The languid charm of the ‘dolce vita’ lifestyle has long been the envy of travelers everywhere. Now, thanks to Italy's new digital nomad visa, it's also within reach of remote workers, making working from the Amalfi Coast or the Tuscany countryside easier than ever.
Italy's digital nomad visa officially opened for applications on April 4, according to Elze Obrikyte, the head of the immigration department at international law firm Giambrone, which assists clients with securing Italian citizenship and residency status. The launch marks just over two years since Italy first introduced new immigration procedures for remote workers in March 2022.
The one-year visa allows remote workers from non-EU countries to live and work in Italy, bypassing the 90 day rule that would otherwise limit their stay.
Italy joins over 50 countries that offer digital nomad visas or similar alternatives, including newcomers Japan and South Korea. However, it's important to note that every country has different application requirements. Here's everything you need to know about Italy's digital nomad visa, including the criteria and how to apply.
Who is eligible?
Self-employed freelancers and corporate remote workers are both eligible for the new visa. The regulation refers to self-employed professionals as “digital nomads" and employees as “remote workers," Obrikyte explains, noting that they both have nearly identical application requirements.
Applicants must also qualify as “highly-skilled” workers: The Italian government has most recently defined this as university graduates or workers with at least five years of professional experience.
In order to apply for the visa, you must also meet the following criteria, according to Obrikyte:
- The ability to perform your work remotely, with at least six months of remote work experience
- Evidence of a work contract with a company based outside Italy (or evidence of self-employment)
- An annual minimum income of no less than €28,000 (approximately $30,000)
- Evidence of no criminal record in the last five years
- Proof of valid health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay in Italy
- Documented evidence of accommodation for the length of your stay in Italy
How to apply
To apply for the digital nomad visa, you need to book an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate office in your home country and prove that you satisfy the criteria above.
Within eight days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit at the police headquarters in the province where you reside. Accepted applicants may also apply for a residence permit for their family members.
“The Italian government’s decision to create the digital nomad visa provides the holder with the chance to experience life in one of the most popular European countries," Obrikyte tells Traveler. “For those who have families with children, the experience of moving to Italy enables them to enjoy a different culture and language and gain the advantage of widening their perspective.”
