Spain vs. Italy Nomad Visas: 5 Key Differences Digital Nomads Need to Know in 2025

Dreaming of a Mediterranean base for your remote work life? Spain and Italy both rolled out digital nomad visas that are catching the eye of location-independent folks everywhere.

Spain tempts with a flat 24% income tax up to €600,000, while Italy brings its own perks in a country that, honestly, needs no introduction when it comes to food, art, and history.

Your decision really comes down to lifestyle and budget. Spain’s cost of living is generally lower, especially in places like Valencia or Seville, compared to Italian cities like Milan or Rome.

Both countries let you apply for their nomad visas from abroad, which takes a lot of the hassle out of relocating.

Key Takeaways

• Spain’s nomad visa offers a 24% flat tax incentive, while Italy’s got its own route for remote workers who crave Mediterranean living.
• Both countries let you apply from home, and Spain even lets you apply after arrival.
• Spain’s living costs are usually lower than Italy’s, so that might sway your choice if you’re watching your wallet.

Overview of Digital Nomad Visas in Spain and Italy

Spain and Italy recently launched digital nomad visa programs to lure in remote workers and freelancers from outside the EU.

These visas are opening doors for anyone who wants to live and work remotely in southern Europe—without living in the shadows.

How Digital Nomad Visas Work

Spain’s visa lets you stay for up to a year at first, and you can renew for two more years. You can apply from your home country or after you’ve landed in Spain, which is a huge relief if you’re the spontaneous type.

Italy’s program, a bit newer and run by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, targets non-EU remote workers employed by foreign companies or running their own businesses.

To qualify for either visa, you’ll need to:

• Be a non-EU citizen
• Work remotely for non-Spanish/Italian companies
• Prove a steady income
• Show you’ve got health insurance

Key Similarities and Differences

The main thing that separates these visas? Taxes. Spain’s 24% flat rate is hard to ignore if you’re earning well.

Spain also lets you choose how you apply, while Italy’s process is still smoothing out its kinks.

Both countries want to see proof of income, but the numbers aren’t exactly the same. Health insurance is a must for both.

At the end of the day, these visas aim to attract global talent and bring fresh energy (and spending) to their local scenes.

Eligibility Criteria for Spain vs. Italy Nomad Visas

Spain and Italy each have their own checklist for digital nomad visas, and you’ll need to tick every box.

Requirements include meeting financial thresholds, verifying your job status, and passing background checks.

Who Can Apply?

Non-EU citizens—that’s who these visas are for. If you’re from the US, UK, or most other places outside the EU, you can apply as long as you hit the other requirements.

Both countries want remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who can truly work from anywhere. Spain, though, seems extra keen on attracting skilled professionals.

You’ll have to show at least six months of remote work experience in both countries. They want to see you’re not just dabbling.

Italy seems a bit more relaxed about work experience, while Spain looks more closely at your credentials and what kind of remote work you do.

Minimum Income and Financial Stability

Spain wants to see you earn at least 200% of its minimum monthly wage (roughly €2,160/month or €26,000/year). Immigration officials will check this closely.

Italy’s minimum is about €28,000 a year, so it’s a touch higher. They want to be sure you won’t be a drain on their social systems.

Both countries expect proof that your income is solid and steady. You’ll probably need to hand over 6-12 months of bank statements.

If you work for foreign companies, you’ll need contracts or employment letters. Freelancers get extra scrutiny—expect to show your business is legit and viable.

Criminal Record and Clean Record Checks

You’ll need a clean criminal record for both Spain and Italy. Get a background check from your home country.

Spain asks for certificates from wherever you’ve lived in the past five years. Make sure these are apostilled or legalized.

Italy’s requirements are similar, but sometimes they dig deeper. Any hint of financial crime or fraud? You’re out.

Start the background check early—it can drag on for weeks, especially if you need documents certified or translated.

