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Italy

Europe

Italy is an EU and Schengen country with very high tourism flows and several long stay options, including a national visa for digital nomads and remote workers and an elective residence visa for financially independent people.

6
Visa Types
—
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work

National visa for digital nomads and remote workers

Long stay national visa for highly skilled non EU citizens who work remotely using technological tools as digital nomads or remote workers.

365 days
Duration
€116
$126 fee
+€750 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $24,789/per_year

Alternative: The law requires an annual income from lawful sources not less than three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare cost participation. Consular guidance may round this amount or update it when the underlying threshold changes.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Specifically designed for highly skilled remote workers and digital nomads.
✓No prior work authorisation (nulla osta) is required for many digital nomad and remote worker cases, unlike other work permits.
📋 Requirements (7)
  • •Being a highly skilled non EU worker who carries out remote work using technological tools, as defined in the implementing decree for digital nomads and remote workers.
  • •Proof of an annual income from work of at least three times the minimum threshold for exemption from healthcare cost participation, currently indicated at around EUR 24,789 per year for a single applicant.
  • •Valid employment contract, collaboration agreement or documentation proving self employment for clients or employers located in Italy or abroad, specifying remote work arrangements.
  • •Proof of at least six months of prior experience in the same professional field, as required by many consular checklists.
  • •Health insurance covering medical care and hospitalisation in Italy for the full planned period of stay.
  • •Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy, such as a rental contract, hotel booking or hosting declaration.
  • •Clean criminal record certificate from the country of residence or countries of recent residence, properly legalised or apostilled, and authorisation for checks by Italian authorities.
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Consulates indicate that examination can take up to 90–120 days depending on the specific case
  1. 1Confirm that you meet the definition of digital nomad or remote worker and that your role qualifies as highly skilled under Italian immigration law.
  2. 2Check the website of the competent Italian consulate or visa centre for the detailed checklist for digital nomads and remote workers.
  3. 3Book an appointment and prepare all required documents in duplicate where requested, including proof of income, experience, insurance and accommodation.
  4. 4Submit your application in person, provide fingerprints and pay the national visa fee and, if applicable, service centre fees.
  5. 5After your visa is issued, travel to Italy and apply for a residence permit at the local Questura within the legal deadline, usually eight working days from entry.
  6. 6Maintain the required income, insurance and other conditions to renew your residence permit while you continue to work remotely.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 24 days (max 2x)

Cost: Free

Process: The residence permit for digital nomads and remote workers can be renewed in Italy as long as the income, insurance and professional requirements continue to be met and you comply with residence and tax rules.

Renewal: The residence permit can normally be renewed multiple times; after several years of legal residence you may qualify for long term residence or other statuses if you meet the conditions.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Collect solid documentary evidence of your income and remote work arrangements well in advance, as consulates scrutinise these carefully.
  • •Keep copies of all consular and Questura decisions and receipts to make future renewals smoother.

Visa free short stay (Schengen 90/180 rule)

TouristPopular

Short stays in Italy and the Schengen area without a visa for eligible nationalities, up to 90 days in any 180 days.

90d
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€80 additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Not applicable (no visa application)
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Government visa feeNo Schengen visa fee for visa exempt travellers
€0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Travel medical insurance (up to 90 days)Strongly recommended and sometimes checked at the border
€80$87
Required Total
€0<$1
+ Additional (estimated)
€80$87
Estimated Total
€80$87
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport that meets Schengen rules (issued within the last 10 years and valid at least three months beyond the planned departure).
  • •Proof of onward or return travel and accommodation bookings for your stay.
  • •Travel medical insurance that covers at least EUR 30,000 in medical and repatriation costs for all Schengen States.
  • •Evidence of sufficient financial means according to Italian and Schengen rules for the entire stay.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check on the “Visa for Italy” portal whether your nationality is visa exempt for short stays.
  2. 2Plan your itinerary so that your total time in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days in any 180 days.
  3. 3Carry printed or digital proof of accommodation, onward travel, insurance and funds in case they are requested at the border.
  4. 4Comply with the EU Entry Exit System procedures such as fingerprint and face scan where applicable.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •No right to work on the Italian labour market.
  • •Strict 90 days in any 180 days limit across all Schengen States.

💡 Tips

  • •Use a Schengen day calculator and keep all entry and exit stamps or confirmations to avoid unintentional overstays.
  • •Have a clear travel plan and documentation ready for possible border checks.

Schengen short stay visa (type C) for tourism or business

TouristPopular

Short stay Schengen visa for travellers who need a visa to visit Italy and the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€110 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Normally around 15 days; up to 45 days in more complex cases
🔄Extendable +0d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Schengen visa fee (adult)Standard fee for short stay Schengen visa since June 2024
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
External service provider feeCharged where applications are lodged via a visa centre such as VFS or TLS
€30$33
Travel medical insurance (90 days)Mandatory coverage of at least EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation
€80$87
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€110$119
Estimated Total
€200$217
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Completed Schengen visa application form and two biometric photos.
  • •Valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages and validity of at least three months beyond the end of the planned stay.
  • •Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 in medical and repatriation expenses valid throughout the Schengen area.
  • •Proof of accommodation for the full stay such as hotel bookings, rental contracts or invitation letters.
  • •Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay, such as recent bank statements, salary slips or proof of sponsorship.
  • •Documents evidencing the purpose of the trip and ties to your country of residence (work, study, family, property).

