Visas and Residence Permits in Italy
Digital Nomad (Nomadi Digitali) is a type D visa for remote workers that lets you legally live and work from Italy. It does not require a Nulla Osta, is not subject to Decreto Flussi quotas, and all documents are prepared entirely in your country of residence. It works for any remote profession - not just IT. In this guide: income requirements, full document checklist, step-by-step process, taxes, real cases, and a comparison with Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment).
Digital Nomad Visa - Italy
Table of Contents
- What is the digital nomad visa
- Who can get it
- Income requirements
- Full document checklist
- Step-by-step application process
- Timelines and real cases
- After arrival: first steps in Italy
- Codice Fiscale: how to get it and common pitfalls
- Traveling with a ricevuta
- Bank accounts before and after permesso
- Taxes and financial planning
- Moving with family
- Residence permit renewal
- Common mistakes
- DN vs Lavoro Autonomo: an honest comparison
- Strategy: how to use DN the right way
- Recent changes
- Conclusions
What Is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad (Nomadi Digitali) is a type D visa (national long-stay visa) created specifically for people who work remotely using digital tools. The law was passed in 2022 (Law No. 25), but it only became operational in 2024, when the document requirements were finalized and the first visas were issued.
The main advantage of the digital nomad visa is the ability to prepare all documents in your country of residence and apply at the consulate without a Nulla Osta and without quotas (Decreto Flussi). The visa falls under Article 27 TUI (fuori quota - outside quotas), and the consul reviews the application independently, usually quite quickly.
IMPORTANT
The digital nomad visa does not require a Nulla Osta and is not subject to Decreto Flussi quotas. For Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment), there are only 700 spots per year for everyone - and they run out fast. The DN visa has no such limitations.
By law, there are two categories of recipients:
- Digital nomad (nomade digitale) - an autonomous worker using digital tools for remote work
- Remote employee (lavoratore da remoto) - an employee or contractor performing work remotely
Immigration consultant, Italy
"This visa wasn't created just for tech workers - it's for anyone who can do their job over the internet. Copywriters, designers, teachers, accountants - the list of eligible professions is practically endless."
Here is what the community has to say:
Mikhail, relocated to Milan
"When these visas first started being issued, nobody really understood how it worked. We were basically alpha-testing a new law. But by now the process is well-established, consulates know what to do, and the outcomes are quite predictable."
Who Can Get the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
One of the most common misconceptions is that the digital nomad visa is only for programmers. The reality is different: any profession that can be performed remotely qualifies.
- IT and development
Software engineers, QA testers, DevOps, system administrators
- Content and media
Copywriters, editors, translators, bloggers, journalists
- Design and creative
Graphic designers, architects (CAD), interior designers, photographers, videographers
- Marketing and business
Marketers, social media specialists, art directors, event planners
- Consulting and finance
Financial consultants, accountants, lawyers (remote)
- Education and coaching
Online teachers, tutors, coaches, psychologists, fitness trainers
- Other
Researchers, traders, screenwriters, musicians, writers
Lyudmila, community member
"I work as a sports trainer and for a long time I thought the DN visa wasn't for me - I'm not in IT or blogging. But it turned out that if you can coach clients online, that fully counts as remote work."
Mandatory Requirements
- Citizenship
Non-EU citizen, over 18 years old
- No criminal record
Clean criminal history
- Remote work experience
Minimum 6 months of documented remote work experience
- Income
From ~28,000 EUR/year (details below)
- Health insurance
Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR
- Qualifications
University degree or equivalent (see below)
Three Paths to Prove Qualifications
University degree
With apostille, certified translation into Italian, and Dichiarazione di Valore (DDV) from the consulate. The most common path.
Regulated professional activity
Compliance with Government Decree No. 206 of November 6, 2007 on regulated professions (qualification obtained in Italy).
Professional experience of 5+ years
Senior qualification demonstrated by 5+ years of experience at a level comparable to a university degree.
UNIQUE FEATURE
The Italy digital nomad visa allows you to work for Italian employers as well. No other country's DN visa offers this. Your employer or client can be either foreign or Italian.
