Italy vs Spain: digital nomad visa
On the income bar, Italy is the more accessible of the two: its requirement is ~EUR 28,000/year (~USD 30,000), versus EUR 2,849/month (~USD 3,075) = 200% of the 2026 minimum wage (SMI) for Spain. Italy's Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa runs for 1 year (residence permit / permesso di soggiorno) (yes, annual renewal at the questura while eligible; no fixed statutory cap); Spain's Telework (Digital Nomad) Visa runs for 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain residence authorization) (yes, up to 5 years total, then long-term residency). Tax, fees and family rules differ — see the table below, and verify both on the official sources before deciding.
Data as of June 2026.
Italy vs Spain side by side
| Item | Italy | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | ~EUR 28,000/year (~USD 30,000) | EUR 2,849/month (~USD 3,075) = 200% of the 2026 minimum wage (SMI) |
| Approx USD/month | $2,500/mo | $3,075/mo |
| Duration | 1 year (residence permit / permesso di soggiorno) | 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain residence authorization) |
| Renewable | Yes, annual renewal at the Questura while eligible; no fixed statutory cap | Yes, up to 5 years total, then long-term residency |
| Government fee | Visa ~EUR 116 + permit costs (~EUR 100); total ~EUR 200+ | ~EUR 80-100 (varies by nationality / reciprocity) |
| Tax for nomads | Worldwide income if resident >183 days (IRPEF 23-43%); may qualify for impatriate regime (50% exemption up to 5 yrs) | Optional Beckham regime: flat 24% on income up to EUR 600k for up to 6 years |
| Family / dependents | Yes. Higher income with spouse (~EUR 34,087/yr) and per-child add-on; verify with consulate | Yes. +75% SMI first member (~EUR 916/mo), +25% per additional (~EUR 305/mo) |
| Processing | ~30-120 days; apply for the permesso within 8 days of entry | 10 working days (consulate, legal limit); ~20 days in-Spain UGE route |
Sources: Italy official page and Spain official page. Figures change — verify before applying.
Verdict
Neither visa is strictly "better" — it depends on what you optimise for. If the income threshold is your constraint, Italy wins on that single axis. But weigh the full picture: how long you can stay and renew, the all-in cost, the tax treatment of your foreign income, and whether your family can come. Read the full profiles for Italy and Spain, and use the eligibility checker to see every country you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Italy or Spain digital nomad visa easier to qualify for on income?
On the income threshold, Italy is the more accessible of the two: ~EUR 28,000/year (~USD 30,000), versus EUR 2,849/month (~USD 3,075) = 200% of the 2026 minimum wage (SMI) for Spain. Income is only one factor — duration, documents and tax also matter.
How long can I stay on each visa, Italy vs Spain?
Italy: 1 year (residence permit / permesso di soggiorno) (yes, annual renewal at the questura while eligible; no fixed statutory cap). Spain: 1 year (consulate) or 3 years (in-Spain residence authorization) (yes, up to 5 years total, then long-term residency).
Do nomads pay less tax in Italy or Spain?
Italy: Worldwide income if resident >183 days (IRPEF 23-43%); may qualify for impatriate regime (50% exemption up to 5 yrs). Spain: Optional Beckham regime: flat 24% on income up to EUR 600k for up to 6 years. This is general information, not tax advice — your actual liability depends on tax residency, where your income arises and your home-country rules. Verify with each country's tax authority.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20