The Digital Nomad Visa — in plain terms
The Digital Nomad Visa is governed by Art. 27, comma 1, lett. q-bis D.Lgs 286/98 and the implementing decree of 29 February 2024. It covers non-EU nationals who perform highly qualified work remotely, either as freelancers or as employees for a non-Italian employer. No Nulla Osta, no quota, no Italian employer needed.
Two categories covered
Nomadi digitali — freelancers working for multiple clients. Lavoratori da remoto — employees working remotely for a single employer based outside Italy. Both follow the same procedure.
Why it is simpler than other permits
No Nulla Osta from the Sportello Unico. The application goes directly to the Italian consulate. No quota, no click-day, no Italian employer involvement.
Two phases only
Phase 1: visa application at the consulate. Phase 2: Permesso di Soggiorno at the Questura within 8 days of arrival. Faster and less bureaucratic than the Blue Card or Flussi.
In sintesi — the numbers that matter
Do you qualify? — five requirements
Non-EU nationality
Available to citizens of non-EU countries only.
MandatoryHighly qualified remote work
Work must be “highly qualified” under Art. 27-quater D.Lgs 286/98: IT professionals, software developers, engineers, digital marketers, designers, translators and similar. Must be performed remotely using technology.
MandatoryMinimum annual income ~€28,000
At least three times the SSN health exemption threshold. Documented with tax returns, bank statements or payslips.
Mandatory · ~€28,000/year grossAt least 6 months of prior experience
Demonstrable with contracts, invoices, employment records or client references.
Mandatory · Min. 6 monthsContract or offer (for remote employees)
Employed workers must provide a work contract or binding offer from their non-Italian employer.
Mandatory for remote employeesItaly’s impatriati regime — potentially relevant
50% income tax reduction
New Italian tax residents who transfer their residence to Italy may benefit from a 50% reduction on Italian-taxable income for 5 years (up to €600,000/year). We coordinate with qualified Italian tax advisors for every case.
€100,000 flat tax for high earners
New residents who were not Italian tax residents in 9 of the preceding 10 years may opt for a €100,000 annual flat tax on all foreign-source income. For high-earning digital nomads this may be more advantageous.