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Use the “Visa for Italy” portal to confirm that Italy is the main destination or first entry for your trip.
  2. 2Book an appointment with the Italian embassy, consulate or external visa centre responsible for your place of residence.
  3. 3Gather all required documents according to the consulate checklist, including insurance and proof of funds.
  4. 4Attend the appointment in person, submit biometric data and pay the visa and service fees.
  5. 5Track your application and collect your passport once a decision has been made.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not authorise taking up employment in Italy.
  • •Purpose of stay is limited to what was declared in the application.

💡 Tips

  • •Check consulate specific checklists and processing times well in advance of your trip.
  • •Make sure your itinerary, accommodation and financial documents are consistent and up to date.

Elective residence visa

Special ProgramPopular

Long stay national visa for financially independent persons such as retirees or people with substantial passive income who wish to live in Italy without working.

365d
Duration
€116
$126 fee
+€750 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Processing times are often around 60–90 days but can be longer depending on the consulate and the complexity of the case
🔄Extendable +24d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
National visa (type D) feeElective residence visa fee indicated by several Italian consulates; always check the current consular fee table
€116$126
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit issuance fee in ItalyApproximate cost of the electronic residence permit and related contributions
€100$109
Private health insurance for at least one yearPolicy must cover medical expenses and hospitalisation, often with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
€400$434
Document legalisation and translationFor apostilles, legalisations and certified translations of financial and civil status documents
€250$271
Required Total
€116$126
+ Additional (estimated)
€750$814
Estimated Total
€866$940
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Completed national visa application form and recent biometric photos.
  • •Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity and blank pages for the visa.
  • •Documented proof of stable passive income such as pensions, annuities, rental income, dividends or other financial returns sufficient to live in Italy without working.
  • •Bank references and recent bank statements showing that the income is actually received and available.
  • •Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy, such as a property deed, long term rental contract or other long stay housing solution.
  • •Comprehensive medical insurance valid in Italy covering the entire initial period of stay, often with minimum coverage required by consular checklists.
  • •Criminal record certificate from the country of residence and any other relevant country, properly legalised or apostilled, and authorisation for background checks.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check on the “Visa for Italy” portal and the website of the Italian consulate responsible for your area which documents and financial thresholds are required for elective residence.
  2. 2Collect evidence of your passive income and assets, including pension statements, rental contracts, investment reports and bank references.
  3. 3Secure suitable housing in Italy and obtain contracts or deeds that clearly show you have a place to live.
  4. 4Book an appointment at the Italian consulate or external visa centre, submit your application, provide biometrics and pay the visa fee.
  5. 5If the visa is granted, travel to Italy and apply for a residence permit for elective residence at the Questura within the legal time limit.
  6. 6Maintain your income, housing and residence in Italy to be able to renew your permit in the following years.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not allow you to take up work in Italy; income must remain passive and independent from local employment.
  • •Financial thresholds and supporting documents can vary significantly between consulates and are regularly reviewed.

💡 Tips

  • •Contact the specific consulate where you will apply to understand their current expectations on minimum income and documents.
  • •Prepare a clear explanatory letter describing your plans in Italy, your income sources and who will accompany you.

Long term student visa (national D)

EducationPopular

National visa for non EU students admitted to Italian universities or recognised study programmes for stays longer than 90 days.

365d
Duration
€50
$54 fee
+€300 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Often 30–60 days from complete application, depending on consulate workload and period of the year
🔄Extendable +24d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
National visa (type D) feeTypical fee for long term study visas; check the consular fee table applicable in your country
€50$54
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit issuance feeApproximate cost of the student residence permit card
€100$109
Private health insurance or contribution to the Italian national health serviceDepends on your age and the chosen coverage option
€200$217
Required Total
€50$54
+ Additional (estimated)
€300$326
Estimated Total
€350$380
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Proof of enrolment or pre enrolment in an Italian university or recognised higher education or training institution.
  • •Completed visa application form, valid passport and biometric photos.
  • •Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the studies, according to the annual tables on minimum subsistence published by the Italian authorities.
  • •Proof of accommodation, such as student housing confirmation, rental agreement or hosting declaration.
  • •Health insurance or proof of coverage in Italy for medical expenses until access to the national health system is available.
  • •Criminal record certificate and, if requested, documents proving previous study history.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Apply for admission or pre enrolment at an Italian higher education institution and obtain the official letter of acceptance.
  2. 2Check on the “Visa for Italy” portal and the consulate website the specific checklist for student visas.
  3. 3Book an appointment and submit your application with all supporting documents, including proof of means and accommodation.
  4. 4After the visa is issued, travel to Italy, enrol in person and request a residence permit for study within the legal deadline.
  5. 5Comply with academic progress and attendance requirements to be able to renew your residence permit for study.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Your right to stay depends on remaining enrolled and meeting academic requirements.
  • •Conversion to other residence statuses after graduation is possible but subject to quotas and specific rules.

