How to Apply for Italy’s (newly released) Digital Nomad Visa?
How to Apply for Italy’s (newly released) Digital Nomad Visa?
I can barely contain my excitement.
I’m doing a happy dance on the inside.
Italy’s digital nomad visa is officially here. This visa has been floating around the interwebs since it was initially announced back in 2022.
And then for the next two years essentially nothing happened – and to be completely honest a lot us started to wonder if it just wasn’t going to ever.
All of that changed on February 29, 2024 when the official decree was written, and it went into effect on April 5, 2024 (the day after it was published on the Gazzetta Ufficiale).
All that said, I’m sure you’re excited too, so…
Let’s get into it.
A Detailed Overview of Italy’s Newly Authorized Digital Nomad Visa and How to Apply
First things first:
Let’s do some defining (so we are all on the same page) as it pertains to the Italian government and the digital nomad visa.
Who qualifies as a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a foreigner who does independent/freelance work thanks to the use of technological instruments that allows him/her to work remotely.
"nomade digitale», lo straniero che svolge attivita' di lavoro autonomo attraverso l'utilizzo di strumenti tecnologici che consentono di lavorare da remoto"
Who qualifies as a remote worker?
A remote worker is a foreigner that thanks to the use of technological instruments is able to work remotely as an employee/collaborator
“lavoratore da remoto, lo straniero che, attraverso l'utilizzo di strumenti tecnologici che consentono di lavorare da remoto, svolge attivita' di lavoro subordinato o di collaborazione”
Both (highly skilled) “digital nomads” and “remote workers” can apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa.
What are the requirements for the digital nomad visa?
The requirements for the Italian digital nomad visa are as follows:
an income that exceeds by at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from health care participation expenses. This works out to be approx. 28,000 euros
health insurance to cover medical treatments and hospitalization in Italy for the duration of stay
proof of accommodation in Italy
at least 6 months of experience as a digital nomad or as a remote worker (that you can demonstrate)
remote workers are also asked to present a work contract or job offer
be highly skilled in your field in the form of education and/or experience
How long is the digital nomad visa valid for?
The digital nomad visa is valid for 12 months, and it can be renewed as long as the criteria are still met.
Does the Italian digital nomad visa fall within at the annual quotas?
The digital nomad visa is exempt from the annual immigration quotas. (These are the annual quotas the Italian government releases almost every year for workers within its borders)
Do I need a nulla osta as part of the Italian digital nomad visa?
The “nulla osta” work permit is not a requirement of this visa. (This is a requirement for some of the other visas like the Italian independent work - aka freelance - visa.)
What about converting your Italian digital nomad visa into an Italian permit of stay?
Once in Italy, the recipients of the Italian digital nomad visa must convert their visa into a permit of stay (for remote workers – digital nomads).
The application for this conversion should be presented within 8 work days of arrival in Italy.
Can Italian digital nomad visa holders also bring family members with them?
The answer is yes. Core family members (spouse, children under 18 and in certain instances parents) can also reside in Italy as part of the provisions of this visa.
What is the minimum income for a digital nomad in Italy?
The minimum income for the Italian digital nomad visa is approximately 28,000 euros. The Italian government words it as “at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from health care participation expenses”
Other things to keep in mind?
The Italian digital nomad visa specifically refers to people working remotely for companies, organizations etc. outside of Italy.
At the moment, the law only mentions work done with/for foreign companies. It’s not clear if people with the digital nomad visa can also perform work with local organizations.
It’s also important to note that the digital nomad visa can be refused or revoked if the employer/contractor has been convicted in the last 5 years.
The digital nomad visa is for citizens of countries outside of the EU. (Probably because they don’t need a visa to live/work in Italy.)
Where and How can you apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Visit the website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction to make an appointment.
Have two recent passport size photos
A passport valid for at least 3 months after the requested visa period (so at least 15 months).
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only. As with all things immigration there are nuances to the law. If you have additional questions, please book a call.
If you’re a bit of a nerd like me, and want to read up on the official government announcement and you can read Italian… then you can do it at the following link
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2024/04/04/24A01716/sg
