Non-EU Digital Nomads and Remote Workers: Simplified Entry Procedures into Italy

On April 4, 2024, the Italian Ministry of the Interior published a decree in Official Gazette No. 79 establishing simplified entry and residence procedures for non-EU remote workers and digital nomads. This initiative, introduced by the 2022 Support Decree (DL 4/2022, converted into Law 25/2022) aims to attract highly skilled foreign professionals working remotely for companies outside Italy.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers: a New Category of Foreign Professionals

The Support Decree-ter (DL 4/2022, later converted into Law 25/2022), created a new legal category: digital nomads and remote workers. By adding letter q-bis to Article 27, paragraph 1, of the Consolidated Immigration Act, Italy has made it possible for these professionals to obtain a special type of residence permit, even outside traditional immigration quotas. Two years later, the interministerial decree has finally clarified the operational details — setting out who can apply, what is required, and how the new residence permit works in practice.

Key Features of the Decree Applied to Digital and Remote Workers

Who it concerns

The decree applies to non-EU citizens who intend to carry out in Italy a highly qualified work activity for a company not necessarily based in Italy, using digital technologies that allow them to work remotely, either as self-employed professionals or as employees. It distinguishes between:

• Digital nomads: independent professionals or freelancers who work remotely using digital tools.
• Remote workers: employees or collaborators who, with the help of technology, perform their duties remotely under the organisational direction of their employer (as defined by Legislative Decree 81/2015).

“Highly qualified activity” refers to work performed by individuals who meet the criteria set out in Article 27-quater, paragraph 1, of the Consolidated Immigration Act — essentially, the same standards required for the EU Blue Card.

Access requirements

To enter and stay in Italy under this regime, applicants must

• earn an annual income at least three times higher than the minimum threshold for healthcare exemption;
• hold valid health insurance covering the entire stay in Italy;
• provide proof of adequate accommodation;
• demonstrate at least six months of experience in the same field of activity;
• present an employment or collaboration contract, or a binding job offer, for a role that requires one of the qualifications mentioned above.

Importantly, no traditional work authorisation (nulla osta) is required for this type of entry.

How to enter Italy

Step 1 – Visa application

Applicants must apply for a visa at the competent Italian consulate or embassy. Along with the application, they must provide:

• a valid passport;
• documentation proving the nature of the work (employment contract, collaboration agreement, or equivalent document);
• proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation;
• a declaration signed by the employer confirming no criminal convictions for immigration-related offences in the past five years.

Step 2 – Residence permit

Once the visa has been granted, and within eight working days of entering Italy, the worker must apply at the local Questura (Police Headquarters) for a residence permit marked “digital nomad – remote worker.”
The permit is valid for one year, renewable as long as the original requirements are still met.

When the permit is issued, the Italian Tax Agency automatically assigns a tax code (codice fiscale).
If the applicant carries out self-employed work and no bilateral social security agreement exists between Italy and their home country, Italian social security and pension contributions apply, and a VAT number (Partita IVA) must be requested.

Step 3 – Notification to authorities

The Questura notifies the Territorial Labor Inspectorate, as well as the local INPS and INAIL offices, of the issuance of each permit, enabling them to conduct standard checks on compliance and contributions.

Family members

Family reunification is permitted under Italian law. Eligible family members include:

Family members receive a residence permit “for family reasons,” with the same validity as the main applicant’s permit and renewable under the same conditions.