Martin Joseph RaymundoThere’s a new player in the set of countries that welcome remote workers — Italy! Imagine this: You’re working from home, finishing your last online meeting for the day. Your tired, sore eyes are begging you to take a breather. So, you muscle your way outside to cap off your day. Lo and behold, postcard-perfect cobblestone streets and Tuscan hamlets are right outside your door. You take a short walk around the village, where you’ll stop for a quick plate of rigatoni al forno.
With an Italy digital nomad visa in the works, all these could soon be part of your daily routine!
Also read: Italy Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit
What we know so far about the Italy digital nomad visa
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The government of Italy has recently signed decreto sostegni ter into law. This new bill states that Italy will start releasing visas for remote workers from non-EU countries. As reported by Italian media II Sole 24 Ore, these are people “who carry out highly qualified work activities through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely, autonomously, or for a company that is not resident in the territory of the Italian state.” This distinction of a digital nomad is similar to Croatia’s definition in their legislation.
According to Italian parliament member, Luca Carabetta, the initial requirements for the Italy digital nomad visa are “the availability of suitable accommodation, adequate income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.” The work permit will be valid for one year, but an extension is allowed. In addition, there will be no limit on the number of digital nomad visas issued annually, unlike other existing work visas that are subjected to decreto flussi (foreign workers’ entry quota).
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The government also plans to turn its 2,000 “ghost towns” into attractive destinations feasible for remote work. With a billion euros in investment for development, their government wants to attract digital nomads into their rural villages. Applicants can also petition family members while working as a digital nomad in Italy.
However, there are still some unknown conditions in this new work visa. For instance, we have yet to confirm what constitutes “highly qualified work activities.” Furthermore, the minimum income requirement for applicants remains unidentified.
Also read: A Spain ‘Digital Nomad’ Visa Is Currently in the Works
Alternative work visa options available in Italy
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While waiting for further updates on Italy’s digital nomad visa, you might want to know more about its existing work visas.
Self-employment visa
Before the news broke that Italy would be releasing a digital nomad visa, a self-employment visa was the go-to work permit for non-EU freelancers. However, Italy only releases 500 of these visas annually. Hence, the new digital nomad’s visa is really the game-changer for those who want to make Italy their second home.
EU Blue Card
This visa applies to employees of Italian companies who want to migrate to the country. While there is no limit to the number of EU Blue Cards released, there is quite a tall order for applicants for this work permit: a minimum salary of about €25,000, a university degree, and a €50,000 show money for the company as proof of financial capacity.
Intra-company visa
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) is for employees of foreign companies that have a branch in Italy. This work permit lasts for five years, and it doesn’t fall under decreto flussi. However, if you want to apply for this visa, you’d have to request your company to show at least €20,000.
Also read: Top Tips for Applying for a Visa Abroad
The COVID-19 lockdown protocols instilled a new work-from-home lifestyle for many of us. While onsite work is slowly coming back, some have completely embraced the idea of working remotely as a digital nomad. If you are one, why not try to live the nomadic life in Italy? Its dreamy towns and stunning beaches are waiting for you!
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