Articles on: Europe

Italy — Digital Nomad Visa: everything you need to live and work remotely in Italy

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Italy (the essentials)

Italy approved a Digital Nomad / Remote Worker route in March 2022 (Law 25/2022 converting Decree-Law 4/2022). The implementing inter-ministerial decree was published on April 4, 2024, which means applications are now possible via Italian consulates, with in-country follow-up for your residence permit. (Gazzetta Ufficiale)

What is Italy’s Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa?

A national visa for highly qualified non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for foreign employers/clients (employees or freelancers). After entry, you convert it to a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) labeled “nomade digitale – lavoratore da remoto.” (ambpristina.esteri.it)

Who regulates and processes it

  • Central authorities: Ministry of the Interior & Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Official guidance and decree are public. (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
  • Where to apply: Italian embassy/consulate where you reside. Example consulate pages already list the visa (e.g., New York, Pristina, Buenos Aires). (consnewyork.esteri.it)
  • In Italy: you request your permesso di soggiorno at the Questura (local police immigration office) shortly after arrival (generally within 8 days stated on consular guidance). (Savory Partners)
  • Implementing Decree (29 Feb 2024) — published April 4, 2024 in the Gazzetta Ufficiale: sets procedures and requirements for digital nomads/remote workers (Art. 27, Dlgs 286/1998). (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
  • Law 25/2022 (conversion of Decree-Law 4/2022 – “Sostegni-ter”) created the category. (Gazzetta Ufficiale)

Duration & renewals

  • Visa / first permit: up to 1 year.
  • Renewal: permitted if you continue to meet the requirements (the decree confirms renewability). Family reunification is also possible. (Integrazione Migranti)

Core requirements (from the 2024 Decree & consulate pages)

  • Highly qualified remote activity performed from Italy using tech tools. (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
  • Minimum income: not less than 3× the threshold used for exemption from national healthcare co-payments. In practice, consular/legal guidance pegs this at ~€26k–€28k gross/year (check your consulate’s exact figure). (K&L Gates)
  • Experience: ≥ 6 months prior professional experience in the activity you’ll perform. (K&L Gates)
  • Health insurance valid in Italy for the full period. (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
  • Suitable accommodation (proof of housing). (K&L Gates)
  • Clean criminal record and a valid passport, plus documents proving remote employment/freelance work with entities outside Italy. (ambpristina.esteri.it)
Fees & timing: Consular fees vary by post (many list ~€116 for national visas). Processing times depend on the mission; always follow your consulate’s checklist. (Nomad Gate Community)

Step-by-step: how to apply

  1. Prepare documents: remote-work contract(s) or client letters, income evidence meeting the 3× threshold, insurance, accommodation proof, passport, police certificate. (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
  2. Apply at your Italian consulate (in person, by appointment). Use the consulate’s Digital Nomad / Remote Worker page as your checklist. (consnewyork.esteri.it)
  3. Receive your visa, travel to Italy, and apply for the permesso di soggiorno at the Questura soon after arrival (consulates commonly indicate within 8 days). (Savory Partners)
  4. Renew annually if you keep meeting income/remote-work conditions. (Integrazione Migranti)

Key advantages

  • Live legally in Italy while working for foreign clients/employers.
  • Access to Italy’s major hubs (Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna) with strong internet and coworking ecosystems.
  • Family members can join under reunification rules; long-term EU residence is generally available after 5 years of legal stay. (Integrazione Migranti)


QUESTRAVEL’s take

Two things sink applications most often:

  1. Income proof that doesn’t clearly meet the 3× healthcare-exemption benchmark (or is presented in the wrong format), and
  2. Remote-work letters that don’t make it explicit that your payer(s) are outside Italy and that the work is fully remote.

We make your file consulate-specific, align contracts and bank statements with the decree, and plan the Questura steps so the permesso di soggiorno is issued smoothly.

💡 Ready to start Italy the right way? Book a 1:1 at fromquestravel.com and we’ll tailor your checklist, income narrative, and timeline—QUESTRAVEL style.

Updated on: 03/11/2025