Long-stay visas (Type D)
Italian Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
A long-stay route for highly qualified non-EU nationals doing remote work in Italy, whether as freelancers or for a non-Italian employer, granted outside the Flows Decree quota.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Visa type
- National long-stay (Type D)
- Quota
- Outside the Decreto Flussi quota
- For whom
- Highly qualified freelancers or remote employees of a non-Italian company
- Experience
- Proof of prior remote-work / freelance experience (around 6 months) generally required
- Income & insurance
- Minimum annual income and health insurance required (figures set by decree/consular guidance)
- Exact income and insurance figures change — verify current thresholds
Who it's for
Non-EU nationals classed as highly qualified who perform remote work — as freelancers or for an employer outside Italy — and can support themselves from that work while living in Italy.
Requirements
- Highly qualified status (qualification or professional experience)
- Remote work as a freelancer or for a non-Italian employer
- Minimum annual income from the remote work (verify current threshold)
- Proof of prior remote-work / freelance experience
- Health insurance valid in Italy
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
What you can do
- Live in Italy while working remotely for clients or an employer abroad
- Obtain and renew a residence permit tied to the remote activity
- Bring family members subject to conditions
- Travel within the Schengen area on the residence permit
How to apply
Confirm the current requirements on the official visa portal and book an appointment via prenotami.esteri.it.
Apply for the Type D digital-nomad/remote-worker visa at the competent Italian consulate with proof of qualification, income, experience, insurance and accommodation.
After entering Italy, apply for the corresponding residence permit within the required period.
Documents
- Completed national visa application form and valid passport
- Proof of highly qualified status (degree or professional experience)
- Evidence of remote work: freelance contracts or employment with a non-Italian company
- Proof of income and of prior remote-work experience
- Health insurance policy valid in Italy
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
Frequently asked questions
No. This route is for remote work performed for a non-Italian employer or as a freelancer serving clients; local Italian employment uses the standard work routes instead.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Italian visas
- WORKEMPLOYER SPONSOREDQUOTA-BASEDSubordinate Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato)A long-stay route for non-EU nationals with an Italian employer, issued within the annual Decreto Flussi quota once a nulla osta work authorisation has been obtained.View visa details
- WORKHIGHLY QUALIFIEDJOB OFFEREU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)A combined work-and-residence route for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a qualifying Italian job offer, granted outside the Flows Decree quota.View visa details
- BUSINESSSELF-EMPLOYEDQUOTA-BASEDSelf-Employment Visa (Lavoro Autonomo)A long-stay route for non-EU nationals starting independent professional, entrepreneurial or company-officer activity in Italy, granted within the Flows Decree quota.View visa details