Proof of Employment, Self-Employment, or Freelancing

Spain wants proof you’ve been working remotely for at least a year, with 80% or more of your income coming from outside Spain. Expect to provide contracts, client agreements, or company docs.

Italy asks for proof you’ve been a digital nomad or remote worker for at least six months. Letters from employers or clients will do the trick.

Freelancers in both countries need to show actual contracts, invoices, and maybe a portfolio. It’s not enough to just say you work online.

You’ll also need to prove your work is truly remote. A letter from your employer or evidence your business operates digitally should work.

Visa Application Process and Required Documents

Getting your digital nomad visa for Spain or Italy takes some planning. Each country has its own paperwork and steps, and missing a detail could cost you.

If you’re organized and have your documents in order, you’ll have a much smoother ride.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Application

Spain gives you two ways to apply—either from home or after you arrive. That flexibility is a game-changer for a lot of people.

Start by gathering your documents and filling out the official application. Then, book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country or at the Extranjería office if you’re already in Spain.

Spain’s process is refreshingly straightforward compared to some countries. If you get approved, you’ll have a one-year visa, renewable for up to five years. After that, you could even go for permanent residency.

Your family can come too—spouse and kids are covered under your visa, no need for them to show separate income.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Application

Italy’s digital nomad visa is fresh on the scene and runs under the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ rules. You have to apply at the Italian consulate in your home country before you head to Italy.

Unlike Spain, you can’t apply while you’re already in Italy as a tourist. You’ll need to get everything sorted before you move.

Once you arrive with your visa, you have to register at the local police station (Questura) within eight days to get your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). This adds a layer of paperwork and in-person visits.

Italy grants an initial one-year visa, which you can renew if you keep meeting the requirements. Family reunification is possible but a bit stricter than Spain.

Processing Times and Visa Fees

Processing times aren’t the same everywhere. Spain usually wraps up visa applications in 15-20 business days—a pretty quick turnaround for Europe.

Italy can take longer, sometimes 30-45 days, and it’s not unheard of for it to stretch to two months during busy times or if they need more info.

Spain charges about €80 for the visa, while Italy’s fee is around €116. You’ll also pay extra for your residence permit once you arrive:

Country	Initial Visa Fee	Residence Permit Fee	Total Approximate Cost
Spain	€80	€15-20	€95-100
Italy	€116	€30-50	€146-166

These numbers don’t include translations, notarizations, or health insurance—budget a bit more for those.

Essential Documents Needed

You’ll need a lot of the same documents for both countries, but there are some differences to watch out for:

Both countries want:

• A valid passport (at least one year left)
• Completed application form
• Proof of remote work (contracts or client agreements)
• Proof of income (Spain: €2,334/month, Italy: €28,000/year)
• Health insurance
• Clean criminal record certificate
• Passport-sized photos

Spain-specific:

• Proof of qualifications or professional experience
• Tax residency certificate from your home country
• Last 3 months of bank statements

Italy-specific:

• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Extra documentation on your business activities
• Visa fee payment receipt

Translate everything into the official language and get documents authenticated. Most visa rejections happen because something’s missing or not properly certified.

Living in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Spain’s a dream for digital nomads—vibrant culture, top-notch infrastructure, and that Mediterranean vibe that’s addictive.

The cost of living is gentle on your wallet, especially compared to other Western European spots. Nomad communities are popping up everywhere.

Best Digital Nomad Cities: Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia

Madrid, the capital, buzzes with energy but won’t empty your bank account. Internet’s fast (about 300 Mbps), and there’s no shortage of cozy cafés for work sessions. Malasaña and Lavapiés are magnets for expats and nomads.

Barcelona’s the classic favorite—beach, urban life, and a lively startup scene. It’s pricier, but you get both city perks and the sea. The Gothic Quarter and Poblenou are where nomads tend to cluster.

Valencia is coming up fast. You get beaches, gorgeous architecture, and costs about 20% lower than Barcelona. It’s compact, so you can bike or walk almost everywhere.