Digital Nomad Visa Italy Requirements: Income
The threshold is calculated as three times the healthcare exemption threshold (~8,263 EUR). If you have a family, the base threshold increases:
| Family size | Base threshold | x3 = minimum income |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | ~8,263 EUR | ~24,790 EUR |
| With spouse | ~11,362 EUR | ~34,086 EUR |
| + each child | +516 EUR to base | +1,548 EUR to minimum |
WARNING
A bank statement is NOT proof of income. The consulate wants to see documented legal income: tax returns, employment income certificates, self-employment tax records. Simply having money in your account is not enough.
Italy visa specialist
"The consul needs to see that a person is working legally and intends to continue doing so after the move. Documented income is not a formality - it's the foundation of the entire application."
Full Document Checklist
- Passport
Valid, with sufficient remaining validity
- University degree
With apostille + certified translation into Italian + Dichiarazione di Valore from the consulate
- Proof of income
Tax returns, employment income certificates, self-employment tax records - covering 12 months
- Health insurance
Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR
- Proof of accommodation
Rental agreement or property ownership document in Italy
- Employer letter
With a copy of the signatory's ID, confirming no convictions related to illegal immigration in the past 5 years
- Work portfolio
Examples of professional work
- Motivation letter
Explaining your intention to work remotely from Italy
Degree Legalization: Step by Step
This process takes time - start well in advance.
Apostille
Obtained from the regional education authority or through government services. Cost: varies by country.
Certified translation into Italian
Done by an accredited translator at the Italian consulate in your country.
Dichiarazione di Valore (DDV)
A statement of value for your degree, issued by the consulate. Cost and processing time vary by consulate.
Sergey, relocated from Armenia
"I tried to legalize my documents through the consulate in a third country, and they sent me back. It turned out that if you live in a third country, you need a chain: apostille on the original, then translation, then apostille on the notarized translation. Find out the specific requirements of your consulate in advance - they differ everywhere."
Income Documentation by Employment Type
| Employment type | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Sole proprietor (simplified tax, standard tax, patent) | Tax return + business bank statement |
| Self-employed (flat-rate self-employment tax) | Self-employment tax app records for 12 months + receipts |
| Salaried employee | Employer certificate + annual income tax statement |
| Foreign income | Equivalent tax document from the country of origin |
How to Get Digital Nomad Visa Italy: Step by Step
Collect documents in your country of residence
All documents are prepared in your current country of residence. No Italian documents are needed at this stage - Nulla Osta is not required.
Tip: Start with degree legalization - it's the longest step
Apply at the Italian consulate
Submit your type D visa application at the Italian consulate in your country of residence: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Belgrade, Tel Aviv, etc.
Important: The visa cannot be obtained inside Italy - only through a consulate abroad
Wait for a decision
Processing times range from 2 weeks to several months depending on the consulate and accuracy of your documents.
Enter Italy
After receiving the visa, you must enter Italy within 180 days.
Apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days
Send documents via Poste Italiane. You will also receive a date for your questura (immigration police) appointment for fingerprinting.
Tip: Your permesso start date counts from the postal submission, not from when you receive the card
Receive your Permesso di Soggiorno
After fingerprinting, you wait for the plastic card. By law it takes 30-40 days, but in practice it depends on the city.
RICEVUTA (TEMPORARY PERMIT RECEIPT) = LEGAL STATUS
Between submitting your documents and receiving the card, you live on a ricevuta (temporary permit receipt). It grants the right to leave Italy and return. When traveling, carry the ricevuta together with your passport.
Natalia, community member
"Many people think they'll arrive and immediately sort everything out - car, apartment, internet. But most don't have a residence permit yet, just a ricevuta (temporary permit receipt), and that limits what you can do. It's important to understand the real situation and not have unrealistic expectations."
Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Timelines and Real Cases
| Consulate | Processing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow (DN directly) | 2 weeks to several months | Actively issuing since fall 2024 |
| Israel | ~1 month | With correct documents |
| Cyprus | ~3 months | Including possible appeal |
| Outside Russia (general) | 2 weeks - 1.5 months | With a complete document package |
Italy visa specialist
"Processing times for the DN are significantly shorter than for Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment). This confirms that Italy is genuinely interested in these applicants. Some get approved in literally a month."
Questura Timelines by City
Timelines at each questura (immigration police) vary significantly. Here is what community experience shows:
| City | KIT submission | Fingerprinting | Wait time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | June | August | ~10 weeks | Fastest and most automated |
| Bergamo | December | March | ~3.5 months | Stable, average timelines |
| Genoa | April | October | ~6 months | Slow, card arrives ~10 days after fingerprinting |
| Verona | Unpredictable | Unpredictable | - | Strict document consistency checks |
VERONA: EXTRA CAUTION
Verona is known for strictly checking that all data across your documents matches. Any discrepancy - name, address, dates - can cause delays or requests for additional paperwork. Double-check all documents for consistency before submitting.
Real Cases from the Community
316 days of waiting - and still a success
A community member applied for Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment) in late October 2023. On January 1, 2024, she received the Nulla Osta. On February 13, she applied for a type D visa in Los Angeles. On December 10, 2024, the consulate asked for additional documents - degree and insurance. On December 25, she picked up her passport with a Nomadi Digitali visa. Total: 316 days from the first application to visa in hand.
Denial - appeal - visa in one month
Katerina applied in Cyprus and received a denial after 3 weeks: missing ospitalita and "work is not self-employed." She wrote to the consulate citing relevant laws. In the end, she received a DN visa for one year.
Permesso for 2 years instead of 1
One applicant received a Permesso di Soggiorno for the DN valid for 2 years from the Rome questura (immigration police). The standard is 1 year. The key was a well-prepared request with justification and supporting documents.
Conversion from Lavoro Autonomo to DN
An IT specialist, sole proprietor on a patent tax regime, with a bachelor's degree. Applied for Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment), waited almost a year. The Moscow consulate converted the application to DN - and issued the visa. Such LA-to-DN conversions happen regularly.
Alexey, community member
"You really can't plan anything while waiting for this visa. You collect your documents, submit, and wait. Three months, six months, or more. Nobody can tell you exactly when it'll be ready. But DN is usually faster than the classic Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment)."
After Arrival: First Steps in Italy
Apply for a residence permit via post office (within 8 days)
Send the document kit (KIT) via Poste Italiane. Receive a ricevuta (temporary permit receipt) and a date for your questura (immigration police) appointment.
Fingerprinting at the questura
Submit your fingerprints. The Milan questura (immigration police) is considered the fastest and most automated. In other cities, timelines are unpredictable.
Codice Fiscale (tax ID)
Italian tax identification number. By law, DN holders receive it when they visit the questura (immigration police). You do not need it before arriving in Italy.
Residence registration (Residenza)
Register at your local municipality (Comune). This starts the 5-year countdown to permanent residence and the 10-year countdown to citizenship.
Choose a family doctor (medico di base)
A mandatory step after submitting your residence permit application.
Receive the plastic permesso card
By law, 30-40 days after fingerprinting. In practice: Milan is reliable, other cities are unpredictable.
Tatiana, DN holder in Milan
"I got my codice fiscale (tax ID) at the tax office without a permesso - just with the ricevuta (temporary permit receipt). At first they said I needed a permesso. But then one employee looked into it, consulted with colleagues, found the right form - and issued it. Persistence pays off."
YOUR CHOICE OF CITY MATTERS
Each questura (immigration police) operates differently. Milan is fast and automated. In other cities, your file might sit on a shelf for months. Choose your province strategically.
Codice Fiscale (Tax ID): How to Get It and Common Pitfalls
The codice fiscale (tax ID) is Italy’s tax identification number, and without it you cannot open a bank account, sign a contract, or register with a doctor. By law (Art. 6, DPR 605/1973), a foreign national is entitled to receive a codice fiscale upon presenting a passport and a valid permit to stay in the country.
