Remote workers can now head to Italy to live and work from there for companies or clients located outside the country after Italy has officially introduced its Digital Nomad Visa program.

From April 4, foreigners are eligible to stay in Italy in a legal way for a period of up to a year through this scheme. Besides, the visa can be renewed annually, as informed by a news report in  Schengen Visa.

According to the Italian government, a digital nomad is a citizen of non-EU states “who carries 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,” according to Euronews.

The Digital Nomad visa for remote workers was signed into Italian law on March 28, 2022.

Requirements for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa Program

Different European countries offer Digital Nomad Visa programs aimed at attracting remote work lovers. However, rules for benefiting from this scheme differ among the countries offering them.

The Italian visa differs from other EU Digital Nomad Visa schemes in that it’s being managed under Article 27 of the immigration code, which means that it’s aimed at highly skilled workers, as emphasised by the global mobility expert Damien O’Farrell.

In order to benefit from it, applicants are required to earn €28,000 (£23,992.50) per year or more and have health insurance and accommodation arranged for the period they plan to remain in Italy. Applicants should also ensure that they haven’t been found guilty of a crime in the past five years.

Those interested in this scheme are also required to prove that they have been working as digital nomads or remote workers elsewhere for at least six months before.Before applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must be tax-compliant in Italy.

Foreigners interested in benefiting from this program are required to book an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate in their country of residence. They need to bring a valid passport, proof of employment, proof of income, health insurance as well as proof of accommodation in Italy and a criminal record certificate.

After visa approval, applicants have eight days from their arrival in Italy in order to apply for a residence permit.