Exploring Italy's new Digital Nomad Visa
BY Samantha Wilson
22nd Apr 2024 Life
3 min read
The new Digital Nomad Visa could well be the key unlocking the door to La Dolce Vita for remote workers from around the world
Italy has always attracted travellers with its
historical landmarks, mouth-watering cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Now,
it's extending a warm invitation to the global community of remote workers
through its new Digital Nomad Visa.
This is exciting news post-Brexit as this
initiative allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Italy for a year
or more.
A new path for remote workers
Let's start with the basics. Since the
pandemic, the world has entered an era where work flexibility has become
paramount. Employers know to attract and keep the best talent, they need to be
flexible as workers are choosing to combine life experience with work
experience.
"Italy's Digital Nomad Visa is a step to opening the doors of one of the most sought-after countries "
Italy's introduction of the Digital Nomad
Visa marks a significant step forward to opening the doors to one of the most
sought-after countries in the world, but that was otherwise very difficult to
get into. Recognising the growing trend of remote work, the Italian
government aims to attract digital workers who can contribute to the local
economy without displacing local jobs. This visa provides a legal pathway for
remote workers to live in Italy for up to a year, with the possibility of
renewal.
Eligibility and application process
Highly skilled self-employed people and those who work for companies that permit remote work could be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy. Credit: Cottonbro
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for highly
skilled self-employed, or individuals who are employed by companies that permit
remote work. The key words here are “highly skilled” as this isn’t a visa for
bloggers, influencers or YouTubers. To qualify, applicants must prove
that they can perform their job remotely using telecommunication technologies
but that they have a minimum of a three-year university or college degree that is
related to the work they perform.
There are allowances for professional
experience, but it is unclear how the consulates will evaluate these requests.
Additionally, they must demonstrate a stable income of at least 28,000 euros
per year for a single person and about 30 per cent more for each additional family
member.
"You must demonstrate a stable income of at least 28,000 euros per year for a single person "
What is important to understand is that visa
holders will be required to open a partita iva which is a small business in
Italy and pay income tax on their income while in Italy. This is one of
the requirements that the Italian government has put into place to ensure that
the Digital Nomad is paying their share of social dues. The cost of opening a
P.ive can range between 500-1,000 euros and as long as the visa holder doesn't
earn more than 85,000 euros per year, they can maintain a flat five per cent income
tax.
The visa application process involves
submitting several documents, including proof of income, health insurance
coverage, and a clean criminal record. Applicants are also required to show
evidence of accommodation in Italy, which could be a rental lease in Italy or
an Airbnb depending on the requirements of your local consulate. The risk
to this visa is that it is brand new, and Italian consulates are very
discretionary, so it’s impossible to predict how the practicalities of this
visa will unfold.
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
The allure of the Digital Nomad Visa lies not
only in the lifestyle it offers but also in the practical benefits. Here are
some key advantages to those wishing to apply:
Quality of life: Italy ranks high in
global quality of life indices, with its healthy Mediterranean diet, relaxed
pace of life, and strong community ties. Few places on the planet offer
this intoxicating combination.
"Italy's cost of living for food, rent and entertainment is a fraction of the UK's major cities"
Low cost of living: Choosing to live in a
city will be more expensive than a small charming town, however, Italy's
overall cost of living for food, rent and entertainment is only a fraction of
what it costs to live in London or other major UK cities. There are some
towns in Italy, like Ollolai in Sardinia that have been campaigning to bring
digital nomads to their villages. Some even go so far as to offer
discounts on rent and updated wifi.
Networking opportunities: Italy’s
diverse international community provides ample networking opportunities for
professionals. Cities like Milan, Florence and Rome host various expat groups
and business networks that can be invaluable for nomads.
Overcoming obstacles
Italy is a complicated country and has a very
low percentage of English speakers which can make transitioning difficult for
foreigners. There are significant cultural differences that initially feel
charming, but can quickly become overwhelming if not properly
managed.
Internet speeds can be spotty in some rural
areas and time zones can cause havoc for schedules. In addition, it will be
important for remote workers to get permission from their employer before
making the move. It may be necessary to change their working agreements from
employee to contractor to prevent the company from inheriting possible tax
liabilities in Italy.
A win-win for Italy and nomads
The Digital Nomad Visa is a fantastic opportunity for remote workers wanting to spend time living in Italy. Credit: yankrukov
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique
opportunity for remote workers to fuse lifestyle and career in one of the
world’s most loved destinations. For Italy, it represents a progressive step
towards adapting to the new work culture brought on by the digital age.
For those dreaming of turning their
work-from-anywhere opportunity into a picturesque Italian dream, this visa
could be the perfect solution. As always, prospective applicants should plan
meticulously, ensuring they meet all the criteria and are prepared for a few
bumps in the road. With the right preparation and attitude, the
transition can be as smooth as a glass of fine Italian wine, allowing you to
work and indulge in the pleasures of Italy to the fullest.
Samantha
Wilson is the founder of Smart Move Italy, an agency that helps foreigners
relocate to Italy
Banner: Ollolai in Sardinia is welcoming digital nomads to the beautiful village. Credit: Vincenzo Iorio
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