With stunning coasts, food renowned the world over, and architectural and artistic masterpieces, it is no wonder so many desire to call Italy home. But with the changes in recent years surrounding immigration and citizenship laws, it’s understandable that some might be confused as to how to begin. If you find yourself unable to pursue Italian citizenship by descent or are not quite ready to do so but would like to jump-start your life in Italy, then read on to learn which visa options are open to you.
General requirements for all visas
Before detailing specific visas below, it should first be noted that there are a few general requirements one can expect to see across all applications, regardless of which visa one ultimately applies for. This includes:
- A visa application
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of lodging in Italy
- Proof of health insurance coverage in Italy (this can depend on the visa, though)
- Minimum income or proof of financial security
Finally, visas are usually valid for one year, with the possibility of renewing the accompanying permesso di soggiorno (the residence permit you apply for within 8 days of arrival in Italy), assuming the same conditions continue to apply. After five years, it is possible to apply for permanent residency, and then after ten years, citizenship. For those with an Italian parent or grandparent, citizenship after two years of residency is also possible.
Situation A: You would like to work from Italy
If you’re passionate about your particular job or line of work, but would like to explore it in a different environment, Italy has a couple of visa options specifically for workers. These are the digital nomad visa, and the general work visa, including those who are self-employed. Of the two mentioned below, the digital nomad visa is likely the most accessible for applicants, given that it is not subject to the annual quota system that the regular work visa falls under.
Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa has been one of Italy’s newest developments, and quite a popular and promising visa for those who work remotely. It is available to either those who are freelancers or work for a company, provided that the job is fully remote. In order to qualify, the applicant must be classified as a “highly skilled” worker, with at least six months’ prior work in the role, and have completed a post-secondary degree or a minimum of three years of professional training. The company must also be based outside of Italy. Finally, the applicant’s income must be at least three times the amount needed to pay healthcare taxes in Italy—roughly €24,000 per year. (Though check your local consulate for the current year’s exact figure).
Work Visa (including Self-Employment Visa)
Italy’s work visa can take one of two forms: work contracted with an Italian company, or a self-employment visa. In both cases the visa is subject to a yearly quota determined by the government, and is therefore highly competitive. Your employer will need to obtain a nulla osta for you, and then you can apply for the visa.
In some cases, an applicant can get an EU Blue Card, which is not subject to the usual quota system. Qualifying applicants must have completed higher education of at least three years, at least five years of professional experience, have a valid work contract, and meet a minimum salary.
Situation B: You would like to relocate for retirement, or would like to reside in Italy without working
Many find retirement the perfect opportunity to explore a new place—even a new country. Or perhaps you have sufficient passive income that you do not need to work. If either of these is the case, then Italy has a visa for you.
Retirement Visa (Elective Residency Visa)
The “retirement visa” is also known as the elective residency visa, because it is open to anyone who can demonstrate passive income above a certain threshold. As of the time of writing this, the required income is around €31,000 per applicant. Due to a positive ruling by the administrative court in Rome in July 2025, family members who join the applicant—such as spouses—may be granted a lower annual amount, roughly €18,000 per year. Please note that although the above-mentioned judgment is not binding, most consulates align with the ruling to avoid legal challenges. Nevertheless, the income requirement is at the discretion of the individual consulate, and therefore it is highly advisable to check with your local consulate prior to applying. The income must derive from passive sources only, and successful applicants are not allowed to work while in Italy. You will need to provide official letters from your banks and/or financial institutions demonstrating the passive income, and a letter stating your reasons for moving to Italy.
Situation C: You would like to pursue studies at Italian schools
Italy is a wonderful place to study. While it’s popular for college students doing a semester abroad, Italy’s student visa is available to anyone who would like to study at an Italian school, including upper intermediate to advanced language studies.
Student Visa
The student visa offers many options for applicants to both study in Italy and work while there (up to 20 hours per week). You will need both a letter from the school where you will be studying in Italy, along with a letter from your current institution in your home country. If, on the other hand, you will be undergoing a full program at an Italian university, then you will need pre-enrollment documentation from the university (the specifications of which depend on both the university and what level of study you will be doing), and certified knowledge of the Italian language at the B2 level or higher if the program is conducted in Italian.
While this visa is primarily popular with younger students, older applicants can benefit too, namely if they would like to study the Italian language. Many consulates wish applicants to first demonstrate proof of competence at the minimum B1 level (lower intermediate).
Situation D: You are a high-net-worth individual who would like to invest in the Italian economy
Italy, like many other countries has a golden visa option, along with special tax incentives for high-net-worth individuals.
Investor Visa
The investor visa is ideal for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in Italy’s economy in exchange for long-term residency. The three investment options allowed are:
- €2,000,000 in government bonds
- €500,000 in a current Italian company (or €250,000 in a startup)
- €1,000,000 in a philanthropic donation
Applicants will also need an anti-money laundering statement, a nulla osta, and background checks. Unlike most other visas, the duration of the investor visa is 2 years (again, with the possibility of renewing the accompanying permesso di soggiorno.) The investment can also be made within three months of arrival in Italy, providing significant time.
While not strictly required, many of those on the investor visa take advantage of Italy’s flat tax regime for high-net-worth individuals. As of 2026, this tax is now €300,000 per year, and €50,000 for qualifying family members.
If you’re waiting on the status of your citizenship application…
If, on the other hand, you have your citizenship by descent documents already prepared, you do not have to use one of the above visa options. Instead, you can apply for the permesso di soggiorno per attesa cittadinanza. You must, though, intend to reside in Italy for the duration of the process in order to qualify for this permit.
To apply for this specific permesso di soggiorno, you will need to collect all citizenship by descent application documents and bring them to Italy. Once there, you will establish residency, which means you should either own a property in Italy or have a lease for the duration of one year minimum. After this is done, you can then file your citizenship application at your comune of residence, and from there apply for the permesso di soggiorno per attesa cittadinanza at the post office.
Conclusion
Are you interested in relocating to Italy, but don’t know where to start? Would you like guidance in applying for Italian citizenship? Let Italian Citizenship Assistance help. Contact us today at [email protected].