How to Get a Codice Fiscale with a Ricevuta
Visit Agenzia delle Entrate
Go to your local tax office. Reference Art. 6, DPR 605/1973. Fill out form Modello AA4/8.
Bring three documents
Passport (original), type D visa (original), ricevuta (temporary permit receipt) from Poste Italiane (original). Attach copies separately.
If refused - ask for a written denial
Say: "Puo darmi il rifiuto per iscritto con riferimento normativo?" A written denial citing the legal basis is an official document that can be challenged. In most cases, when you make this request, they issue the codice fiscale (tax ID) on the spot.
Community member, experience in Lombardy
"Our client was refused at the tax office - they said he needed a permesso first. He turned around to leave. Then he got an email from the same employee: she'd consulted with colleagues over coffee and they said it's fine - come back, I'll do it. That's Italian bureaucracy for you."
The “Numeric-Only” Codice Fiscale Problem
NUMERIC CODICE FISCALE FROM THE QUESTURA
When processing documents, the questura (immigration police) sometimes assigns a codice fiscale (tax ID) that consists of digits only - without the letter portion. This is a technical internal code. Banks do not accept it - they require the standard 16-character alphanumeric code.
If the questura issued a numeric codice fiscale but the tax office already assigned a proper alphanumeric one, you have two different codes in the system. They need to be merged:
Visit Agenzia delle Entrate
Explain the situation: you have two codice fiscale numbers - one from the questura (numeric) and one from the tax office (alphanumeric). Show both documents.
Request a merge (fusione dei codici)
The tax office should merge both codes into one - keeping the alphanumeric code as the primary one. After this, banks will accept your codice fiscale (tax ID) without issues.
PRACTICAL TIP
Right after arriving, check which codice fiscale (tax ID) is on your ricevuta (temporary permit receipt). If it's numeric-only, go to the tax office before opening a bank account - otherwise you'll have to redo paperwork on accounts you've already opened.
Traveling with a Ricevuta (Temporary Permit Receipt)
One of the most common questions after applying for a residence permit: can you leave Italy while you don’t have a permesso yet? The answer is yes, but with conditions.
LEGAL BASIS
The Ministry of Interior circular dated June 16, 2007 explicitly allows ricevuta (temporary permit receipt) holders to leave Italy and return. The ricevuta itself has no expiration date.
What You Need to Know About Traveling with a Ricevuta
- Original expired visa / expired permesso
Attach to the ricevuta - it confirms your legal status up to the expiration
- Original ricevuta
Not a copy - the original with the post office stamp
- Valid passport
Essential for any travel
DIRECT FLIGHTS TO ITALY ONLY
With a ricevuta (temporary permit receipt), you can only enter Italy through Italian border checkpoints - meaning direct flights. Transiting through another Schengen country does not work: a border officer in another country is not obligated to know Italian rules about ricevutas and may deny entry.
Immigration consultant, Italy
"The date on the ricevuta is simply the filing date, not an expiration date. The ricevuta as a document has no expiration date. As long as your case is under review, it remains valid. But flying only on direct flights to Italy - that's critically important."
Bank Accounts Before and After Permesso
Opening a bank account is one of the most frustrating steps for newcomers. Most Italian banks require a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), not just a ricevuta (temporary permit receipt).
Options Before Receiving a Permesso
Banca Mediolanum
Based on community experience, Mediolanum has confirmed it opens accounts for Russian citizens. An in-person branch visit is required. They open accounts with a ricevuta (temporary permit receipt) and codice fiscale (tax ID). Check current requirements at the specific branch - policies may change.
Wise as a bridge solution
Wise (TransferWise) is a Netherlands-based company that opens accounts online. An IBAN is issued without an Italian permesso. Convenient for receiving transfers, paying bills, and currency conversion. Not a full bank, but it covers most needs during the transition period.
Brighty.app
Specializes in accounts for foreigners in Italy. Opens before you receive a permesso, supports a range of banking operations. Works well as a temporary solution while waiting for the card.
REVOLUT: WATCH YOUR VISA STATUS
Revolut freezes accounts when it detects an expired visa. If Revolut is your primary account and your visa has expired - expect a freeze. Always have a backup option. Funds can be unfrozen, but it takes time and nerves.
