As of 4th April 2024, non-EU residents have the option to apply for a Digital Nomad visa in Italy. If your dream is to work remotely from a Tuscan village or overlooking the canals of Venice, now is your chance.
Up until now, there has been no legal route for non-EU citizens to work as digital nomads in Italy. The scheme was first proposed two years ago, but has only become reality this month when Meloni’s government signed it off.
Non-EU individuals aspiring to work remotely from the charming settings of a Tuscan hilltop town or a quaint village in Puglia now have the opportunity.
This visa initiative targets highly skilled professionals capable of performing remote work. The initiative also aims to rejuvenate villages in each of Italy’s 20 regions.
With Italy facing challenges such as low birth rates, an aging population, and economic struggles, particularly in southern regions, the country is eager to welcome newcomers and the economic prosperity they bring.
There is hope that many of these individuals can assist in revitalising towns and villages across Italy that have suffered from emigration, urbanisation, and agricultural decline.
What are the criteria for a digital nomad visa?
The programme is open to all non-EU citizens and targets individuals already employed by companies outside Italy who have the flexibility to work remotely. Italy defines digital nomads as non-EU citizens engaged in highly skilled remote work, either as self-employed individuals or employees of non-Italian companies.
Despite the allure of Italian life, prospective applicants must navigate through bureaucratic procedures. Requirements include a minimum of six months’ experience in their field, an annual salary of at least €28,000, proof of housing and health insurance, and a clean criminal record for the past five years.
Successful applicants will receive a visa labelled “digital nomad – remote worker” and must apply for a residency permit within eight days of arriving in Italy.
The visa is initially valid for one year but can be renewed, and applicants can bring their families with them. Interested individuals should begin by scheduling an appointment with the nearest Italian consulate or embassy.
In short, the criteria for an Italian digital nomad visa are:
- Have “advanced technological means” to work remotely
- Be self-employed or an employee of a non-Italian company
- Minimum of 6 month’s experience in your field
- Have an annual salary of at least €28,000
- Proof of housing
- Proof of robust health insurance
- Clean criminal record for at least last 5 years
Application process and taxation
As of 4th April, applications for Italy’s digital nomad visa are open.
Prospective applicants must schedule an appointment at an Italian consulate in their country of residence and provide essential documentation, including proof of employment, income, health insurance, accommodation in Italy and a criminal record certificate.
Upon visa approval, applicants have eight days from their arrival in Italy to obtain a residence permit, known as permesso di soggiorno.
Italy also offers other visa options, detailed under the “decreto flussi” (foreign worker quota), providing additional opportunities for remote workers. These visas, like the digital nomad visa, do not impose limits on the annual number of permits issued.
