Digital Nomad Visas: Italy’s New Program vs. Spain’s Requirements

Southern Europe has long been the dream destination for remote workers, but until recently, legally residing there while earning a foreign income was a bureaucratic nightmare. That has changed. Spain launched its digital nomad visa in early 2023, and Italy officially enacted its long-awaited program in April 2024.

While both countries offer incredible food, climate, and culture, the financial implications of choosing one over the other are significant. This guide breaks down the specific income thresholds, tax incentives, and application hurdles to help you decide between the Italian “Dolce Vita” and the Spanish lifestyle.

The Snapshot: Italy vs. Spain

Before looking at the specific math, it is helpful to understand the philosophy behind each visa.

Spain launched its visa under the “Startup Act.” It is designed to attract international talent and entrepreneurship. It is generally open to both employees and freelancers, provided they meet specific company longevity and income requirements.

Italy enacted its program specifically for “highly skilled” workers. As of the decree signed on April 4, 2024, by the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Labour, the visa targets non-EU citizens who perform highly qualified work activities through the use of technological tools.

Income Requirements: How Much Must You Earn?

This is the most critical differentiator. You must prove financial self-sufficiency to qualify for either visa, but the specific numbers vary.

Italy’s Financial Threshold

Italy has set a surprisingly accessible entry bar compared to other European nations. To qualify, you must prove an annual income of roughly €28,000 ($30,500).

** The Math:** The law states applicants must earn three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs. Currently, that base number is nearly €8,500.
The Nuance: This lower threshold makes Italy an attractive option for junior developers, copywriters, or support specialists who might not hit the higher targets set by other nations. However, you must prove you have a place to stay in Italy and comprehensive health insurance before you arrive.

Spain’s Financial Threshold

Spain ties its income requirement to the national Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI). As of 2024, the SMI has increased, which raises the bar for nomads. You must earn 200% of the SMI.

The Math: For 2024, the requirement sits at approximately €2,646 per month, or roughly €31,752 ($34,500) per year.
Family Add-ons: If you are moving with a spouse, you must add 75% of the SMI (about €992/month). For each child, you add 25% of the SMI (about €331/month).
The Nuance: Spain is stricter about “financial padding.” You will often need to show six months of bank statements verifying this income level is consistent, not just a one-time projection.

The Battle of the Tax Breaks

Getting the visa is step one; paying taxes is step two. Both countries effectively force you to become a tax resident if you stay longer than 183 days in a calendar year.

Spain: The “Beckham Law”

Spain offers a special tax regime often called the “Beckham Law.” If you qualify for this under the digital nomad visa, you are taxed as a non-resident despite living there.

The Rate: You pay a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000.
The Benefit: Spain’s standard progressive tax rates can climb up to 47% for high earners. The flat 24% is a massive advantage for anyone earning over €60,000 per year.
Duration: This benefit lasts for up to six years (the year of arrival plus five more).

Italy: The “Lavoratori Impatriati” (2024 Update)

Italy historically had a tax scheme offering up to a 70% or 90% tax exemption. However, the Italian government significantly reformed this regime effective January 1, 2024. The new deal is less generous but still competitive.

The Rate: Under the new regime, 50% of your income is tax-exempt. You pay standard progressive Italian tax rates on the remaining 50%.
The Cap: The tax relief applies to income up to €600,000.
Duration: The regime lasts for five tax years.
The Comparison: If you are a moderate earner (e.g., €40,000/year), Italy’s progressive tax on half your income might actually result in a lower effective tax rate than Spain’s flat 24%. However, for high earners (e.g., €150,000+), Spain’s flat rate usually wins out.

Application Hurdles and Eligibility

The income and tax numbers are clear, but the bureaucratic fine print is where many applicants get stuck.

Work History

Italy: You must demonstrate that you have been a digital nomad or remote worker for at least six months prior to your application. You cannot start your remote career the day you land in Rome.
Spain: You generally need to prove a relationship with your client or company that has lasted at least three months prior to application. Furthermore, the company you work for must have been in operation for at least one year.

Qualifications

Italy: The visa is strictly for “highly skilled” workers. You may need to provide university degrees or professional certifications that align with Article 27 of Italy’s immigration code.
Spain: You need either a university degree/professional certificate OR three years of proven work experience in your field. Spain is slightly more flexible here, allowing experience to substitute for formal education.

Criminal Background

Both countries require a clean criminal record check.

Italy: Typically covers the last 5 years.
Spain: Covers the last 5 years (previously was 2 years for certain visas, but 5 is the standard for the nomad visa). You must get these records apostilled and translated.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Italy if:

Your income is between €28,000 and €50,000. The lower income threshold makes it easier to qualify, and the progressive tax on 50% of your income may result in a very low tax bill.
You have a specific university degree. Italy’s focus on “highly skilled” designation favors those with formal education credentials.
You want to freelance. Italy’s system is generally more welcoming to freelancers (Partita IVA) than employees of foreign companies, who sometimes face complex social security registration issues.

Choose Spain if:

You are a high earner (€60,000+). The flat 24% tax rate is one of the best deals in Western Europe for high-income professionals.
You don’t have a degree but have experience. If you have been coding for 10 years but didn’t go to college, Spain’s “3 years experience” rule is your pathway.
You want a faster track to permanent residency. Time spent on the Spanish nomad visa counts toward permanent residency (usually 5 years) and eventual citizenship (10 years), though the citizenship path requires giving up your original passport unless you are from specific Latin American countries or the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family with me? Yes, both Italy and Spain allow you to bring a spouse and minor children. Spain has specific financial add-ons for each family member (approx. €1,000 extra per month for a spouse), while Italy requires suitable housing size and income sufficiency, though the exact “per person” calculation is less rigid than Spain’s SMI multiplier.

How long does the visa last? Italy’s digital nomad permit is valid for one year and is renewable annually. Spain’s visa (if applied for from your home country) is for one year, but if you apply for the residency authorization from within Spain, it is valid for three years initially.

Do I have to pay Social Security? Generally, yes. In Spain, freelancers (Autonomos) pay a monthly fee (cuota) which starts low (approx. €80/month for the first year) but rises based on income. In Italy, you will likely register for the “Gestione Separata” INPS (social security), creating an additional cost of around 26% on your taxable income, though international bilateral agreements may exempt you if you pay social security in your home country (e.g., USA).

Can I work for a local company too? In Spain, you are allowed to earn up to 20% of your income from Spanish companies. The bulk (80%) must come from outside Spain. Italy strictly forbids working for Italian employers on this specific visa; you must work for a company based outside of Italy.