New Digital Nomad Visa for Italy: Let’s Break it Down

New Digital Nomad visa for Italy? What exactly does that mean? Italy is one of the world’s favorite destinations to visit… but – don’t pack your bags quite yet.

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There’s a new term being talked about right now – “Digital Nomads.” Since COVID, millions of people are no longer required to stay in the office. A new favorite job is becoming a Digital Nomad. This job is for those who work outside their home countries and change location frequently.

Until now, there has been no way for Digital Nomads to work legally in Italy on a long-term basis. However, a new visa for remote workers was signed into Italian law on March 28, 2022 – and as of April 4, 2024 – is now in effect!

Italy is just one of many countries providing an immigration path to remote workers and Digital Nomads. But the path isn’t paved in gold. It won’t be so easy. But… most things that are difficult to obtain are worth it. Let’s see what you think.

Who Can Benefit From Being a Digital Nomad?

Everyone is talking about it and if you don’t delve into the information and requirements, you might think anyone who can work remotely can obtain this new Italian visa. However, working from your laptop in a different location than your physical workplace is not exactly what’s required.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa is a temporary permit that allows visitors to stay in a country while they work remotely. Plain and simple. There are multiple countries that offer these sorts of visas, and most, if not all, have a time frame of 12 months. However, it is possible to extend this time if the criteria are met.

While this particular visa might not be for you, it allows those who qualify to travel while working from the comfort of their computers. This visa differs from a tourist visa because it allows the visitor to stay longer and, you are not permitted to work while using a tourist visa.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Here’s an overview of the requirements for such a visa with Italy:

• The visa is open to workers whose annual income is at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs in Italy. Applicants must be a freelancer or on a company payroll, and their annual salary must be at least €28,000. It’s noteworthy, but the law doesn’t stipulate that the money has to come from remote work. Another source of income could indeed provide this income.
• Possess valid health insurance covering medical care and hospitalization for the entire duration of your year-long stay. You can obtain it privately or sign up with the Italian National Health Service at a current cost of €2,000 per year.
• Provide appropriate documentation related to accommodation arrangements (rental agreement) or, proof of Italian property ownership.
• Provide employment contract or binding offer
• Provide documentation of a minimum of six month’s prior experience in the field of work you intend to pursue as a Digital Nomad

It is clear they refer to your education/professional experience as “high skill” and to be considered for this you must have one of the following four criteria below:

1. Three years University-level degree or
2. Post-secondary professional qualification of at least three years or
3. Three years of professional experience. If you are working in the communications field or technologies, it’s seven years.
4. Five years of professional experience in the sector relevant to your job

You must apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa at the Italian Consulate in your States jurisdiction.

How Long?

The permit given will read: “Digital Nomad – Remote Worker” and will be valid for a period not to exceed one year. It can be renewed annually, but only if the requirements that allowed it to be issued continue.

Once Your Digital Nomad Visa is Issued

Upon arrival in Italy, you must register within eight days. This request is obtained through the post office and the Italian Immigration Office. Be aware, every local post office in Italy doesn’t have this office and the availability to register you.

This new residence permit is granted for a period of up to one year. Again, it can be renewed as long as all the requirements are being met, and the law hasn’t changed. Once you obtain the residence permit and settle in Italy you are required to become a tax resident which includes paying taxes on your employment income.

The bottom line? Based on the information that’s been made public so far, you’re going to have to meet a long list of requirements to get one of Italy’s Digital Nomad Visas.

What About My Family?

Family members can also come but at the discretion of the Italian Consulate and the local police. Anyone convicted of a criminal offense within the previous five years will be automatically disqualified from the application process.

There are over 50 countries that offer Digital Nomad Visas or special permits for remote workers. This visa is a way to boost economic development by enticing high-income foreign workers to their countries. Here are some of the more well-known:

Albania	Barbados	Dubai	Hungry	Norway
Argentina	Belize	Ecuador	Iceland	Portugal
Aruba	Brazil	Egypt	Ireland	Puerto Rico
Australia	Cayman Islands	France	Japan	Romania
Bahamas	Croatia	Germany	Mexico	Spain
Bali	Costa Rica	Greece	Netherlands	Thailand

Conclusion

Italy’s visa is not the easiest European Union Digital Nomad Visa to obtain. Euronews reports “First and foremost you must be considered ‘highly skilled’ which the Italian government considers someone “who carries out a highly qualified work activity with the use of technological tools capable of allowing them to work remotely, both as a worker self-employed or as a collaborator or employee of a company even if not resident in Italy.” This law has been introduced under Article 27 of the Immigration Code.

Here’s a great website for more legal information.