And don’t forget about the Canary Islands. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have turned into year-round havens for nomads who want that endless spring weather.

Cost of Living and Quality of Life

Your money goes further in Spain than you might expect. You can live comfortably in most cities for €1,500-2,000 a month, including rent.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• One-bedroom apartment: €600-900 (city center)
• Coworking desk: €100-200/month
• Eating out: €10-15 (casual spot)
• Monthly transit pass: €40-60

The Spanish work-life balance is real. People eat late (9pm is totally normal) and actually relax after work. Healthcare is excellent—Spain ranks high globally for its public system.

Weather-wise, you get options. Barcelona’s winters are mild, Madrid gets hot summers, and the islands are pretty much perfect year-round.

Community, Co-Working Spaces, and Networking

Spain has really embraced digital nomads. Every big city has active Facebook and Meetup groups.

You’ll find language exchanges, nomad meetups, and networking events every week. It’s surprisingly easy to make friends and professional connections.

Co-working spaces are everywhere. Barcelona alone has over 100, from big chains to quirky, homey spots. Most offer flexible passes—€10-15 a day, so you’re not tied down.

Valencia and Madrid host regular startup and tech events, and many co-working spaces organize workshops or social gatherings.

If you’re bringing family, Spain’s a winner. Kids are welcome almost everywhere, and there are plenty of international schools in major cities.

Living in Italy as a Digital Nomad

Italy gives remote workers a chance to soak up history, culture, and modern comforts. With the new digital nomad visa, you can actually live the Italian lifestyle—not just visit it.

Top Cities and Regions for Digital Nomads

Rome keeps drawing digital nomads in with its wild blend of ancient history and surprisingly solid internet. Coworking spaces pop up everywhere in the Eternal City, especially around Trastevere and Monti.

Florence has a magnetic pull for creative types. The Renaissance art scene and a slower pace than Rome make it stand out. Sure, the center’s expensive, but if you poke around Santo Spirito, you’ll find more affordable flats that keep you close to the action.

Milan? It’s Italy’s business engine. If you’re after serious networking or crave big-city energy, Milan delivers with top-notch connectivity and a cosmopolitan crowd.

Looking for something coastal and easier on your wallet? Bari and other Puglia towns mix Mediterranean vibes with reasonable prices. Puglia’s been stepping up its digital infrastructure game lately.

Sicily offers up an island lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Palermo and Catania now boast much better internet than even a few years ago. Your euros stretch further here, especially compared to the north.

Italian Culture and La Dolce Vita

Living in Italy, you’ll notice “la dolce vita” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. Italians really do put quality of life, food, and relationships ahead of the grind.

Coffee breaks aren’t optional. You’ll find yourself slipping into the rhythm of popping into a café for an espresso, maybe chatting with the barista, instead of eating lunch at your laptop. These little rituals connect you with locals and give you a breather.

Family is at the heart of everything. Shops close for long lunches, and kids stay out late with their parents at restaurants. If you’re a nomad with children, Italy’s warmth toward families is a real plus.

Italians don’t just eat—they make every meal an experience. Even public spaces are designed with an eye for beauty, which can be surprisingly inspiring if you’re working on creative projects.

Picking up some Italian is worth the effort. Even if you fumble through basic phrases, locals appreciate it. Sure, you’ll get by in English in touristy spots, but a little effort opens more doors.

Cost of Living and Healthcare Options

You’ll pay a premium in the north—Milan and Venice rents can be eye-watering. Expect €1,200–1,800 per month for a one-bedroom in Rome or Milan. Down south, say in Naples, that drops to €600–900.

Grocery bills and restaurant prices swing wildly depending on where you shop or eat. Hit up local markets for bargains and fresher produce. Eating out? Budget €15–25 for a dinner, but a quick lunch can be much less.

