-education qualification or equivalent professional experience (3+ years in ICT/tech, 5+ years generally).
- At least six months of prior experience in the remote role or activity.
- Annual income of at least roughly three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare costs (~€28,000).
- Proof of accommodation in Italy and health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage.
Income & financial requirements
About three times the minimum exemption level; verify with your consulate.
Minimum prior experience in the remote activity.
Minimum medical coverage valid in Italy.
Highly-qualified status by education or experience.
The income floor is pegged to roughly three times the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare contribution — about €28,000 per year in 2026. Prove it with contracts, tax returns and bank statements.
Consular practice varies, so confirm the exact figure and document list with the Italian consulate handling your case before applying.
Costs & fees
- Visa application fee of approximately €116, non-refundable.
- Permesso di soggiorno issuance costs (revenue stamp, postal kit and electronic-permit fee) once in Italy.
- Translations, apostilles/legalisations, the codice fiscale and health insurance.
Taxes
Becoming Italian-resident (over 183 days) brings worldwide income into Italian tax, with high progressive rates. However, Italy offers an impatriate regime that can exempt a large share of qualifying employment/self-employment income for new residents who meet the conditions.
Italy's flat-tax options for new residents are complex and condition-bound; take Italian tax advice before relocating.
How to apply
Confirm eligibility
Verify your highly-qualified status, income and six-month work history.
Book the consulate
Apply for the type-D digital nomad visa at the Italian consulate in your jurisdiction.
Enter Italy
Travel within the visa validity and declare your presence.
Apply for the permit
Submit the permesso di soggiorno application within 8 days of arrival and collect your codice fiscale.
Duration & renewal
The visa and first residence permit are valid for up to one year and renewable annually as long as you continue to meet the income and remote-work conditions.
Bringing family
Family reunification is possible for spouses and dependent children, subject to additional income and housing requirements.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Lifestyle, culture, food and Schengen access
- Open to both employees and freelancers
- Potentially generous impatriate tax regime
- Renewable annually toward longer-term residence
Considerations
- 'Highly qualified' bar excludes some applicants
- Consular requirements vary and can be opaque
- Processing can stretch to 120 days at busy consulates
- Italian bureaucracy for the permesso di soggiorno