Do you work remotely? Find out if Italy’s new digital nomad visa could work for you!
One huge impact of the coronavirus pandemic is it changed how we work. Now, many are doing away with the office and working remotely. And if all that your job requires is your brain and laptop, why not work from the charming Tuscan countryside or the buzz of a metropolitan city like Milan?
Could this be you?
Following the suit of other European countries, including Greece and Spain, Italy has introduced a new digital nomad visa. This enables non-EU citizens to work remotely for a foreign-based country from Italy for a year. Furthermore, you will be able to renew your visa annually. You can spend your free time exploring and enjoying the Italian lifestyle. Emails over espresso in a chic café. A post-work snooze on the beach. A weekend trip to Rome.
Interested? The official news site of the Italian site, Gazzetta Ufficiale of the Republic of Italia, has released a list of criteria for applying for the digital nomad visa. The law was made effective on April 4th.
Requirements:
- The applicant must hold citizenship from a non-European country. If you are a non-EU citizen, even if you own an Italian home, you are only able to stay within the Schengen Area for 90 days out of every rolling 180. Therefore, a digital nomad visa could be your ideal ticket for enjoying the country over longer periods.
- You must be a highly skilled worker. This entails having a university degree or five years’ experience of working in your chosen sector.
- You must have the technological tools that allow you to work remotely.
- Plus, you must have an annual income that is three times the minimum level required for exception from healthcare costs in Italy. This is currently €28,000 per annum (£24,000).
- You can apply if you are self-employed.
- Alternatively, you can be employed by a company, so long as it is based outside of Italy. You will need to show your work contract.
- Furthermore, you should demonstrate that you have worked for six months remotely.
- You will also need valid health insurance.
- Plus, you will need to have (and prove) that you have a clean criminal record to apply.
To get your hands on a digital nomad visa, you’ll need to apply at the diplomatic-consular in your country of origin.
Our top tip is to speak to a tax expert before applying, as having them in order is a crucial aspect of being able to stay in the country.
Where should I be a digital nomad from?
While major cosmopolitan cities like Milan, Rome and Florence are going to be the best for speedy internet and co-working spaces, you can really work from anywhere. If you are looking to move somewhere rural, you may want to check the internet speed before you do, as some areas have a lacklustre connection. However, the government is pushing to improve internet in these areas.
See properties for sale in Italy here.
