Italy Digital Nomad Visa: The €28,000 Income Guide

Italy's digital nomad visa launched later than Portugal's or Spain's, but it fixes one thing they don't guarantee outright: a clear, repeatable annual renewal, as long as you keep meeting the requirements. The catch is a 'highly skilled work' condition that filters out more applicants in practice than the €28,000 income line does.

The 'Highly Skilled Work' Requirement

Unlike most nomad visas that only check income, Italy also requires proof that your role qualifies as highly skilled — generally interpreted as requiring a relevant university degree or several years of demonstrated professional experience in your field. This is the part of the application that trips up freelancers and generalists more than the income threshold does, since it demands documentation of expertise, not just earnings.

Who Qualifies

• Non-EU/EEA citizens working remotely for a company based outside Italy
• Gross annual income of at least ~€28,000, evidenced by tax returns, contracts, and bank statements
• Proof of highly skilled work — a relevant degree or substantial professional experience
• Clean criminal record
• Health insurance valid in Italy with minimum €30,000 coverage

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Proof of gross income meeting the ~€28,000/year threshold (tax returns, contracts, bank statements)
• Evidence of highly skilled work — degree certificate or documented professional experience
• Employment contract or client agreements showing work for entities outside Italy
• Health insurance certificate, minimum €30,000 coverage, valid in Italy
• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Clean criminal background check

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Confirm your role qualifies as 'highly skilled' and gather supporting documentation (degree or experience record).
2. Gather income documentation proving the ~€28,000/year gross threshold.
3. Purchase health insurance valid in Italy with at least €30,000 coverage.
4. Secure proof of accommodation in Italy.
5. Apply at an Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
6. Enter Italy and convert your visa to a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within the required window.
7. Renew annually, providing updated proof you still meet all requirements.

Taxes

Italy has no dedicated nomad tax regime attached to this visa — once you cross 183 days of presence, standard Italian tax residency rules apply, taxing worldwide income at Italy's progressive rates. This is a meaningfully different picture from Croatia's full exemption or Malta's flat 10% rate, so run the numbers before assuming Italy is tax-favorable.

Common Mistakes

• Focusing only on the income threshold and underestimating the 'highly skilled work' documentation burden
• Assuming Italy has a special reduced tax rate for nomads the way Malta or Croatia do — it doesn't
• Not confirming current renewal-limit policy before applying, given inconsistent reporting on whether it's unlimited or capped