Internet and utilities won’t break the bank. Most cities run on reliable fiber, but if you’re dreaming of a rural villa, check the Wi-Fi situation first.

Italy’s public healthcare system, SSN, has a solid reputation. When you first arrive on a visa, you’ll need private health insurance—budget €50–120 per month, depending on your age and needs.

Getting around is easy and cheap, thanks to great train connections. In the cities, monthly public transit passes usually run €30–50, so there’s really no need to own a car unless you’re living way out.

Taxation and Financial Implications

Sorting out taxes in Spain and Italy can be a headache, but it’s vital if you want to avoid nasty surprises. Both countries dangle some attractive tax benefits, but the details matter—a lot.

Taxes for Digital Nomads in Spain

Spain’s “Beckham Law” makes its digital nomad tax regime a real contender. Qualifying for the digital nomad visa means a flat 24% tax rate on earnings up to €600,000—much better than the 50% top rate residents might face.

Only income earned in Spain gets taxed under this regime. Once you cross the €600,000 line, the rate jumps to 47%.

To get these perks, you’ll need to:

• Skip Spanish tax residency for the last five years
• Show a minimum income (usually about €30,000 per year)
• Keep Spanish-sourced income under 20% of your total

Taxes for Digital Nomads in Italy

Italy takes a different approach with its “Forfettario Regime.” New arrivals pay just 5% tax for five years if they keep annual income below €85,000.

After five years, it rises to 15%—still better than the regular progressive rates. There’s also the “Impatriate Regime,” letting you pay tax on only 30% of your income, or even 10% if you settle in certain southern regions. You’ll need to stay at least two years for that deal.

Tax Incentives and Benefits

Both countries throw in extra financial perks. Spain makes things easier with a streamlined application process—apply before you arrive or after you’re in-country.

Italy’s wealth tax only affects high-net-worth folks, while Spain’s can hit at lower thresholds (and varies by region).

Some key contrasts:

• Tax Duration: Spain’s perks last five years (sometimes longer); Italy’s 5% rate is strictly five years.
• Flexibility: Spain lets you come and go without losing benefits.
• Regional Extras: Both countries have regions offering sweeteners beyond national programs.

Check if your home country has a tax treaty—this can really change your outcome.

Healthcare and Insurance Requirements

Both Spain and Italy insist on solid health insurance before they’ll give you a digital nomad visa. They want to know you won’t be a burden on their public systems.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Spain requires you to buy private health insurance that covers everything—no gaps, no co-pays, no waiting periods. The policy should match what locals get from the public system.

Expect to pay €50–120 per month, depending on your age and medical history. Many nomads prefer international plans that work across Europe.

Italy also wants private health insurance, but enforcement feels a bit looser. Your policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses. Unlike Spain, Italy doesn’t always care if your insurance comes from an EU company.

Private vs. Public Healthcare Options

In Spain, you’ll need private insurance at first. Once you become a resident and start paying into social security, you can switch to public healthcare. That’s a big plus for anyone staying long-term.

Spain’s public system ranks among the world’s best. Private clinics offer shorter waits and more English speakers—worth it if you’re in a rush or nervous about language barriers.

Italy works differently. You’ll start with private insurance, but after registering as a resident and getting your health card, you can use the national system (SSN).

Many nomads keep private insurance even after qualifying for public care. It’s not mandatory, but it can mean faster specialist appointments and nicer facilities.

Medical Insurance for Family Members

If you’re bringing your family to Spain, everyone needs their own health insurance. Each dependent—kids included—must have coverage matching yours.

Some insurers bundle family packages, which can save money. These usually cover a couple and kids under one plan, often with a small discount.

Italy’s rules for dependents are similar. Kids under 18 usually join a parent’s policy, but you need to spell this out in your paperwork.

Pregnancy and childbirth coverage often cost extra in both countries. If you’re planning to grow your family, look into higher-tier plans or special riders.

