Italy offers a Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa for qualifying non-EU nationals who perform highly qualified work remotely using telecommunications technology. The visa is intended for both self-employed digital nomads and remote employees working for employers located outside Italy.
This visa provides a legal immigration pathway for remote professionals, allows long-term residence beyond the Schengen 90-day limit, and can lead to a renewable residence permit.
The visa is divided into two categories: Digital Nomads (self-employed freelancers, consultants and independent professionals) and Remote Workers (employees working remotely for an employer located outside Italy). The visa is intended for stays exceeding 90 days and is issued as a National (Type D) visa.
Applicants must perform highly qualified professional work. Digital nomad examples include software engineers, consultants, designers, writers, marketing professionals, IT specialists, architects and financial consultants. Remote workers must have an employment relationship that allows remote performance of duties from Italy.
Applicants must qualify as highly skilled professionals under Italian immigration legislation, demonstrated through a university degree or higher education qualification, a professional licence where required, significant recognized professional experience, or other qualifications accepted under Article 27-quater of Legislative Decree No. 286/1998.
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate prior professional experience in the field in which they will continue working remotely. Italian consular guidance commonly requires at least six months of previous experience related to the remote work activity.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient lawful income from professional activities, evidenced through tax returns, bank statements, employment income, freelance invoices, client contracts or company accounts. The applicable minimum annual income threshold is updated by the Italian authorities and should be confirmed with the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate before applying.
Applicants must hold health insurance valid in Italy covering emergency treatment, hospitalization and medical expenses, remaining valid until access to the Italian healthcare system becomes available where applicable. Applicants must also demonstrate suitable accommodation (registered lease, property ownership, or long-term accommodation contract), normally arranged before the visa application.
Applicants must satisfy applicable security requirements; consular authorities may require a criminal record certificate and may refuse applications where the applicant has certain recent criminal convictions.
- Valid passport - National visa application form - Passport photographs - Proof of professional qualifications - Evidence of remote work - Proof of income - Health insurance - Accommodation evidence - Supporting employment or freelance contracts
Successful applicants generally need to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno within the statutory deadline, obtain a Codice Fiscale, complete residence registration where applicable, and comply with Italian tax and immigration laws.