Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Official Launch Confirmed – €28,000 Minimum Income, 1-Year Renewable Stay Now Open to Global Remote Workers

Published: 2026-02-24T16:30+05:30 (IST) Xavio

Espresso, pasta, and remote work — Italy's Digital Nomad Visa

Italy has officially rolled out its long-awaited Digital Nomad & Remote Worker Visa in early 2026, making it one of the newest and most attractive long-term remote work residencies in Europe. The program, formally activated under Legislative Decree No. 4/2022 and refined through 2025 ministerial guidelines, now allows non-EU citizens — including remote employees, freelancers, and self-employed professionals — to live and work remotely in Italy for up to 1 year (renewable) while employed by or serving clients outside Italy.

With fast-track consular processing, family reunification rights, and access to Italy’s world-class lifestyle (from Milan’s tech scene to Tuscany’s countryside and Puglia’s beaches), the visa is already drawing strong interest from the US, UK, Latin America, India, and Asia.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2026 – Core Requirements & Benefits

• Maximum Stay: 1-year visa, renewable annually (no fixed cap on total years)

• Minimum Annual Income: €28,000 gross (≈ €2,333/month) from foreign sources

  • +20% (€5,600) for spouse

  • +10% (€2,800) per dependent child

• Eligible Applicants:

  • Remote employees of non-Italian companies

  • Freelancers/self-employed (no minimum % from Italian clients required)

  • Highly skilled professionals (university degree or 3+ years proven experience)

• Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children can join immediately (additional income proof needed)

• Processing Time: 30–60 days (consular) + 20–30 days for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) after arrival

• Application Fee: €116 (visa) + €30–€50 (residence permit card)

• Taxes: First year — possible flat 7% tax regime on foreign income (subject to conditions); standard Italian tax residency rules apply after

• Location Freedom: Live anywhere in Italy — Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, Bologna, Turin, Sicily, Sardinia, and more

No local employment allowed — income must be generated outside Italy.

Who Can Apply in 2026?

The visa is open to citizens of all non-EU countries, including:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Canada

• Australia

• India

• Brazil

• Argentina

• South Africa

• Japan

• South Korea

• Singapore

• And dozens more

Applicants must prove stable remote income, private health insurance covering Italy (€30,000 minimum), a clean criminal record, and suitable accommodation in Italy.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm Eligibility — Verify income, remote work status, degree/experience, and insurance

2. Gather Documents — Passport, proof of income (bank statements, contracts, invoices), employment/freelance letter, health insurance, police clearance (last 5 years), university degree or experience proof, accommodation booking/lease

3. Apply at Italian Consulate/Embassy — Submit D-type visa application in your country of residence (or VFS Global/BLS centre where available)

4. Pay Fee & Attend Appointment — Biometrics & short interview (if required)

5. Receive Visa — Enter Italy within 90 days of issuance

6. Arrive & Register — Apply for permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days of arrival; renew annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the Italy Digital Nomad Visa officially launch?

Fully operational from early 2026; consulates worldwide began accepting applications in late 2025.

Q: Can I work for Italian companies on this visa?

No — income must come from outside Italy; local work requires a different work visa.

Q: Is accommodation or insurance provided?

No — you arrange private health insurance and housing yourself (Italy’s cost of living varies: €900–€1,800/month in most cities).

Q: How much can I realistically save/remit?

After taxes & living costs, many nomads save/remit €1,200–€2,500/month depending on lifestyle and location.

Q: Where to apply from outside Europe?

At the nearest Italian consulate/embassy or VFS Global/BLS centre in your country.

For the official Italy Digital Nomad Visa application portal, eligibility criteria, fees, required documents, and 2026 updates, visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa for Remote Workers page or the nearest Italian consulate website.

For more on Spain’s seasonal work visa (which can complement digital nomad stays), read our related guide: Spain Seasonal Work Visa 2026.

Explore our dedicated Italy immigration section for real-time updates, income proofs, renewal tips, and application strategies. Italy’s digital nomad dream is live — pasta, espresso, and remote work await!