Italy rolls out its long-awaited Digital Nomad Visa; find out how to qualify

Italy has become the newest EU member to introduce a Digital Nomad visa, thereby presenting remote workers with an enticing opportunity to blend work with leisure while exploring the country. Effective as of April 4th, a recent law permits individuals without an EU passport or any other visa to reside and work legally in Italy for an extended period.

After years of deliberation by Italian lawmakers, the country’s digital nomad visa has finally materialised, which is aimed specifically at remote workers desiring to experience life in this sought-after European destination. According to the Italian government, digital nomads are defined as non-European Union or Swiss citizens possessing high skills and capable of working remotely, either independently or in collaboration with a company.

However, do note that obtaining Italy’s digital nomad visa is not straightforward. Applicants must have an income three times higher than the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare costs, equating to nearly €28,000 annually or about $30,400.

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Italy’s visa is notably one of the more challenging EU Digital Nomad visas to acquire. Prospective applicants must meet the criteria of being ‘highly skilled,’ as defined by the Italian Government, which pertains to individuals engaged in highly qualified work activities utilising technological tools enabling remote work, regardless of residency status. This law is enshrined under article 27 of the immigration code, as per the reports.

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Financial requirements also pose a hurdle, especially concerning Italian healthcare costs. Applicants must be either freelancers or employees with an annual salary of at least €28,000 (slightly above $30,000), with no stipulation that the income must originate from remote work.

Furthermore, applicants must hold a minimum of a three-year college degree or a professional licence for their field or demonstrate substantial experience. Additionally, they must exhibit six months of relevant work experience in their desired remote field.

Documentation proving accommodation arrangements in Italy and healthcare coverage, either through private means or enrollment in the Italian National Health Service for €2,000 ($2,100) per year, is also required. Family members may potentially accompany the applicant, subject to local police discretion, while individuals with a criminal record within the past five years are automatically disqualified.

Interested individuals must apply at their local Italian Consulate prior to arrival in Italy. The visa is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal within the country. Upon arrival, applicants have eight days to apply for a residence permit, or permesso di soggiorno. Self-employed individuals must additionally obtain an Italian tax VAT number and seek guidance on local tax obligations.

Italy now joins Japan in offering Digital Nomad visas, aiming to stimulate economic growth by attracting high-earning foreign workers. Japan’s visa targets digital nomads earning over $63,000 annually, requiring proof of private health insurance for the duration of their one-year stay.

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As per the reports, Romania topped the list in terms of straightforward process while applying for the said visa, while Croatia ranked second with relatively low salary and accommodation requirements. Spain fell in the middle, necessitating in-person applications with varying response times but a modest minimum monthly salary requirement.

Cyprus emerges as one of the most challenging countries to obtain a Digital Nomad visa, mandating prior entry to the country and rigorous health screenings. Andorra, Montenegro, and Latvia plan to introduce similar schemes soon, while Germany offers a Freelancer Visa valid for three months, extendable under specific conditions to a three-year residence permit.

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