That dream of living la dolce vita is now much easier to turn into a reality for non-EU nationals, because Italy has launched a digital nomad visa.
Typically, residents of a non-EU country are limited to a 90 day stay in Italy, or in any other EU country, within a period of 180 days. The digital nomad visa circumvents this rule and allows them to stay for up to a year.
And it’s already proving popular. According to the language learning platform. PromoteGoogle searches for “digital nomad visa for Italy” increased by 660 percent.
If successful, applicants could open their laptops and turn on Wi-Fi in dream destinations, from the Amalfi Coast to the stunning Tuscan countryside. But as with any visa application, there are certain conditions that candidates must meet.
Remote workers must earn at least €28,000 (£23,955/$29,833) a year, which is triple the minimum level required for exemption from Italian healthcare costs.
Remote workers could open their laptops in the picturesque Tuscan countryside every morning, thanks to Italy’s new digital nomad visa
They will also have to prove that they have “suitable accommodation” for the duration of their stay and that they have been digital nomads or remote workers for at least six months previously.
The one-year visa can be renewed annually if the conditions and requirements that allowed it to be issued remain the same.
The visa is managed under Article 27 of Italy’s immigration code, which specifically aims to attract “highly skilled workers.”
To apply, you will need to book an appointment at an Italian consulate, before arriving in Italy, and bring your passport, proof of employment, proof of income, proof of accommodation, health insurance and a criminal record certificate (if you have one). .
To take advantage of Italy’s new digital nomad visa, remote workers must earn at least €28,000 (£23,955/$29,833)
If you are self-employed, you will need to apply for an Italian VAT number and seek advice on the best way to pay local taxes.
Once your visa is approved, you will have eight days from your arrival in Italy to apply for a residence permit, known in Italian as permesso di soggiorno.
However, not everyone will be able to apply for the visa. Anyone who has been convicted of a crime within the last five years will automatically be rejected from the process.
