Q.1 Digital Nomad Visa in Italy: What is the legal ground for the new visa category for digital nomads and remote workers?
This new category of entries was introduced by DL n. 4/2022, adding letter q-bis) to Art. 27, paragraph 1 of the Immigration law. Further details were outlined in a ministerial decree dated February 29, 2024
Q.2 What is the difference between digital nomads and remote workers?
Digital Nomads are defined as freelancers using technology to work from anywhere while remote workers are employees with a work contract who perform their duties remotely.
Both categories are allowed to enter and work in Italy outside the annual quotas set by the flow decree.
Q.3 What are the requirements to obtain the visa as a digital nomad or remote worker?
Q.3 What is the procedure to apply?
Step 1: apply for a visa (short or long stay) at the Italian Consulate or Embassy in the country of residence, proving the above requirements. No prior work authorization is needed.
Step 2: Within 8 working days of entering Italy, apply for a residence permit for work at the police headquarters of the place of residence. Work can begin as soon as the application is filed.
Q4. How long is the residence permit issued for, and how is it renewed?
The residence permit is issued with a 1-year duration and is renewable annually if the initial requirements are still met.
Q.5 Is it possible to change employers or clients?
Yes, digital nomads and remote workers can change employers or clients without restrictions.
Q.6 Is it possible to convert the residence permit to another type of permit?
At the moment the law does not foresee the possibility to convert the digital nomad/remote worker permit into other types of residence permits. However, after five years of regular stay, if requirements are met it is possible to apply for the EU long-term residence permit.
Q.7 Can I bring my family to Italy?
Yes, you can bring minor children and your spouse. Family members will be granted a residence permit for family reasons with the same duration as the worker’s permit. The family permit allows work in Italy without further work authorization.
Q.8 What social security regime applies to digital nomads and remote workers?
Social security payments must be done in Italy, except for countries with bilateral agreements with Italy that allow payments to continue in the home country social security system.
Q.9 What tax regime applies to digital nomads and remote workers? Do they need to open a VAT number?
If a worker spends more than 183 days in Italy, they must comply with Italian tax laws, paying taxes there. Digital nomads must open a VAT number (Partita IVA) to issue invoices, pay social security contributions, and any income taxes. The VAT number must be requested through the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) directly or via third parties such as accountants.
Non-compliance with tax rules may result in the revocation of the residence permit.
Giuditta Petreni has over 10 years of experience in assisting companies and business investors with relocation of managers and staff to Italy. Giuditta has extensive experience advising corporate and private clients on a full range of Italian immigration categories. She is fluent in Italian and English.
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