Marina, relocated to Genoa
"I spent two months dealing with banks and eventually opened at Mediolanum. But the whole time, Wise saved me - I paid rent, received money. Not ideal, but it worked. Once my permesso arrived, I calmly opened a proper account."
Taxes and Financial Planning
A VISA IS NOT A TAX REGIME
The most common misconception. The visa grants the right to live and work remotely, but taxes are determined by your actual situation: tax residency, type of income, and work structure. A residence permit by itself does not make you an Italian tax resident.
Forfettario (Flat-Tax Regime) for Partita IVA Holders
| Period | Income tax | INPS (social contributions) | Total on turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 5 years | 5% | ~26% (on 76% of income) | ~18-25% |
| After 5 years | 15% | ~26% | ~28-35% |
Immigration consultant, Italy
"Many people hear about 5% and get excited. But that's only the income tax. Add 25-27% in social contributions. In reality, you're paying around 30% of income, not 5%. And on top of that, DN holders don't get state health insurance - you need private coverage."
PENSION TRAP
If you work under the Forfettario (flat-tax regime), upon retirement in Italy you'll receive pension payments for only 7 months per year. If you spend your entire career on Forfettario, INPS will credit pension points for only 7/12 of each year - the rest simply doesn't count.
Income Threshold: Self-Employed vs Salaried
TWO DIFFERENT THRESHOLDS
For income verification during residence permit renewal, different thresholds apply: freelancers and self-employed need ~28,000 EUR/year, while salaried employees need ~33,500 EUR/year. This matters when choosing your work model before the move.
Pro Tip: Arrive After July
TAX RESIDENCY AND ENTRY DATE
If you enter Italy after July 1, you'll spend fewer than 183 days in the country that calendar year - and won't become an Italian tax resident for that year. This gives you time to sort out your tax situation without having to immediately declare worldwide income in Italy in your first year.
Suspension of the Russia-Italy Tax Treaty
DOUBLE TAXATION
The double taxation avoidance agreement between Russia and Italy has been suspended since August 2023. Income from Russia for a non-resident is taxed at 20% at source + Italian taxes. The combined tax burden can reach 83%.
Anton, community member
"The double taxation situation is complicated. If you have a business in one country and you're a tax resident in Italy, to do it right you need to pay Italian taxes on all your income. Having an office in another country doesn't change the tax base."
Four Work Models for Digital Nomads
Remote employee
The employer handles payroll and compliance. Forfettario (flat-tax regime) is not available.
Contractor + Partita IVA
Independent contractor. Can use Forfettario (flat-tax regime) (5% for the first 5 years). Requires electronic invoicing (fattura elettronica).
EOR (Employer of Record)
An intermediary employer in Italy. A bridge solution for the transition period.
Own business
Full transition to an Italian sole proprietorship (Partita IVA) or SRL (limited liability company).
Moving with Family
Since late 2024, standard family reunification requires 2+ years of residence in Italy. For newcomers, a different path is used - the type D “al seguito” (accompaniment) visa.
Important: The 2-Year Rule Does Not Apply to Children
MINOR CHILDREN ARE AN EXCEPTION
The 2-year residency requirement does not apply to minor children. Children can be brought immediately on an al seguito visa, without waiting for the two-year period. This is a critical point for families with children.
The Al Seguito Process
Primary applicant receives the type D visa
DN or another type. Enters Italy within 180 days.
Online Nulla Osta al seguito request
Submitted from Italy. Requires SPID or CIE (Italian digital identity). Impossible to submit without help from an Italian resident - the system requires authorization via Italian digital signature. Find a helper in advance.
Receive the Nulla Osta
Processing time depends on your family's country of residence: Kazakhstan - about 1.5 months, Belarus - about 4 months, Russia - about 1.5 months.
