Digital nomad or remote worker: which Italian visa category am I?
Updated · Who qualifies guide · Not legal advice
If you are self-employed and work for clients through technology, you apply as a digital nomad (nomade digitale). If you are an employee or collaborator working remotely, you apply as a remote worker (lavoratore da remoto). It is the same visa, but remote workers must also file a contract (or binding offer) at the salary floor and a signed employer declaration, and consulates indicate different decision times.
| Item | Digital nomad | Remote worker |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Self-employed / freelancer | Employee or collaborator (employer in Italy or abroad) |
| Contract | Client contracts | Employment/collaboration contract or binding offer |
| Salary floor | Income of about €28,000/year | Same income, and pay at least the collective-agreement / ISTAT average level |
| Employer declaration | Not applicable | Required (no convictions in last 5 years) |
| Decision time quoted | Up to 120 days | Up to 90 days |
Founders and single-member LLCs
If you are paid by a company you own, decide carefully which category fits and document it consistently. A consulate may treat you as self-employed even if you run payroll for yourself. This is a case for a file review, or a licensed lawyer if the structure is complex.
Contractors on 1099s
US contractors paid on 1099s are usually self-employed, so the digital nomad category fits. Long-term single-client contracts can look like employment; show the contract terms clearly.
Quick answers
- Can my employer be an Italian company?
- Yes. The rules say the employer or client can have its registered office in Italy or abroad. See keeping your US job.
- Which category is faster?
- Consulates quote up to 90 days for remote workers and 120 for digital nomads, but actual times vary by consulate.
- Can I switch from employee to freelancer after I arrive?
- Your permit is tied to the activity you declared. Check with the Questura before changing your setup.
What to do next
The free checker places you in the right category and lists the documents for it.
Free eligibility check and checklist. Paid plans are one-time, flat fees for a human review of your full Italy visa file.
Sources
- Normattiva: Legislative Decree 286/1998 (Immigration Act), art. 27 incl. para. 1-sexies on digital nomads
- Embassy of Italy in Chisinau: digital nomad and remote worker visas (IT, PDF)
- Embassy of Italy in Tunis: information sheet, digital nomad work visa (IT, PDF, 2026)
Checked: . Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.