International Work

Digital nomad visa in Italy

The digital nomad and remote worker visa is an opportunity dedicated to highly qualified non-EU foreign citizens who are able to carry out their work using technological tools to operate remotely, either independently or for a company even if not based in Italy. For both freelancers and employees/collaborators of a company, this visa opens the doors to long-term residence in Italy.

The digital nomad is therefore the highly qualified worker (not just any worker) who can carry out his or her professional activity anywhere in the world, with a computer and an Internet connection, without being tied to an office or a specific location. It is a privileged entry category that enhances international labor mobility. Introduced in 2024, the digital nomad visa is a new special case of entry outside the quotas added to art. 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act.

What is a digital nomad visa?

Italy recognizes the growing phenomenon of digital nomadism, offering a legal pathway for professionals who wish to combine their career with the possibility of living and working from a country other than their own, choosing Italy as their base.

The digital nomad visa in Italy is not, however, an option for everyone, but only for highly qualified non-EU citizens who wish to work in Italy as digital nomads or remote workers. This special visa category allows professional activities using technological tools that enable remote work, but only for highly qualified workers.

Unlike other permits, entry as a digital nomad takes place outside the limits of the quotas established by the “decreti-flussi” and does not require a nulla osta. This makes the Italian digital nomad visa an extraordinary opportunity compared to the normal entry categories in Italy for non-EU citizens.

However, the procedure for obtaining this “special” visa and the subsequent residence permit requires strict compliance with specific requirements and the submission of detailed documentation. Relying on industry experts is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

How to apply for the digital nomad visa: documents and requirements

The application for the digital nomad visa must be submitted to the competent Italian diplomatic or consular office in the applicant’s country of residence.

Among the general documents required are:

the completed and signed application form
valid passport with a validity of at least three months
one passport-sized color photo
copies of any previous Schengen visas

In addition, applicants must demonstrate:

that they are highly qualified workers according to article 27 quater, paragraph 1 of legislative decree 286/98
at least six months of previous experience in the professional activity they intend to carry out
an annual minimum income not less than three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare expenses
valid health insurance coverage for Italy
suitable accommodation in Italy, certified by a registered rental contract or purchase agreement

For remote workers, it is also necessary to provide the employment or collaboration contract, or a binding job offer, together with a statement from the employer certifying the absence of serious criminal convictions.

With regard to criminal records, it should be noted that the residence permit will be denied, and the entry visa revoked, if checks carried out by the competent police headquarters reveal that the employer has been convicted, in the previous five years, of one of the crimes provided for in article 22, paragraph 5-bis, of the Consolidated Immigration Act.

A particular note regarding the income requirement: in 2024, this threshold ranges between 6,500 and 7,000 euros gross per year, which implies a minimum income requirement of about 20,000–21,000 euros gross per year. However, several practical interpretations, although not expressly contained in the text of the decree, suggest that the effective threshold may be around 28,000 euros net per year. This estimate takes into account the need to cover taxes, contributions, and to ensure an adequate standard of living in line with expectations related to long-term residence in Italy.

The correct preparation of all documentation, often complex and requiring specific authentication and translation requirements, is crucial for the success of the application and for living as a digital nomad in Italy. For this purpose, the assistance of legal experts can make the difference in navigating these procedures.

The procedure for obtaining the digital nomad visa

The digital nomad visa is designed to attract highly qualified professionals who work remotely on their own or for foreign companies, while ensuring compliance with Italian immigration and tax regulations. To work legally as a digital nomad in Italy, it is necessary to follow a specific procedure consisting of two phases:

• the visa application at the competent diplomatic or consular authority

• within 8 days of entry, the application for the residence permit at the competent Questura, which issues and transmits the tax code at the time of granting the permit

The residence permit issued is marked “digital nomad – remote worker” and is granted for a maximum duration of one year. This permit can be renewed annually, provided that the circumstances and requirements that justified the initial issuance remain valid.

