This article was originally published by Saskia O’Donoghue & Hannah Brown on euronews.
Dreaming of living in Italy full-time? Here’s how you can make it a reality with the newly-launched digital nomad visa.
Italy is one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. But now, with millions of people no longer required to stay in the office, the Mediterranean country is becoming a favourite for digital nomads – those who work outside of their home countries and change location frequently.
Until now, there has been no way for digital nomads to work legally in Italy long-term.
However, a new visa for remote workers was signed into Italian law on 28 March 2022, as is now effective as of 4 April.
Back in 2022, Euronews Travel spoke to global mobility expert Damien O’Farrell, who has been helping people move to Italy for over 30 years.
Along with his insights, here’s everything you need to know about the visa for those dreaming of Italian life.
Who can apply for an Italian digital nomad visa?
Digital nomad visas are typically designed to benefit all remote workers. However, the Italian visa differs in that “it’s being managed under article 27 of the immigration code, which means that it’s aimed at highly skilled workers,” Damien explains.
The decree from the Italian government defines a digital nomad as a citizen of non-EU states “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.”
In 2022, it was unclear who qualified as a ‘highly skilled worker’, but we have a little more clarity now and that definition has shifted somewhat.
As of March 2024, it’s been announced that the visa is open to workers who have an annual income of at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs in Italy. That figure equals out at just under €28,000 annually.
Health insurance appears to be the most important requirement of acceptance, with individuals needing to take out robust plans valid for the entire period of their stay.
Those applying must prove they have suitable accommodation for the length of their stay and that they have been a digital nomad or remote worker elsewhere for at least six months previously.
They will need to go to a valid diplomatic-consular office and submit a declaration signed by their employer before any visa will be granted.
Not everyone can apply, though. It’s advised that people who have been convicted of a crime within the last five years, even with a non-definitive sentence, will be automatically rejected from the visa process.
