Guidelines published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale on 2 March and analysed by relocation platform ExpatLife.ai have brought long-awaited clarity to Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), officially opening consular applications on 18 March 2026. Key points: applicants must earn at least €28,000 gross per year from non-Italian sources, hold health insurance and present a clean police record. There is no annual cap—visas are processed on a rolling basis—and spouses plus dependent children receive co-terminous permits with immediate access to the national health service upon payment of a €2,000 contribution. Financially, the DNV plugs into Italy’s “impatriate regime”, slicing taxable income by 50 percent for five years, a benefit unmatched by rival schemes in Spain or Portugal. Residence is initially granted for one year, renewable once; after two years, holders may shift to standard self-employment or employment permits, counting time towards permanent residency. For employers, the visa offers a compliant route to base remote staff in Italy without triggering local payroll—provided the employee’s contract remains with an overseas entity. HR should, however, audit PE (permanent establishment) risk and confirm social-security treatment, as DNV holders must register with INPS if they perform any Italian-sourced work.
Source: ExpatLife.ai
