Digital nomad visa
Italy
Visto per nomadi digitali
Verified August 28, 2026 against official sources
Programme conditions
National long-stay visa (for stays over 90 days) for digital nomads/remote workers; upon entry into Italy it is replaced by a Residency Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) issued for 1 year
Who qualifies
Non-EU citizens, highly specialized workers. Divided into two categories: 'digital nomads' (freelancers, consultants, independent specialists) and 'remote workers' (employees of a company working fully remotely). Requires a qualifying profession per Article 27-quater of Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998 (post-secondary degree or at least 3 years' professional experience)
Family
Once in Italy, a digital nomad or remote worker can sponsor a family visa for a spouse (from whom they are not separated or separating) and a child under 18 (including a spouse's child from a previous marriage or out of wedlock, with the other parent's consent). As of 2024, sponsoring children over 18 or parents is not possible, even if dependent
Documents
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 15 months past intended travel date, with at least two blank pages
- Proof of physical residence in the consulate's jurisdiction (driver's license, state ID, utility bill)
- Only for non-U.S. citizens: proof of legal residence in the U.S. (Alien Registration Card or valid long-term U.S. visa); B1/B2 visas not acceptable
- Completed and signed National Visa form (for stays over 90 days) or Schengen visa form (for stays of 90 days or less)
- One recent ICAO-standard photograph (40mm x 35mm)
- Letter or certificate of travel medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 (or $50,000) for medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation, for days outside the U.S.
- Proof of qualifying profession (degree, license, or 5+ years of experience)
- Lease, rental contract, or deed for property in Italy in the applicant's name, covering the entire visa duration; third-party hospitality offer or hotel stay is unacceptable
- Proof of legal income (paystubs, tax return, W-2, or three most recent bank statements)
- Proof of six or more months' prior work experience in the field (tax returns, client invoices, professional association membership for digital nomads; tax returns, pay slips, or employer letter for remote workers)
- Payment of nonrefundable visa fee in exact amount (cashier's check or money order made to the Consulate)
- Completed Declaration for Mailing Passports and a pre-paid, self-addressed USPS Priority envelope
- For remote workers only: employment contract with salary meeting or exceeding levels set by relevant Italian national union collective contracts, and not below the ISTAT median annual salary
- For remote workers only: letter from employer stating no convictions in the past 5 years for crimes related to illegal immigration facilitation, exploitation of minors, or labor law violations
Applying & insurance
How to apply
Documents submitted at the consulate by appointment; upon entering Italy, applicant must visit the local Questura (provincial police headquarters) to apply for the residency permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within the first eight working days of arrival
Insurance
Travel medical insurance required, covering medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation for days outside the U.S., with coverage not less than €30,000 (or $50,000). If unavailable, applicant must show proof of purchase of Italian health insurance or an Affidavit stating they will purchase Italian insurance upon arrival, before registering with the Questura
Taxes & renewal
Renewal and residence
The residency permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) for digital nomads is issued for 1 year, but can be renewed locally at the Questura as long as employment, lodging, and health insurance are maintained (and the employer has no relevant convictions)
Frequently asked questions
What income or savings are required?
Proof of legal income at least three times the minimum necessary to pay healthcare taxes in Italy; at time of writing in 2024, no less than €24,789 per year (or USD equivalent). Income must derive from the work the applicant will be performing in Italy; other passive income (Social Security, rents, stocks) is not considered
How much does the visa cost?
Nonrefundable visa fee paid in exact amount; adjusts every 3 months (Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1, Oct 1) based on the Italian government's official euro-dollar exchange rate, posted on the consulate's webpage. If staying more than 90 days, pay the national visa fee; if 90 days or less, pay the Schengen visa fee
Can family members join?
Once in Italy, a digital nomad or remote worker can sponsor a family visa for a spouse (from whom they are not separated or separating) and a child under 18 (including a spouse's child from a previous marriage or out of wedlock, with the other parent's consent). As of 2024, sponsoring children over 18 or parents is not possible, even if dependent
Programme at a glance
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable; for highly-skilled remote workers
- Income
- Proof of legal income at least three times the minimum necessary to pay healthcare taxes in Italy; at time of writing in 2024, no less than €24,789 per year (or USD equivalent). Income must derive from the work the applicant will be performing in Italy; other passive income (Social Security, rents, stocks) is not considered
- Fee
- Nonrefundable visa fee paid in exact amount; adjusts every 3 months (Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1, Oct 1) based on the Italian government's official euro-dollar exchange rate, posted on the consulate's webpage. If staying more than 90 days, pay the national visa fee; if 90 days or less, pay the Schengen visa fee