This procedure is governed by article 5, paragraph 2-ter, of the Consolidated Immigration Act. In addition, the foreign citizen must present the same documentation submitted during the visa application, duly stamped by the competent diplomatic or consular authority, as proof to obtain the residence permit.

Digital nomads and remote workers: the differences

Italian law distinguishes between “digital nomads” and “remote workers”, although both fall within the broader category of the Italian digital nomad visa and aim to work remotely in Italy. The fundamental difference lies in the nature of the employment relationship: digital nomads work as independent professionals, while remote workers maintain an employment or collaboration relationship with a specific employer. This difference entails significant implications in terms of tax, social security, and documentation requirements for obtaining the visa.

The “digital nomad” is defined in art. 2 of the Ministry of the Interior decree of February 29, 2024, as “the foreigner who carries out self-employed work activities through the use of technological tools that allow remote work”.

They are often freelancers who combine their professional activity with a passion for travel. On the other hand, the “remote worker” is someone who, always through the use of technological tools for remote work, carries out an employment or collaboration activity, even for a non-resident company in Italy, as provided for by legislative decree June 15, 2015, no. 81. Both must be highly qualified workers pursuant to article 27 quater, paragraph 1 of legislative decree 286/98.

As noted, despite the differences in the nature of the employment relationship, both for independent digital nomads and dependent remote workers, the entry process does not require a provisional nulla osta, simplifying the procedure compared to other types of work visas. Fully understanding which category best fits one’s profile is essential to prepare the correct documentation and to better face the bureaucratic process.

The tax regime for digital nomads in Italy

A fundamental aspect for those who wish to live as digital nomads in Italy is understanding the tax regime. The taxation of income for beneficiaries of the digital nomad visa depends mainly on their tax residence, which is acquired if they stay in Italy for more than 183 days a year.

Once Italian tax residence is established, the global income of the digital nomad, including income generated abroad, potentially becomes subject to taxation in Italy. However, Italy offers interesting tax benefits for new residents, including the facilitated regime for inbound workers, as well as the flat tax for new residents. In addition, the possibility of avoiding double taxation on foreign income is often guaranteed by bilateral social security agreements signed between Italy and the worker’s country of origin.

Therefore, before starting a digital nomad lifestyle in Italy, it is essential to carefully assess one’s tax situation and plan the stay in the country. Relying on an expert in international taxation can help optimize the tax burden, avoid legal complications, and make full use of the benefits available. Good planning not only protects the worker from a tax perspective, but also allows for a calm, safe, and sustainable digital nomad experience in Italy in the long term.

In this regard, Boschetti International Law Firm works in synergy with accountants and international tax consultants, offering specialized advice on tax matters for foreigners moving to Italy with a digital nomad visa, ensuring complete and integrated support at every stage of the process.

Who can apply for the visa: which categories of workers qualify for the digital nomad visa in Italy

The digital nomad visa in Italy, as we have seen, is specifically designed for highly qualified non-EU foreign citizens. The definition of “highly qualified” is strictly defined and refers to art. 27 quater of legislative decree no. 286/1998 (T.U.I), which regulates the issuance of the EU Blue Card.

Therefore, the following requirements are required alternatively:

• The first criterion requires holding a higher education degree at tertiary level, issued by a competent University, certifying the completion of a study program of at least three years, or a post-secondary professional qualification of at least three years or corresponding to level 6 of the national qualifications framework. For qualifications obtained in non-EU countries, a declaration of value or, alternatively, a comparability statement issued by CIMEA is necessary.

• Alternatively, for regulated professions, the requirements provided by legislative decree of November 6, 2007, no. 206 must be met, with certification from a competent Italian authority.

• A third way to qualify is to demonstrate possession of a higher professional qualification certified by at least five years of professional experience, at a level comparable to higher education tertiary degrees, in the specific sector of the employment contract.

Finally, managers or specialists in the information and communication technology sector can qualify with at least three years of relevant professional experience acquired in the seven years preceding the application. All documentation from non-EU countries must be authenticated, legalized or apostilled, and accompanied by a sworn translation into Italian.