Family applies for a type D visa at the consulate
After the Nulla Osta is ready. In Russia, the visa is issued approximately 1 week after the Nulla Osta is ready.
| Family’s country of residence | Nulla Osta processing time | Type D visa after Nulla Osta |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | ~1.5 months | A few days - 2 weeks |
| Belarus | ~4 months | A few days - 2 weeks |
| Russia | ~1.5 months | ~1 week |
FAMILY RIGHTS
A residence permit for family reasons (permesso per motivi familiari) grants a full range of rights: employment, opening a sole proprietorship and SRL. The family is not limited by the primary applicant's status.
Ruslan, community member
"Should you mention your family in the DN cover letter with an eye toward reunification? Or is it better to write only about yourself to guarantee the visa, and think about family later? I ended up writing about myself only - and got it. I brought my family later through al seguito."
Residence Permit Renewal
RENEWAL IS NOT A FORMALITY
You need to demonstrate: declared and taxed income, valid insurance, stable housing, no violations. Start preparing for renewal from your very first day after arrival.
- Declared income
Minimum ~25,000-28,000 EUR/year, confirmed by tax documents
- Taxes paid
Evidence of tax payments in Italy
- Valid insurance
Health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 EUR
- Housing
Stable rental agreement - short-term rentals can be problematic
- No violations
Clean administrative record
Two Ways to Show Income for Renewal
- Open a Partita IVA in Italy - work and pay taxes through an Italian sole proprietorship
- Declare foreign income - file an Italian tax return with your foreign income
Real Case: Renewal in Milan, 2026
Questura requires an open Partita IVA
In 2026, the Milan questura (immigration police) during renewal fingerprinting began explicitly asking about Partita IVA. Those without an Italian sole proprietorship face questions and are asked to prove income by other means.
How to prove income without a Partita IVA
If you haven't opened a Partita IVA yet, bring a foreign tax return with a notarized translation into Italian. Foreign tax returns have been accepted as proof of income.
Renewal period: 1 year, even when paying for a 2-year KIT
The questura renewed the permesso for 1 year, despite the applicant having paid for a 2-year renewal KIT. This is standard practice for the first DN renewal - don't be surprised.
Italy visa specialist
"If you plan to show Italian income for renewal - open your Partita IVA before the end of the year. You can still declare income retroactively, but you definitely cannot open a sole proprietorship retroactively."
Common Mistakes
- Providing only a bank statement instead of tax documents - the consulate will not accept it
- Not starting degree legalization early - apostille + translation + DDV takes weeks or months
- Forgetting the employer letter about criminal record - a mandatory document per template
- Thinking DN is only for IT - any remote profession qualifies
- Confusing the visa with a tax regime - the visa does not determine your taxes
- Believing Forfettario works for employees - it’s only for Partita IVA holders
- Counting on converting DN to another permit type - conversion is not provided by law
- Thinking renewal is just a formality - documented income and taxes are required
- “Living quietly” without a tax footprint - contradicts the very nature of DN status
- Planning to “figure out conversion later” - you need to prepare for this from day one
Finding Housing: The Catch-22
CATCH-22: HOUSING AND VISA
To apply for the visa, you need a rental agreement. To sign a rental agreement in Italy, you need a visa. This is a classic catch-22 that almost everyone faces.
Three working solutions:
Pay rent before getting the visa
Negotiate with the landlord to pay for the waiting period. Some landlords agree, especially if you pay several months upfront. Expensive, but it works.
Contratto di comodato uso gratuito
A free-use housing agreement from a friend or relative in Italy. Legally equivalent to a rental for consulate purposes. If you know someone in Italy, this is the best option.
Apply from Russia with Booking.com
The Moscow consulate has in some cases accepted a Booking.com reservation as proof of accommodation. This is a temporary solution for the application stage - after getting the visa, you'll still need a proper rental agreement for the KIT.
Immigration consultant, Italy
"The main mistake isn't about paperwork - it's about the model. People try to live as an employee, pay taxes as a contractor, and register as a tourist. That doesn't work. And be careful when choosing an accountant (commercialista) - there are a lot of amateurs in this market, and the price of a mistake isn't a fine, it's losing your residence permit."
