Italy digital nomad visa: requirements (2026)

Yes. Italy offers the digital nomad visa, issued by an Italian consulate, for remote workers earning income from outside Italy.

At least €28,000 per year (about €2,333/month).

1 year, renewable annually; permanent residence possible after 5 years.

Consular visa and residence-permit fees.

The visa was established by the Interministerial Decree of 29 February 2024 (in force since 5 April 2024) and distinguishes 'digital nomads' (self-employed) from 'remote workers' (employees of a non-Italian employer). It is a national long-stay Type D visa, convertible on arrival into a one-year renewable residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

Applicants must meet the Blue Card-style 'highly qualified worker' criteria under Article 27-quater of the Immigration Code: a tertiary (≥3-year) degree or an equivalent higher professional qualification evidenced by at least three years of relevant experience in the preceding seven. At least six months of prior experience in the specific remote activity is also required.

The applicant must prove a minimum annual income from lawful sources equal to at least three times the Italian healthcare-exemption minimum (approximately €28,000/year in 2026), hold private health insurance valid in Italy for the full stay (≥€30,000 cover), and demonstrate suitable accommodation in Italy for at least 12 months.

Unlike ordinary work visas, the digital-nomad visa is exempt from the annual quota system (Decreto Flussi) and does not require a Nulla Osta from the Sportello Unico, removing the main bottleneck that limits employment-based routes. Applications are filed directly at the competent Italian consulate.

Italy's Investor Visa, administered by the Investor Visa for Italy Committee (Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy), grants two-year renewable residency to non-EU investors committing €250,000 in an innovative startup, €500,000 in an Italian limited company, €1 million to a philanthropic project, or €2 million in Italian government bonds; the investment is completed after entry, within three months of arrival.

The Elective Residence Visa is a long-standing non-work residence route for financially independent non-EU nationals able to show stable passive income (indicatively ≥€32,000/year single, ≥€38,000 couple) from pensions, dividends, or rentals. It expressly prohibits any work activity — including remote work — so it is not a substitute for the digital-nomad visa.