Understanding and accurately demonstrating these specific requirements is essential for anyone who aspires to undertake the digital nomad pathway or work remotely from Italy.

Typical scenarios / Case studies

The typical scenarios have been developed by drawing on the most significant corporate immigration cases that the firm regularly handles, with the aim of creating structured, complex examples that help the reader navigate their own situation. The case studies, by contrast, illustrate individual real-life matters, anonymised to protect client confidentiality, presented with full factual and contextual detail.

Relocation

US professional chooses Italy: elective residence obtained and future planned

American professional obtains an elective residence visa while maintaining ties with the USA. Integrated assistance from legal strategy to property search..

Application completed in approximately 3 months without additional requests

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Business

US opera singer obtains work authorization in 7 days

American opera singer with contracts already signed with an Italian theatre. Self employment work authorization obtained on an urgent basis to meet professional commitments.

Work authorization issued within 7 days from submission of the application

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Real Estate

US client purchases property in Rome: secure transaction

American client assisted in the purchase of a property in Rome. Urban planning issues and contractual risks identified and resolved before signing, transaction completed through notarial power of attorney.

Purchase completed within one month, entirely managed remotely

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Business

American investor: from New York to a villa in Tuscany

Cross-border property transaction with full relocation service. Purchase of a high-end property, with tax status, residency and NHS registration handled remotely.

Complete relocation service, from property due diligence to handing over the keys

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Retirement

Canadian couple, retirement property in Puglia

From Toronto to the Itria Valley. Purchase of a farmhouse with cadastral issues, 7% flat tax on foreign pensions, elective residence visa and healthcare transition.

7% flat tax activated, cadastral issues resolved before the deed of sale

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Business

British entrepreneur, opening a business in Milan

Post-Brexit, a London-based tech entrepreneur establishes an operational headquarters in Milan. Immigration pathway as a non-EU national, company incorporation, and tax planning.

European operational hub established with self-employment visa successfully obtained

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Tax Planning

Swiss retiree: 7% flat tax regime in Southern Italy

A banking executive relocates from Zurich to Calabria. Management of the Swiss occupational pension pillar, Italy-Switzerland Tax Convention, and deregistration from the cantonal tax register.

7% flat tax activated on all foreign-sourced income

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Retirement

American couple: retirement project in Abruzzo with visa and flat tax

From Connecticut to Abruzzo. Elective residency visa, 7% flat tax coordinated with IRS and FATCA obligations, and transition from Medicare to the Italian NHS (SSN).

7% flat tax activated on Social Security and 401(k) pension income

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Relocation

German couple, from Munich to Tropea

Retired engineers from the Bavarian automotive sector. Multi-tier pension management, Italy-Germany Tax Convention, and the 7% preferential tax regime.

Three German pension pillars optimised with Italian flat tax

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Business

Startup tech: apertura filiale italiana per il mercato EU

A Bay Area SaaS company establishes a Milan headquarters. Innovative startup SRL, EU Blue Card for the team, transfer pricing, impatriates tax regime, and GDPR compliance.

Operational within 5 months, payroll cost −35% with impatriates tax regime

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Business

Fashion brand, representative office in Milan

Brand premium newyorkese apre presidio a Milano. Strutturazione per evitare stabile organizzazione, trasferimento direttrice creativa e gestione showroom.

Rischio stabile organizzazione prevenuto, presidio EU operativo

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Corporate

Manufacturing company, ICT transfers to Italy

Multinazionale giapponese trasferisce 3 figure chiave in Piemonte. Permessi ICT per manager e specialista, coordinamento consolare e regime impatriati per tutti i dipendenti.

