Italy’s digital nomad visa took years to arrive, but since April 2024 it has given highly skilled non-EU remote workers a way to live in Italy for a year at a time. This page covers it as of October 2026, along with the Schengen rules and paperwork. Consulates differ on documents, so check with yours before applying.
Schengen: 90 Days in 180#
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries. Since April 2026 the Entry/Exit System records entries and exits digitally, and ETIAS has no confirmed start date yet.
Digital Nomad Visa#
- Who: non-EU highly skilled workers who work remotely, as employees or freelancers, for employers or clients outside Italy.
- Qualifications: usually a university degree plus at least six months’ relevant experience, or five or more years of professional experience in the field.
- Income: about €28,000 a year, three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare co-payments.
- Other requirements: health insurance covering Italy, suitable accommodation, a clean criminal record, and at least six months’ prior experience as a remote worker.
- Fee: €116 for the visa, plus residence permit costs.
- Length: one year, renewable if you still meet the requirements.
- Family: a spouse and children can join you.
How to apply: at the Italian consulate covering where you live, with an apostilled and translated set of documents. Once in Italy, you have eight days to request a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), usually through the post office’s kit, followed by a police appointment.
Elective Residence Visa#
The elective residence visa is for people with substantial passive income (from about €31,000 a year) who won’t work in Italy at all. It doesn’t allow remote work, so it suits retirees rather than working nomads.
After You Arrive#
- Codice fiscale: the Italian tax code, needed for leases, utilities, SIM cards and bank accounts. You can get one at the Agenzia delle Entrate or through a consulate.
- Residenza: registering your residence with the town hall (anagrafe) is needed for some services.
- Healthcare: residence permit holders can register with the national health service for an annual fee.
Italy's Visa Options Compared#
Italy: Digital Nomad Visa
- Stay
- 1 year
- Valid for
- 1 year
- Renewal
- Renewable each year if you still qualify
- Money required
- About €28,000 a year (3x the healthcare-exemption threshold), from non-Italian sources
- Fee
- €116 visa fee, plus residence permit costs
- Who qualifies
- Highly skilled remote workers: a degree plus 6 months' experience in the field, or 5+ years of relevant experience. Employers must be outside Italy.
- Family
- Spouse and children can join
- Tax
- Standard Italian tax residency after 183 days; the impatriate regime can cut taxable income by 50% for some
- How to apply
- At an Italian consulate, then a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival. Official site
Fully running since 2025 after a slow start. Consulates differ on documents, so check yours.
Italy for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
Italy Visa FAQs#
Does Italy have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Since April 2024, highly skilled non-EU remote workers earning about €28,000 a year from outside Italy can get a one-year visa, renewable.
Can I apply for the Italian digital nomad visa in Italy?
No. You apply at the Italian consulate covering where you live, then request a residence permit within eight days of arriving in Italy.
Who counts as highly skilled for the Italian visa?
Usually someone with a university degree and relevant experience, or long professional experience in their field. Consulates assess this individually.
How long can Americans stay in Italy without a visa?
90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area.