💡 Tips

  • •Coordinate visa timing with university enrolment deadlines to avoid gaps.
  • •Keep copies of all enrolment certificates, exam records and receipts for future renewals or conversions.

Employed work visa (national D)

Work

National visa for non EU citizens who have an employment contract or firm job offer with an Italian employer under the relevant immigration quotas and rules.

365d
Duration
€116
$126 fee
+€300 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Work visas are often processed within 30–90 days once the required work authorisation is available, but times vary by consulate and quota phase.
🔄Extendable +24d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
National visa (type D) feeStandard fee for many employed work visas under Italian consular tariffs
€116$126
Additional (estimated)
Residence permit issuance feePaid after arrival when applying for the work residence permit
€100$109
Document legalisation and translationFor contracts and civil status documents that must be legalised or translated
€200$217
Required Total
€116$126
+ Additional (estimated)
€300$326
Estimated Total
€416$451
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Nulla osta or work authorisation issued where required by the competent Italian authority before the visa is requested, unless exempted by specific rules.
  • •Signed employment contract or binding job offer with an Italian employer indicating salary, duties and working conditions.
  • •Valid passport and completed visa application form with required photos.
  • •Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy or a declaration from the employer or host.
  • •Criminal record certificate and health insurance coverage until registration in the Italian system.
  • •Any additional documents listed by the consulate or visa centre for the specific category of employed work.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1The employer or its representative usually initiates the procedure in Italy by requesting the necessary work authorisation where required by law.
  2. 2Once the nulla osta or other work authorisation has been issued, book an appointment at the Italian consulate and prepare the required documents.
  3. 3Submit your visa application in person, present the original work authorisation and contract, and pay the visa fee.
  4. 4After the visa is granted, travel to Italy, start work according to the contract and request a residence permit for work within the deadline.
  5. 5Comply with labour law, tax and residence permit rules to be able to renew your permit in the future.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Often subject to annual quotas and specific procedures such as the nulla osta system.
  • •Losing your job or working outside the conditions of your permit can jeopardise your right to stay.

💡 Tips

  • •Clarify with your employer which steps they will handle in Italy and which documents you must prepare for the consulate.
  • •Keep all work and residence documents organised, as they will be needed for renewals and possible future status changes.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalRome
CurrencyEUR (€)
LanguageItalian
TimezoneUTC+1 / UTC+2 (summer)
Last UpdatedNov 30, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Italy have a digital nomad or remote worker visa?
Yes. Italy has introduced a specific national visa and residence route for digital nomads and remote workers who are highly skilled non EU citizens. The law and implementing decree require that you work remotely using technological tools and that you have an annual income from lawful work sources of at least three times the minimum threshold for exemption from healthcare cost participation, together with health insurance, suitable accommodation and a clean criminal record.
How long can I stay in Italy without a visa as a tourist?
If your nationality is visa exempt for Schengen short stays, you can stay in Italy and the rest of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180 day period. This is a common limit for all Schengen States and is now monitored electronically through the Entry Exit System, so you should carefully track all your days spent in the Schengen area, not only in Italy.
What are the income requirements for the Italian digital nomad or remote worker visa?
The legal requirement is that your annual income from work must be at least three times the minimum income threshold that gives exemption from participation in national healthcare costs. Official guidance indicates this corresponds to roughly EUR 24,789 per year for a single applicant based on the current threshold, but the exact figure can change when the healthcare exemption threshold is updated. Consulates may also publish rounded amounts or request higher income in practice.
What is the elective residence visa and who is it for?
The elective residence visa is a long stay national visa for non EU citizens who wish to live in Italy without working and who can demonstrate stable and autonomous passive income and financial resources. It is typically used by retirees and financially independent people. You must prove adequate income and housing, buy comprehensive health insurance and commit to living in Italy; the visa does not allow you to carry out employed or self employed work in Italy.
Can I work remotely from Italy while I am in the country as a tourist?
Italian and EU rules focus mainly on whether you are taking up employment in Italy. Occasional remote work for a foreign employer or foreign clients while you are in Italy on a short stay is generally tolerated, but it does not give you a right to remain in Italy long term and cannot replace the need for a proper residence visa if you want to base yourself in Italy. For a structured long term remote work stay, you are expected to apply for the digital nomad or remote worker visa or another appropriate residence route.
Do I need health insurance to visit or live in Italy?
For Schengen short stay visas, travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 of coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation valid across the Schengen area is mandatory. Visa exempt travellers are strongly advised to have similar cover. For national D visas and the first residence permit, private health insurance or proof of coverage is normally required until you are registered with the Italian health system or pay the relevant contribution.
What happens if I overstay my authorised stay in Italy or in Schengen?
Overstaying the permitted period of stay in Italy or any other Schengen State can lead to fines, an order to leave, difficulties when applying for future visas and, in serious cases, entry bans. With the EU Entry Exit System, overstays are recorded more systematically. If you realise you may overstay, it is safer to contact the competent authorities or seek legal advice rather than simply wait until departure.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 30, 2025

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