Belgique
España
France
Germany
India
Italia
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Polska
Portugal
Suisse
United Kingdom
United States
Italy digital nomad visa: your gateway to working remotely in Italy
From sipping espresso in sun-drenched piazzas to enjoying high-speed internet in ancient hilltop towns, Italy is fast becoming one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads. With its mix of world-class culture, lifestyle, cuisine, and increasingly remote-friendly regions, the country has long appealed to freelancers seeking a better work-life balance.
With the introduction of the Italy digital nomad visa, the Italian government is opening the doors to non-EU freelancers and remote workers who want to enjoy la dolce vita legally, without the traditional hurdles of long-term stays or work restrictions. If you’ve dreamed of living and working from Florence, Rome, or a seaside town in the south, this new visa could be your ticket.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Italian digital nomad visa – including who’s eligible, how to apply, what to expect in terms of taxes and legal obligations, and where to live as a remote worker in Italy. You’ll also discover how Hightekers can support your move by handling the administrative and legal complexities, so you can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle and growing your freelance career.
What is the Italy digital nomad visa?
The Italian digital nomad visa is a newly introduced residency permit aimed at non-EU nationals who work remotely as freelancers, contractors, or employees for foreign companies. Officially introduced in 2024, this visa is part of Italy’s broader push to attract international talent and revive interest in less-populated areas.
The visa allows eligible individuals to live in Italy while continuing to work for their overseas clients or employers, legally and without needing to open a local business. It falls under Italy’s broader immigration and employment law framework and was designed with the modern digital worker in mind.
This move places Italy among other European countries like Portugal, Spain, and Croatia, all of which have launched similar schemes in recent years. The key difference with Italy’s version is that it targets highly skilled professionals, making it ideal for experienced freelancers and consultants with established careers.
Who is eligible to apply?
While Italy’s digital nomad visa opens exciting possibilities for remote workers, not everyone automatically qualifies. The Italian government has introduced clear eligibility criteria to ensure that applicants are financially independent, professionally established, and genuinely intend to work remotely while living in Italy.
This visa is tailored for skilled professionals with a stable client base or remote employment contracts outside Italy. You may already meet many requirements if you’re a seasoned freelancer, remote consultant, or digital entrepreneur.
Here’s what you’ll typically need to qualify:
- Proof of remote work: You must show contracts or employment letters confirming your work for clients or companies outside Italy.
- Non-EU citizenship: This visa is designed for non-EU citizens who do not already benefit from EU mobility.
- Minimum income: While the exact threshold may vary, it’s generally expected that applicants earn at least €28,000–€30,000 per year, based on government guidelines for self-sufficiency.
- Health insurance: You’ll need private international health insurance that covers your entire stay.
- Accommodation: Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy — a rental agreement or similar document — is required.
- Clean criminal record: A background check from your home country may be part of the application process.
These criteria ensure that digital nomads relocating to Italy can support themselves, integrate smoothly, and won’t rely on public services. Meeting these conditions is a crucial first step toward gaining approval for the visa and starting your new chapter in Italy with confidence.
How to apply for the Italy digital nomad visa
While the Italian government is still fine-tuning some regional procedures, here’s a general outline of how the application process works:
1. Gather your documents
Prepare proof of income, contracts, health insurance, accommodation, and criminal background check.
2. Contact your nearest Italian consulate
Book an appointment and clarify any region-specific requirements. Processing times may vary by country and consulate.
3. Submit your application
You’ll usually submit everything in person. The consulate will verify your documents and send them to Italian immigration authorities.
4. Wait for approval
Timelines can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on caseload and documentation.
5. Enter Italy and register
Once your visa is approved, you can enter Italy and must register your residence with the local Comune and apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit).
Common roadblocks can include missing paperwork, slow bureaucracy, or confusion around income thresholds. It helps to seek professional support or legal advice, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Italian processes.
Tax implications for digital nomads in Italy
Italy’s tax system can be complex, and being a digital nomad doesn’t exempt you from obligations. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tax residency: If you stay in Italy for more than 183 days a year, you’re considered a tax resident and must declare your global income.
- Income tax: Italy has progressive income tax rates ranging from 23% to over 40%, depending on your earnings.
- Social security: If you’re self-employed, you may need to register for Italy’s social security system (INPS) and make contributions — unless you’re covered in your home country under a bilateral agreement.
- VAT registration: If you invoice clients in the EU and operate as a freelancer, you may be required to register for VAT.
Going solo as a libero professionista (freelancer) means understanding all these obligations yourself, from tax filings to managing INPS payments and issuing invoices correctly.
Best places in Italy to live and work remotely
Italy is incredibly diverse, not just in landscape and cuisine, but also in lifestyle, cost of living, and infrastructure. Choosing the right location can significantly shape your remote working experience, whether you’re seeking a buzzing urban centre or a slow-paced coastal escape. Here are four standout options for digital nomads, each offering a distinct flavour of Italian life:
Milan – For ambitious professionals who thrive in fast-paced cities
Milan is Italy’s financial and tech capital: sleek, international, and well-connected. It’s home to a thriving startup ecosystem, global headquarters, and top-tier coworking spaces. If you’re working with corporate clients or tech firms, this city may offer both the lifestyle and the professional connections you’re after.
- Pros: Excellent infrastructure, fast fibre-optic internet, countless networking opportunities, reliable public transport (including easy access to the rest of Europe via Milan Malpensa Airport).
- Cons: The cost of living is among the highest in Italy. The pace can feel more corporate than cultural, and housing prices in central areas are steep.
Rome – For history lovers who want a mix of culture and cosmopolitan life
Rome combines ancient history with the energy of a modern capital. While freelancers often complain about Italian bureaucracy, many find Rome’s thriving expat communities and rich cultural scene make up for it. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in art, food, and international networking.
