Two years after its launch, Italy’s digital-nomad visa remains one of the continent’s most accessible schemes, according to a comparative analysis published by The Local on 18 February. The review maps minimum-income requirements worldwide and finds that Italy’s €25,000 annual threshold—about €2,085 per month—is lower than that of Spain (€28,000), Portugal (€33,000) and Greece (€42,000). Only Croatia and Estonia offer cheaper entry among major EU destinations.
Italy’s law allows consulates to raise the bar locally, and several have done so, typically asking for €28-30,000 when dependants are included. Still, the baseline positions Italy as a competitive landing pad for high-skilled remote workers, a cohort the government hopes will help reverse “brain drain” and fill vacant rural homes under its ‘South Working’ agenda.
![Italy’s Digital-Nomad Visa: Income Threshold Among Europe’s Lowest, Says New Comparison]()
For those ready to start the paperwork, VisaHQ can make the process far less daunting. Through its Italy platform (https://www.visahq.com/italy/), applicants can run quick eligibility checks, upload and organise documents, and secure consular appointments in one streamlined workflow, while employers get real-time tracking across multiple cases.
Tax advisers point out that digital nomads can stack the favourable threshold with the “Impatriates” tax break, cutting income tax by up to 50% for five years if they relocate to the Mezzogiorno. Rental demand has already spiked in Matera and Lecce, and coworking providers report occupancy rates above 80%.
HR mobility teams should note that—unlike Portugal’s D7—Italy’s permit is strictly for self-employed or contract-based remote work; transferees on Italian payrolls must still use the intra-company (ICT) route. Processing times can hit 120 days, and consulates keep applicants’ passports for the duration, which may complicate frequent-flyer schedules. Employers should build that lead time into assignment planning for 2026.
Italy’s law allows consulates to raise the bar locally, and several have done so, typically asking for €28-30,000 when dependants are included. Still, the baseline positions Italy as a competitive landing pad for high-skilled remote workers, a cohort the government hopes will help reverse “brain drain” and fill vacant rural homes under its ‘South Working’ agenda.
For those ready to start the paperwork, VisaHQ can make the process far less daunting. Through its Italy platform (https://www.visahq.com/italy/), applicants can run quick eligibility checks, upload and organise documents, and secure consular appointments in one streamlined workflow, while employers get real-time tracking across multiple cases.
Tax advisers point out that digital nomads can stack the favourable threshold with the “Impatriates” tax break, cutting income tax by up to 50% for five years if they relocate to the Mezzogiorno. Rental demand has already spiked in Matera and Lecce, and coworking providers report occupancy rates above 80%.
HR mobility teams should note that—unlike Portugal’s D7—Italy’s permit is strictly for self-employed or contract-based remote work; transferees on Italian payrolls must still use the intra-company (ICT) route. Processing times can hit 120 days, and consulates keep applicants’ passports for the duration, which may complicate frequent-flyer schedules. Employers should build that lead time into assignment planning for 2026.
