Note: This post was written in August 2026. Italian visa rules, income thresholds, and quota numbers change regularly. Please verify current requirements with an Italian consulate or immigration lawyer before making any decisions.
Are you planning to move to Italy and work remotely? Or maybe you’re already here on a tourist visa and quietly invoicing clients from your kitchen table? It’s important to know that working in Italy without the right visa is illegal. That applies to remote work too. A tourist visa allows you to visit, not to work, even if your employer and clients are entirely outside Italy and you never set foot in an Italian office… even if your employer gave you permission to work remotely.
As of writing this in August 2026, here are the main visa types that allow non-EU citizens to legally work in Italy:
Subordinate Work Visa (lavoro subordinato)
This is the traditional employer-sponsored work visa. Your Italian employer must first obtain a work authorization (nulla osta) on your behalf.
Self-Employment Visa (lavoro autonomo)
This is how I originally entered Italy. This visa is for freelancers and business owners working with Italian clients or operating an Italian business.
Digital Nomad Visa
The newest and most relevant option for remote workers. Officially launched in April 2024, this visa allows highly-qualified non-EU professionals to live in Italy while working remotely for foreign employers or clients. As of August 2026, requirements include:
- Minimum annual income of approximately €28,000 from foreign sources.
- University degree or at least 5 years of professional experience (3 years for ICT roles).
- At least 6 months of prior remote work experience
- Valid health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage.
- Confirmed accommodation in Italy.
The visa is valid for one year and renewable. After 5 years you may be eligible for permanent residency.
EU Blue Card
This is for highly skilled workers with a job offer from an Italian employer paying at least €46,000 gross per year, and requires a university degree or equivalent experience.
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa
For employees being transferred to an Italian office of their existing company. As of April 2026, the Italian Labor Inspectorate has increased audits on this visa type, specifically checking that “Specialists” possess proprietary knowledge unavailable in the local market.
Family Permit
Spouses and family members of Italian or EU citizens can obtain a family permit that allows them to work. Timelines and exact permissions vary.
Investor Visas
Investment options include €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup, €500,000 in an Italian company, €1,000,000 philanthropic donation, or €2,000,000 in government bonds. The investor visa (Golden Visa) does allow work. Once the initial residence permit is issued, holders can work or study in Italy without extra authorization.
What doesn’t give you working rights.
- Tourist visa (Schengen). This is for visits up to 90 days. No work (including remote work), and no invoicing anybody.
- Elective Residency Visa. This is for people living on passive income (pensions, investments). Retirement visas also prohibit work because you’re retired.
- Student visa. Working rights are limited and have significant restrictions.
- Real estate purchases do not qualify you for an investor visa (unlike in Portugal or Greece). People assume they can buy a house and get residency in Italy, but you can’t.
If you plan to do any consulting, freelancing, or remote work of any type, even infrequently, you can put your residency at risk without the right visa.
A note on enforcement.
I’m not turning you in… but Italy has increased scrutiny on immigration compliance in recent years. This is not the kind of risk worth taking. If you’re unsure whether your current visa allows you to work, talk to an immigration lawyer before you start working. Don’t learn the hard way! And don’t take unnecessary risk or chances.
Contact me if there’s anything I can do to help. The first call is always free. Ci vediamo!