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Head to head

Italy vs Japan: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Italy has the lower entry bar: €2,065.83 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Italy grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Italy offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Italy — standard resident taxation; Japan — foreign income exempt. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Italy DNV · Japan DN
Criteria Italy DNV Japan DN
Minimum income / month €2,065.83 (better) €4,500
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes (better) No
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 6 months
Path to permanent residence Yes (better) No
Path to citizenship Yes No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Foreign income exempt
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €30,000 Required (explicit), min. €53,999
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €116 ≈ €16.20 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 4–18 weeks 1 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Italy DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Japan DN →

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 Italy → Insurance for Japan →

Sources