DN vs Lavoro Autonomo: An Honest Comparison
| Criterion | Digital Nomad | Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment) |
|---|---|---|
| Document collection | Everything in your country of residence | Partially in Italy (Nulla Osta) |
| Quotas | None (Art. 27 TUI) | Yes (Art. 26, only 700 spots) |
| Minimum income | ~28,000-32,000 EUR/year | ~8,400-8,500 EUR/year |
| Processing speed | Weeks - months | Months (significantly longer) |
| Annual taxes (min.) | ~6,000-8,000 EUR | ~1,800-3,500 EUR |
| State health insurance | No (private only) | Yes (free) |
| Work for Italian clients | Limited | Unrestricted |
| Conversion to another permit type | Not provided by law | Any type |
| Path to permanent residence | Unclear | Clear (5 years) |
| Path to citizenship | Unclear | Clear (10 years) |
| Permit duration | 1 year (sometimes 2) | 1 year, then 2-year renewals |
| Best for | Quick entry, travel | Long-term residence, business |
Dmitry, community member
"Standard Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment) is more straightforward in terms of renewal and future options. DN is like alpha-testing a new, unfinished law. If you want to move to Italy long-term, especially for a passport - it makes more sense to take the tried-and-true path. But if quotas are gone or you need fast entry - DN is a lifesaver."
Strategy: How to Use the Digital Nomad Visa the Right Way
The DN is a fast-entry tool into Italy. It’s ideal for those who want to:
- Get legal status quickly without waiting for quotas and Nulla Osta
- Explore the country - choose a city, understand the market, settle in
- Travel across Europe with an Italian residence permit
- Start building a tax and document trail for a future transition to a different status
DN as a Stepping Stone
STRATEGIC APPROACH
By law, conversion from DN to another permit type is not provided. However, you can simultaneously prepare documents for a Lavoro Autonomo (self-employment) application through the consulate. To do this, you need to start preparations early - build your document and tax trail from day one.
Yana, community member
"Italy has been a great love of mine for a very long time. Spain is nice too, and the DN visa there is easier to get. But I don't feel that same pull as I do with Italy. We chose Italy, even though the paperwork was a hassle. And we have no regrets."
Practical Recommendations
Recent Changes
Official launch of the DN visa
Law No. 25 became operational. Document requirements were finalized, and consulates began issuing the first visas.
August 2023: Russia-Italy tax treaty suspended
The double taxation avoidance agreement between Russia and Italy was suspended. Double taxation became a real risk for those receiving income from Russia. Consult with a commercialista (accountant) in advance.
Family reunification rules changed
Standard reunification now requires 2+ years of residence. For newcomers - the type D "al seguito" visa.
January 11, 2025: biometrics required for type D visa in Russia
From this date, obtaining a type D visa at Russian consulates requires a personal appearance for biometric data collection. Proxy submission (via a representative) no longer works - you must appear in person.
Lavoro Autonomo tightening, DN speeding up
Questuras are intensifying scrutiny of LA applications, causing delays. DN visas are approved faster. The government benefits more from DN - higher income thresholds mean more tax revenue.
2026: Questuras explicitly asking about Partita IVA at renewal
A 2026 trend - during renewal fingerprinting, questura staff have started directly asking about an open Partita IVA. Legally it's not mandatory, but in practice the absence of a Partita IVA requires additional explanations and documents.
Schengen visa restrictions for Russian citizens
Multi-entry visas for Russian citizens have been effectively discontinued. Only single-entry visas are issued. This has sharply increased demand for residence permits, including the DN visa.
Conclusions
Related Articles
Lavoro Autonomo 2026 - alternative to DN with state healthcare and lower taxes
Forfettario 2026: 5% tax - how to open a Partita IVA and pay the minimum
Codice Fiscale 2026 - how to get it before your permesso
Questura by city 2026 - real permesso timelines
Working in Italy 2026: from employment to freelancing
Cost of living in Italy 2026: real budgets
More Italy guides in English
Partita IVA Italy 2026
Italian Driving License 2026
Italian Citizenship by Descent
Elective Residence Visa Italy