Italy Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Visa in 2026: €25,500 a Year, Six Months of Experience, Outside the Quotas
The Italian nomad visa took years to arrive: the law was passed in 2022, and the implementing decree was signed on 29 February 2024 and published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale on 4 April 2024. Sources: the decree in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, the Pristina embassy page, the Integrazione Migranti summary and the BRIDGES nomad visa page. Checked on 2 November 2026.
Two categories
- Digital nomad: a self-employed person who works with highly qualified skills using technology that allows remote work.
- Remote worker: an employee or collaborator who works remotely for a company based in Italy or abroad.
Both need the qualifications required for highly skilled workers, such as a degree or relevant professional experience, as defined in article 27-quater of the Consolidated Immigration Act.
The requirements
| Requirement | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Income | at least €25,500 a year from legal sources |
| Experience | at least six months in the same activity |
| Health insurance | cover for the whole stay |
| Housing | a registered lease or a property you own |
| Criminal record | no convictions in the last five years for the listed offences |
Remote workers also need a contract or binding offer and a declaration from the employer. The Pristina embassy notes that the employer declares it has no relevant convictions in the last five years.
No quotas and no nulla osta
This visa is outside the annual flow decree, so you can apply at any time. No work clearance from the immigration desk is needed. You apply directly at the consulate.
The permit in Italy
The visa is issued for up to one year. Within eight working days of entry you apply at the questura for the permit “digital nomad, remote worker”, valid for up to one year and renewable. The tax code (codice fiscale) is issued with the permit, and self-employed nomads open an Italian VAT number. Italian social security rules apply unless a bilateral agreement says otherwise.
Family
Family members can join under the general family reunification rules of article 29 of the Consolidated Act. Plan the budget for the whole family, because consulates look at income in relation to everyone who moves.
My view
This visa is a good start for an IT specialist or consultant who keeps foreign clients. Be ready for taxes: a person who lives in Italy most of the year usually becomes a tax resident. Read the tax guide before you move.
Questions and answers
What income do I need for the Italian digital nomad visa?
At least three times the minimum level for exemption from health cost contributions, which consulates give as €8,500 × 3 = €25,500 a year.
What is the difference between a digital nomad and a remote worker?
A digital nomad is self-employed and works with highly qualified skills through technology. A remote worker is an employee or collaborator of a company, in Italy or abroad, working remotely.
Do I need a nulla osta or a quota slot?
No. The decree puts this visa outside the annual quotas and no work clearance is needed.
How long is the permit?
The permit is issued for up to one year and can be renewed if the conditions remain.
Sources
- Gazzetta Ufficiale: Interministerial Decree of 29 February 2024
- Embassy of Italy in Pristina: visa for digital nomads and remote workers
- Integrazione Migranti: rules for digital nomads and remote workers
- BRIDGES: Italy digital nomad visa
Checked on 2 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm them with the official sources before you file anything.