🛂 Visa comparison
Italy vs Panama digital nomad visa
Two of the nomad visas Americans compare most, side by side: what each asks for, how long it lasts, where it leads, and what life costs in each country.
The short version
- Italy's income bar is lower: about $2,681 a month vs $3,000.
- Life is cheaper in Panama: from $2,114 a month all-in in Panama City, vs $2,237 in Rome.
- Lighter tax once resident in Panama (friendly vs heavy).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇵🇦 Panama |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa (2024) | Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa |
| 💵 Income needed | ~€28,000/yr (recent sources; ~€2,333/mo), some report €32,400 + €30k savings; consulates vary, verify yours | $3,000/mo ($36k/yr) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $2,681/mo | $3,000/mo |
| 💳 Fees | ~€116 | ~$300 |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr | 9 months |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes | Once (+9 mo) |
| 🏠 Path to residency | PR at 5 yrs; citizenship at 10 | Yes via residency routes (not the remote-worker visa) |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 43% | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $2,237 · Rome | $2,114 · Panama City |
General reference, not immigration or tax advice. Income figures in US dollars are converted at current rates from each visa's own requirement; confirm with the consulate before applying.