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Head to head

Germany vs Italy: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Germany grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Germany Freelance and the Italy DNV.
Criteria Germany Freelance Italy DNV
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €2,065.83
Income basis Freelance income Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 3 years (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Yes Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €30,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €100 (better) ≈ €116
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate
Processing time — 4–18 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Germany Freelance →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Italy DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Germany → Insurance for Italy →

Sources