Italy has joined the ranks of EU nations offering a Digital Nomad visa, opening up a tantalizing prospect for remote workers to seamlessly integrate work and leisure while immersing themselves in the country’s charm. Effective as of April 4th, a recent law allows individuals without EU passports or existing visas to legally reside and work in Italy for an extended period.
After extensive deliberation by Italian legislators, the digital nomad visa has finally come to fruition, catering specifically to remote workers seeking to embrace life in this coveted European destination. As per the Italian government’s criteria, digital nomads are defined as non-EU or Swiss citizens possessing advanced skills and capable of working remotely, either independently or in collaboration with a company.
However, securing Italy’s digital nomad visa isn’t a straightforward process. Applicants must demonstrate an income three times higher than the minimum threshold required for exemption from healthcare costs, amounting to nearly €28,000 annually or around $30,400.
Who is eligible?
Both self-employed freelancers and corporate remote workers are eligible for the new visa. The regulation distinguishes between self-employed professionals, termed “digital nomads,” and employees, termed “remote workers,” though their application requirements are nearly identical. Applicants must also meet the criteria of being “highly-skilled” workers, defined as university graduates or individuals with a minimum of five years of professional experience.
- To apply for the visa, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Ability to work remotely, with at least six months of remote work experience
- Evidence of a work contract with a company based outside Italy (or proof of self-employment)
- Minimum annual income of €28,000 (approximately $30,000)
- Clean criminal record for the past five years
- Valid health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay in Italy
- Documented evidence of accommodation for the entire stay in Italy
How to Apply
To apply for the digital nomad visa, individuals must schedule an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate office in their home country and demonstrate that they meet the aforementioned criteria. Within eight days of arrival in Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit at the police headquarters in the province of residence. Accepted applicants can also apply for residence permits for their family members.
