Visa for Digital Nomads
The Italian Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most recent and forward-looking entry and residence solutions introduced by the Italian legal system to attract highly qualified professionals who work remotely. The framework governing this visa was formally established through an interministerial decree implementing Article 27, paragraph 1, letter q-bis of the Italian Consolidated Immigration Act, which precisely defines the requirements, conditions, and procedures applicable to remote workers and digital nomads.
This is a long-term national visa reserved for non-EU citizens who carry out their professional activity digitally for companies or clients based abroad, or who operate as self-employed professionals using advanced technological tools, without impacting the Italian labor market.
Who is eligible
The Digital Nomad Visa is intended for highly qualified workers who can demonstrate that they perform their professional activity remotely through the use of IT tools, digital platforms, and communication networks. Typical profiles include, by way of example, software developers, IT consultants, digital marketing professionals, designers, project managers, analysts, online trainers, and other professionals operating in the technological or creative sectors. The essential requirement is that the activity is carried out exclusively for foreign entities and that there is no employment relationship, collaboration, or client relationship with entities established in Italy.
Financial and housing requirements
From an economic and professional standpoint, applicants must demonstrate an adequate minimum annual income derived from their remote activity, sufficient to ensure stable and continuous means of support while residing in Italy. Proof of an existing employment or self-employment relationship with foreign entities for a minimum period is also required, together with evidence of high-level skills and a professional profile consistent with the nature of the visa.
A further fundamental requirement is the availability of suitable accommodation in Italy, either owned or rented, intended to become the applicant’s habitual residence for the entire duration of the stay.
Duration of the Visa and residence permit
The Digital Nomad Visa is issued for an initial period of up to one year and, once in Italy, must be converted into a residence permit within the time limits set by current legislation. The residence permit is renewable, provided that the income, professional, and insurance requirements continue to be met.
The permit holder also benefits from freedom of movement within the Schengen Area and, subject to the fulfillment of the relevant legal conditions, may progressively pursue more stable forms of residence over time.
Health insurance
A key element of the regulatory framework is the obligation to hold valid health insurance coverage in Italy, including medical care, hospitalization, accident coverage, and repatriation. After obtaining the residence permit, the holder may opt for voluntary enrollment in the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), thereby gaining access to the public healthcare system in accordance with applicable regulations.
Application procedure
The Digital Nomad Visa application process requires careful preparation and a thorough assessment of the applicant’s profile. The documentation must clearly and consistently demonstrate the nature of the remote professional activity, income continuity, professional qualifications, and the genuine intention to reside in Italy lawfully and in line with the purpose of the visa.
Consular authorities and competent offices pay close attention to the substance and coherence of the applicant’s life project, in order to prevent improper or instrumental use of the visa that would be inconsistent with the rationale of the decree.
For this reason, specialized professional assistance is crucial to reduce the risk of refusal and to ensure that the application is properly structured from the outset. Managing the Digital Nomad Visa does not end with the issuance of the consular visa, but continues with entry into Italy, the application for the residence permit, the organization of residence, tax planning, and ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations.
Only an integrated approach makes it possible to transform remote work in Italy into a stable, compliant, and sustainable long-term experience.
The Digital Nomad Visa forms part of a broader strategy of international relocation and attraction of highly qualified human capital, offering digital professionals the opportunity to live in a country known for its high quality of life, unique cultural heritage, and an environment that is increasingly open to innovation. At the same time, the complexity of the regulatory framework and the need to coordinate legal, tax, and logistical aspects make highly structured support indispensable.
SmartLivingItaly supports clients at every stage of the process: from the preliminary assessment of eligibility requirements to the preparation of consular documentation, from assistance in securing accommodation and health insurance to managing arrival in Italy, and through to the issuance and renewal of the residence permit.
