Our Newsletter

New rules for self-employed visa in Italy as a digital nomad

Posted on March 1st, 2022

by Expat Living in Rome


Citizens of Non-European countries smart working in Italy are considered to be digital nomads, carrying out a highly qualified work activity, through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely:

• autonomously (as a freelance professional, for example);
• as an employee also based outside Italy

RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR DIGITAL NOMADS: THE NEW RULES

THE NEW Law inserts digital nomads and remote workers from non-European countries among the
categories of foreign workers to whom the residence permit can be issued in a simplified way, outside the
quotas provided each year by the decreto flussi.

In fact, some types of highly skilled or specialized workers for their type of activity benefit from it.

Their entry is, however, conditional on the release of a nulla osta that must be requested by the employer
pursuant to the regulation implementing the Single Immigration Text, Legislative Decree No. 286 of 1998.

The new law  within this category – and this is the novelty – also the workers of non-European citizens
who carry out their activity in smart working in Ital. Digital nomads or remote workers, precisely. For them, however, the rules are even less stringent:

• No nulla osta is required;

The residence permit, after obtaining the entry visa, shall be issued for a period of one year, provided that
the holder has the availability of health insurance. Such insurance shall cover all risks in the national
territory. However, the worker must comply with the tax and contribution provisions in force in national
law.

 

RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR DIGITAL NOMADS: HOW TO GET IT

The new Law demands a special Decree of the Minister of the Interior, to be adopted in concert with the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, with that of Tourism and with that of Labour the definition of the modalities and
the requirements for the issuance of the residence permit to the digital nomads.

The text will define the categories of highly skilled workers who qualify for the smart work permit, the
minimum income limits of the applicant, as well as the working arrangements to be carried out.

The residence permit for digital nomads or remote workers may be extended for a maximum of 2 years. Permission will be extended to the whole family.

 

Kick start your digital nomad life in Italy!

If you need more details on how to apply for this visa you can schedule a FREE call with us!

Contact: [email protected] 


how to move to Italy 2026 — complete step by step relocation guide

How to Move to Italy 2026: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Discover the legal pathways, visa requirements, health insurance steps, and administrative rules for moving to Italy in 2026. Comprehensive 2026 Residency Roadmap If you are considering how to move to Italy 2026, you are likely drawn to the unparalleled lifestyle, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, moving to Italy is more than just booking a […]

Italy 7% tax regime for retirees guide showing small Italian town

Italy 7% Tax Regime for Retirees: Ultimate 2026 Guide

Retirement & Taxes in Italy 🕒 Updated: August 19, 2026 ⏱️ Reading Time: 8 min read Italy 7% Tax Regime for Retirees: Ultimate 2026 Guide Discover how foreign pensioners moving to qualifying southern Italian municipalities can lock in a flat 7% tax rate on all overseas income for 10 years. Overview of Italy’s 7% Pensioner […]

private health insurance in italy dual citizen

Do Dual Citizens Need Private Health Insurance in Italy?

Healthcare & Insurance Private Health Insurance in Italy Dual Citizen: 5 Best Options SSN registration rights, transition coverage, and options for Italian dual nationals. Updated: October 2026  |  Reading time: 6 minutes In this guide: What the Law Says  | SSN Registration Process  | Why Buy Private Insurance  | When It Makes Sense A few […]

 


Contact info

Roma Italy