3 trasferimenti completati in 4 mesi e mezzo, linea produttiva avviata nei tempi previsti

Read the full case

How Boschetti International Law Firm can help you obtain the digital nomad visa in Italy

Obtaining the digital nomad visa and the subsequent residence permit in Italy is a process that, although straightforward in some phases, involves strict requirements and requires the preparation of specific and complex documentation. Boschetti Law Firm, with its deep experience in international law and immigration, is the ideal reference to successfully face this path that concerns your future.

Our team offers specialized advice, starting with an initial online assessment of your case, to determine eligibility and identify the necessary documentation. We will guide you through each phase, from collecting the documents that prove your high qualification and required income, to verifying the suitability of your health insurance and accommodation, up to the preparation of the employment contract or binding offer for remote workers.

Our expertise ensures that all documents, especially those from non-EU countries, are correctly legalized, apostilled, and translated, avoiding complications in the procedure. We assist with submitting the application to the diplomatic or consular office and, once in Italy, we support you in applying for the residence permit at the Questura within eight working days of entry, also protecting your position with regard to tax and fiscal aspects.

With Boschetti Law Firm you can confidently face the process of working in Italy as a digital nomad and begin your experience of living as a digital nomad in Italy, benefiting from our expertise to overcome regulatory obstacles and bureaucratic complexities.

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Digital Nomad Visa: what are the income requirements and how is the activity proven?

The Italian digital nomad visa requires an annual income from lawful sources of at least three times the healthcare exemption threshold (approximately EUR 20,000–21,000 gross), although in practice a benchmark of around EUR 28,000 is often considered.

Applicants must work remotely, as employees or freelancers, for an employer or clients not based in Italy, proven through a contract or binding offer. The application must be submitted to the Italian consulate in the country of residence. Valid health insurance, accommodation in Italy, and high qualification requirements are also needed.

The visa is valid for up to one year and is renewable.

Intra-company transfer: what procedure to assign a manager to Italy?

The intra-company transfer (ICT), governed by Article 27-quinquies of the Immigration Act, allows managers, specialists, and trainees from a non-EU company to work at the Italian branch of the same company or group. The procedure requires a work authorization (nulla osta) from the Immigration Office and the subsequent ICT visa issued by the Consulate.

The ICT permit lasts up to 3 years for managers and specialists and 1 year for trainees. It is exempt from annual quotas. The company must prove the corporate link and the employee’s role, as well as compliance with Italian working conditions.

Non-EU nurse: how does qualification recognition work in Italy?

Recognition of a nursing qualification obtained outside the EU requires a decree from the Ministry of Health, following an assessment of the application submitted with the required documentation. The applicant must provide the qualification with official translation, legalization or apostille, together with the other required documents and a detailed study program.

If the qualification is not fully equivalent, the Ministry may require an aptitude test or a compensatory traineeship. After recognition, registration with the OPI (Order of Nursing Professions) of the relevant province is required. Processing times are approximately 4 months from the complete submission of the application.

Self-employment visa refused: can it be appealed and within what time limits?

Yes, the refusal of a self-employment visa can be challenged by filing an appeal before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio within 60 days from notification of the refusal, or by filing an extraordinary appeal to the President of the Republic within 120 days. An appeal to the TAR also allows for a request for interim relief (suspension), provided that, in addition to a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits, there are grounds of urgency.

The most common grounds for refusal include: insufficient income, incomplete documentation, and failure to demonstrate the economic sustainability of the activity. A lawyer assesses the merits of the appeal and, if the defect exists and can be remedied, it may be more effective to submit a new, corrected application.

EU Blue Card vs standard work visa: which is more suitable for highly qualified personnel?

The EU Blue Card is generally more advantageous for highly qualified profiles: it requires a job offer of at least 6 months, a salary not lower than the levels set by collective agreements and the national average (ISTAT), and a higher education degree or qualified professional experience. It is limited to highly qualified subordinate employment.

The standard work visa falls within the quotas of the immigration decree and offers greater flexibility in requirements, but with longer processing times. The EU Blue Card is quota-exempt and allows intra-EU mobility with certain limitations. The choice depends on the applicant’s profile and compliance with the required criteria.