Pathways to Residency, Citizenship, and Permanent Residency

Spain and Italy both let digital nomads put down roots, but the roadmaps differ. If you’re hoping to stay long-term, knowing the process helps.

Obtaining a Residence Permit

Spain’s digital nomad visa starts with a 12-month stay. After that, you can renew for three years, moving closer to permanent residency.

To extend your stay, you’ll need to:

• Keep working remotely
• Prove steady income
• Show some integration (think language or local involvement)
• Provide a clean criminal record

Italy’s system is newer and, honestly, still a bit in flux. You’ll typically renew your permit each year, as long as you keep up your remote work.

Both countries require local registration. In Spain, you’ll sign onto the padrón at your town hall to prove your address.

Family Reunification and Dependent Visas

You can bring your family along in both places, but the process isn’t identical.

Spain lets you include family on your initial application or add them later through family reunification. This covers spouses, partners, kids under 21 (or older if dependent), and sometimes parents.

Family members get permits tied to yours, so they can live in Spain while you work.

Italy offers family reunification too, but expect more paperwork. You’ll need to show enough income and suitable housing.

In both countries, dependents usually gain access to public services like healthcare and schools.

Steps to Italian and Spanish Citizenship

Getting citizenship takes time and patience.

Spain:

• 10 years of legal residency (or just 2 for Latin Americans, Portuguese, Filipinos)
• Pass a language test (DELE A2) and a cultural exam
• Usually, you’ll need to give up your previous citizenship, unless you’re from certain countries

Italy:

• 10 years for non-EU citizens, 4 for EU citizens
• Pass a B1-level Italian language test
• Italy allows dual citizenship

Your digital nomad years count toward residency as long as you stay legal. No country offers a “fast track” for nomads, but your time does add up.

Second Residency Options

Not everyone wants full citizenship. Second residency gives you most of the perks with less hassle.

Spain’s “Golden Visa” is a classic route: invest €500,000+ in real estate, or €1 million in Spanish companies or banks. You only need to visit once a year.

Italy’s Investor Visa works similarly, with property investments from €500,000 up.

Some nomads start with a digital nomad visa, then switch to an investment visa after falling for the lifestyle.

Both countries offer tax incentives for new arrivals. Spain’s Beckham Law and Italy’s flat tax schemes can make the move even sweeter for high earners.

Unique Perks and Challenges of Relocating to Spain or Italy

Relocating to Spain or Italy as a digital nomad isn’t all sunsets and spritzes. Each country brings its own quirks, perks, and occasional headaches.

Work-Life Balance and Digital Nomad Community

Spain’s relaxed pace can be a shock at first. The “mañana” attitude might drive you nuts if you’re used to hustle culture, but plenty of nomads find it a welcome change.

Barcelona and Madrid have thriving nomad scenes—regular meetups, coworking spaces, and a friendly vibe. You’ll find it easy to network or just grab a beer with fellow expats.

Italy’s digital nomad community is smaller but growing, especially in Milan and Florence. The Italian way—long lunches, family time—can help you break free from the always-on hamster wheel.

Spain is generally easier on your wallet, especially for accommodation and eating out. That extra wiggle room lets you work less and live more.

Cultural Integration and Language

Learning the language changes everything. In Spain, English gets you pretty far in cities, especially with younger folks. That makes settling in less intimidating.

Italy expects a bit more effort with Italian. Fewer people speak English, even in touristy areas. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll dive deeper into the culture.

Spain feels more laid-back socially. It’s easy to strike up conversations, and late-night dinners are the norm.

Every day in Italy feels like a brush with history and art. The culture prizes beauty and tradition—if you’re looking to slow down and soak it in, it’s a dream.

Dealing with bureaucracy is unavoidable in both places. Spain’s digital nomad visa process is usually a bit smoother, with clearer tax breaks for remote workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s tackle some of the big questions about digital nomad visas in Spain and Italy. These answers might help you figure out which country fits your remote work dreams.

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