Looking for some inspiration to cut free from the rat race and embark upon a new adventure as a globe-trotting digital nomad? Then Italy’s new visa for remote workers might be just the ticket.
Italy is a land famed for its beautiful vacation destinations, historic architecture, delicious food, enticing wines — and, now, for the opportunities it offers remote workers.
The nation’s long-awaited remote worker visa was originally signed into law March 28, 2022, but only came into effect April 4, 2024.
Related: How I spent 6 years as a digital nomad
Here’s everything you need to know about who can apply for the visa and what it entails.
Who can apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa?
Italy’s new digital nomad visa is aimed toward what its government describes as a “highly skilled worker” who is a citizen of a non-European Union state, “carrying 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.”
A “highly skilled worker,” in this instance, is defined as a university graduate or one with at least five years of professional work experience.
In addition to fitting the above description, applicants must also fit the following criteria:
- Able to perform their job requirements while working remotely, with at least six months’ experience working remotely elsewhere
- Be able to provide evidence that they are either contracted with a company outside of Italy or self-employed
- Earn an annual income of at least 28,000 euros (around $30,000)
- Do not have a criminal record within the last five years
- Have valid health insurance which covers the duration of their time in Italy
- Provide evidence that they have suitable accommodation for the duration of their time in Italy
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How can I apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa?
To apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa, you must arrange an in-person appointment to visit your local diplomatic consular office to submit a declaration signed by your employer. You can find the location of your nearest Italian consular office on ambasciata.net.
You cannot apply for the visa (apart from rare circumstances) if you’re already in Italy.
Should you meet the requirements of applying for the visa, the consular agent will then provide you with the relevant forms to make your application and any further considerations. Here is the New York Italian consular office form, to give you an idea of the application process.
You’ll also need to provide the following:
- Two passport-size photos with a white background that show a front view of your face
- A copy of a valid passport with an expiration date at least three months after the end of your visa stay
- At least one blank page in your passport
- Payment of the visa application fee, currently 116 euros per person
Once your visa has been approved and you arrive in Italy, you will then have eight days to apply for a residence permit at the police headquarters in the province you’re staying in. This residence permit is known as permesso di soggiorno.
How long does it take to get Italy’s digital nomad visa?
The first hurdle will be getting your initial consular appointment. Depending on how busy the office is, this could take a couple of months. Timing will likely vary depending on the office you’re attempting to visit, though.
Once you’ve made your appointment and have filled out all of the relevant paperwork, you should hopefully have your visa cleared within 30-90 days.
How long does Italy’s digital nomad visa last?
Your visa start date should fall close to the departure date you provided in your initial application, and it will expire 365 days after the start date. Should you need to delay your departure date, you can do so as long as you arrive in Italy before the expiration date.
Bottom line
Italy is only the latest nation to welcome remote workers with open arms. With millions of workers worldwide now long settled into a hybrid work structure, the digital nomad lifestyle has quickly become an appealing and realistic option for many. Several countries are now offering remote working visas.
If you tick the relevant boxes, your dreams of working in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries could become a reality.
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