Italy digital nomad visa (2026)

Who can apply

Only non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

• Highly qualified: recognised degree, regulated profession, or higher qualification plus 5 years' experience (3 years in the past 7 for ICT)
• At least 6 months of prior experience in the remote work you will do
• Income of at least the threshold from the work itself (passive income does not count)
• Health insurance with at least €30,000 cover and registered housing in Italy

Income requirement

You need to show at least €24,789 per year (about US$2,311 a month at rates from 11 Nov 2026). Three times the income ceiling for exemption from Italian healthcare co-payments; some consulates round this to about €25,500, and remote employees also need a gross salary of at least €33,000 a year.

Documents you need

• National visa application form, photo and passport valid well beyond the stay
• Proof of qualification (degree with declaration of value or CIMEA, licence, or experience records)
• Proof of income and 6 months of prior work
• Registered Italian lease or property deed covering the whole visa period
• Travel medical insurance of at least €30,000
• Remote employees: work contract and employer letter on absence of certain convictions

How to apply, step by step

1. Check the checklist of the Italian consulate for your area of residence
2. Book an appointment and submit documents in person (fingerprints are taken)
3. Wait for the decision and collect the visa
4. Within 8 working days of arrival, apply for the residence permit at the Questura

Cost and processing time

The fee is national visa fee (e.g. US$133.60 at the Embassy in Washington, Oct–Dec 2026), plus residence permit costs in Italy. Processing takes up to 120 days for digital nomads and 30 days for remote employees (Consulate in Melbourne). Budget extra for translations, certified copies and health insurance.

Tax

Tax residency in Italy usually starts after 183 days in a year; check with the Italian Revenue Agency or an adviser.

Good to know

• Spouse and children under 18 can join later through family reunification started at the Questura
• Foreign documents usually need apostille or legalisation plus Italian translation
• Consulates differ on income figure and paperwork, so follow your local consulate's list

Visiting first?

93 passports can enter Italy visa-free for a short stay, a common way to try the country before applying. Check Italy visa requirements for your passport.

Official source

Embassy of Italy in Washington – Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Visa

Not yet confirmed on an official source: fee. Check these with the consulate before you apply.