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Italy digital nomad visa

Visa for digital nomads (nomadi digitali)

In short

Italy's digital nomad visa is for highly qualified foreigners who work remotely as self-employed using technology. You need a three-year degree or equivalent professional experience, at least six months' experience in the field, annual income of at least three times the threshold for exemption from healthcare contributions, housing and health insurance.

checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
Fee
€116National (D) visa fee under Italy's consular fee table; the mission states the currency and method of payment, and an external service provider, where used, charges its own fee.
Work
Remote self-employed work for clients using technological tools.
Where to apply
Italian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, directly or through its external service provider.

Who is a digital nomad

The missions define a digital nomad as a foreign national who will carry out self-employed work remotely using technological tools. You must be a highly qualified worker within the meaning of the Italian immigration law: a degree from a course of at least three years or a three-year post-secondary vocational qualification; for regulated professions, recognition by the competent Italian authority; or five years of professional experience at a comparable level (three years in the last seven for ICT managers and specialists).

Documents

Qualifications must be certified copies with an apostille and Italian translation; for degrees, a declaration of equivalence or CIMEA comparability certificate is required when you apply. Housing must be shown with a lease registered with the Italian Revenue Agency or a property deed, plus health insurance valid in Italy for the stay.

Required documents

Identity

  • National (type D) application form, completed, dated and signed at item 37 and on the last page
  • One ICAO photo 35 × 40 mm and a passport valid at least three months beyond the visa, with copies of current and previous passports
  • Copy of your national ID card; non-nationals: residence permit in the country where you apply; civil status certificate where the checklist asks for it

Travel

  • Registered lease or property deed in Italy
  • Return flight booking

Money

  • Proof of annual income of at least three times the healthcare-contribution exemption threshold

Work

  • Proof of at least six months' experience in the field

Study

  • Degree or qualification (apostilled, translated) with declaration of equivalence or CIMEA certificate, or proof of five years' experience

Insurance

  • Health insurance covering treatment and hospitalisation in Italy

Income and experience

You must prove a minimum annual income from lawful sources of at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare contributions, and at least six months of prior experience in the field of work.

After arrival: permesso di soggiorno

Within 8 working days of first entry you must apply to the Questura of the province where you will live, in many cases through authorised post offices. The fee is EUR 40 for permits of more than three months up to one year and EUR 50 for up to two years; applicants for permits of at least one year sign an integration agreement with the State. The card is usually issued within about 60 days.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Download the official "Digital nomad" checklist from the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence and complete the national (type D) application form.
  2. Book an appointment with the mission or its external service provider and lodge the file in person with originals, apostilled and translated documents where required.
  3. Pay the visa fee as the mission indicates; the statutory processing time for a type D visa is 90 days.
  4. Within 8 working days of entering Italy, apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) through the post office kit or the Questura.
  5. Attend the Questura appointment for fingerprints and, for permits of a year or more, sign the integration agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Can an employee of a foreign company use this visa?

The missions describe digital nomads as self-employed; Italy publishes a separate checklist for remote workers who are employees.

Is a degree required?

A three-year degree or equivalent qualification, or five years of comparable professional experience.

Do I need a rental contract before applying?

Yes, a lease registered with the Revenue Agency or a property deed.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Italy

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Study and training

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
  • EU Blue Card Validity: Two years for an open-ended contract; for fixed-term contracts, the contract length plus three months.

Family

Residence

  • Retirement visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
  • Permanent residence Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors; the status is permanent.

Protection

  • Asylum and international protection Validity: Asylum-seeker permit: until the decision; refugee and subsidiary protection: five years, renewable; special protection: two years, renewable.

Italy visa guide