Italy clarifies family reunification rights for digital nomad visa holders

Italy’s Interior Ministry has published updated guidance confirming that automatic family reunification privileges extend to holders of the country’s Digital Nomad Visa. The clarification, first outlined on 18 March and further confirmed on 19 April, resolves one of the major outstanding questions since Parliament created the visa category for non-EU remote workers earning at least EUR 30,000 annually.

Why this matters: Under the new guidance, spouses, registered partners and dependent children may accompany the main applicant without waiting periods, provided they hold private health insurance and demonstrate sufficient accommodation. Crucially, accompanying family members will be authorised to work in Italy without labour market tests — making the permit significantly more attractive than comparable schemes in Spain or Portugal, where family member work rights are more restricted.

The Interior Ministry says application portals at consulates will open by early June, with industry sources reporting that a sandbox environment for relocation firms went live in the week of 19 April. Processing will be handled through the DigiVisa platform slated to become mandatory for all Schengen short-stay visas on 1 June 2026, meaning digital nomad applicants can complete the entire process online — including biometrics — before arrival.

Tax advisers note that Digital Nomad Visa holders remain subject to ordinary Italian income tax unless they qualify for the inbound expatriate regime, which requires at least two years of non-residence before arrival. Companies considering relocating key talent should budget for longer lead times for school enrolment and municipal residence registration as local offices adapt to the new permit type. For a full overview of Italy’s DNV requirements, see our Italy digital nomad visa guide.