- Pros: Stunning architecture, a growing number of coworking spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a large community of remote workers and internationals.
- Cons: Traffic congestion is a daily challenge, and dealing with administrative tasks may take longer than expected. Accommodation can also be hit-and-miss depending on the area.
Florence – For creatives and solo freelancers in search of inspiration
Florence is smaller and more intimate, making it a favourite among designers, writers, and solo entrepreneurs. Its historic charm is unmatched, and the city is highly walkable, perfect for those who enjoy a quieter, aesthetically rich work environment.
- Pros: Artistic atmosphere, accessible coworking cafés, and a manageable pace of life. Florence also has an increasingly active digital nomad network and offers many cultural events.
- Cons: The job market is limited beyond tourism and the arts. Tourist crowds in peak seasons can disrupt the calm, and accommodation costs have risen in recent years.
Southern Italy (e.g. Puglia, Sicily, Calabria) – For peace, sun, and affordability
If your idea of remote work includes sunny afternoons, affordable rent, and scenic walks by the sea, the south is calling. Regions like Puglia, Sicily, and Calabria offer a slower pace, rich traditions, and welcoming locals. They’re ideal for digital nomads who prioritise quality of life over urban hustle.
- Pros: Lower cost of living, warmer climate, breathtaking nature, and access to traditional Italian culture without the big-city noise. Some towns even offer incentives to attract remote workers.
- Cons: English is less commonly spoken, especially outside tourist zones. Internet speeds can vary depending on the town, and access to international coworking spaces may be limited in more rural areas.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to begin, consider spending a few weeks in each region before settling down. Many digital nomads start with a tourist visa and use that time to explore potential base cities before applying for the digital nomad visa and registering for long-term residency.
No matter where you land, Italy offers a deep and rewarding lifestyle for remote professionals — and with the right setup and support, you can make it work on your terms.
How Hightekers helps freelancers settle in Italy with ease
While the Italian digital nomad visa opens exciting opportunities, the reality of settling in can still be daunting, especially when it comes to taxes, contracts, and administrative duties.
That’s where Hightekers comes in.
Instead of registering as a freelancer or setting up a company, Hightekers provides a fully compliant solution for freelancers relocating to Italy. Here’s how it works:
- Hightekers acts as your official employer, so you don’t need to learn Italy’s self-employment system or register as a libero professionista. Instead, we establish a service agreement directly with your client, ensuring everything is fully compliant from the start.
- You receive a permanent employment contract with Hightekers, granting you the legal and financial benefits of full-time employment, including social security contributions, unemployment benefits, and access to health insurance.
- We handle all legal, tax, and administrative duties — from issuing monthly invoices to your clients and managing payment collections, to taking care of taxes, visa compliance, residency registration, and social security contributions. Everything is streamlined into a transparent, payroll-like system.
- You retain complete freedom to work with your own clients while enjoying the stability and security of a legal employment setup in Italy.
- A dedicated account manager will support you throughout the process — from document collection to local integration — so you can focus on your work, not the paperwork.
This model saves significant time, reduces legal risk, and offers a much smoother relocation path for digital nomads wanting to live and work in Italy.
FAQ
Is Italy good for digital nomads?
Yes, Italy is an excellent destination for digital nomads. With its rich culture, world-renowned cuisine, and diverse landscapes — from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast — it offers a high quality of life and inspiring environments for remote work.
The new Italy digital nomad visa further enhances its appeal by allowing non-EU professionals to live and work legally in the country. Major cities offer coworking spaces, reliable internet, and thriving expat communities, making Italy both welcoming and work-friendly.
Does the Italian digital nomad visa lead to citizenship?
Not directly, but it can be a step in the right direction. Holders of the Italy digital nomad visa can apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit), which can be renewed under certain conditions.
After five years of continuous legal residency, you may be eligible for a long-term EU residence permit. After ten years, non-EU nationals can apply for Italian citizenship, provided they meet the integration and legal requirements.
What other types of visas does Italy offer for digital nomads?
Aside from the new digital nomad visa, Italy offers other visa routes that might appeal to freelancers and remote workers, such as the self-employment visa, which requires registering as a libero professionista and setting up a VAT-registered business — a more complex path with annual quotas.
The elective residency visa is available to those with passive income or significant savings, though it doesn’t permit any form of work. There’s also the intra-company transfer visa for professionals moving within multinational companies.
Each option comes with its own set of requirements and limitations, but for most independent professionals seeking a smoother experience, the digital nomad visa, especially when paired with Hightekers’ support, remains the most straightforward and flexible solution.
How long is the Italy digital nomad visa valid for?
The digital nomad visa is typically valid for one year, with the option to renew if you continue to meet the requirements, including income and remote work status.
Can I bring my family with me on the digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can apply for family reunification to bring your spouse or partner and dependent children. You’ll need to provide proof of adequate income, accommodation, and health insurance for each family member.
Do I need to speak Italian to live and work in Italy?
No, Italian is not required for the visa, and many locals in larger cities speak basic English. However, learning Italian will greatly improve your experience and help with daily life and bureaucracy.
Can I work with Italian clients while on the digital nomad visa?
No, the visa is intended for remote work with clients or companies based outside Italy. Earning income from Italian clients may breach visa conditions and could require a different permit.
Get Italian digital nomad visa
The Italy digital nomad visa is a game-changer for global freelancers dreaming of living in one of Europe’s most iconic countries. But alongside the promise of sun-drenched villages and delicious pasta comes the complexity of legal systems, tax rules, and administrative processes.
With the right support, relocating doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Hightekers offers a smart, compliant, and stress-free way to settle in Italy, allowing you to enjoy your lifestyle and focus on what you do best.
Contact us to learn more and simplify your relocation to Italy.
