Italy is one of the most popular vacation spots worldwide. But now that millions of people are not compelled to work in offices, the Mediterranean nation is growing in popularity among digital nomads, or people who work remotely and move around a lot.

Up until now, there hasn’t been a long-term, legal option for digital nomads to work in Italy.

On March 28, 2022, a new remote worker visa was signed into Italian legislation, and it is now operative as of April 4, 2024.

Visas for digital nomads are usually made with the interests of all remote workers in mind. The Italian visa is different because “it’s being managed under article 27 of the immigration code, which means that it’s aimed at highly skilled workers.”

A citizen of a non-EU country “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” is classified as a digital nomad, according to an Italian government decree.

The definition of a “highly skilled worker” was not entirely clear in 2022, but it has since changed and we now have some clarification.

It seems that the most crucial prerequisite for approval is health insurance, as applicants must obtain comprehensive policies that are good for the duration of their visit.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have appropriate housing for the duration of their stay and that they have worked remotely or as a digital nomad for at least six months in the past.

Before receiving a visa, they must visit a legitimate diplomatic or consular post and turn in a statement that has been signed by their employer.

But not everyone is eligible to apply. It is indicated that applicants for visas who have been convicted of a felony within the last five years, even if their sentence was not final, will be immediately denied. In March 2024, the visa is open to workers with an annual income three times the minimum for exemption from healthcare costs in Italy, which is approximately €28,000 annually.

It seems that the most crucial prerequisite for approval is health insurance, as applicants must obtain comprehensive policies that are good for the duration of their visit.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have appropriate housing for the duration of their stay and that they have worked remotely or as a digital nomad for at least six months in the past.

Before receiving a visa, they must visit a legitimate diplomatic or consular post and turn in a statement that has been signed by their employer.

But not everyone is eligible to apply. It is indicated that applicants for visas who have been convicted of a felony within the last five years, even if their sentence was not final, will be immediately denied.

Obtaining adequate health insurance plans that are valid for the period of the applicant’s visit appears to be the most important requirement for approval.

In addition to proving they have suitable housing for the duration of their stay, applicants must also show that they have worked remotely or as a digital nomad for a minimum of six months in the past.

They have to go to an official diplomatic or consular post and turn in a signed statement from their employer before they may get a visa.

But not everybody can submit an application. Visa applicants who have been found guilty of a felony within the last five years, even if their sentence was not upheld, are warned that their applications would be rejected right away.

A digital nomad is also free to bring their family along, albeit there are some restrictions.

The final say on whether to grant a family-based residence permit in Italy belongs to the police headquarters.
How will digital nomads in Italy be taxed?
Before requesting a visa, applicants must be in compliance with Italian tax laws. The Italian tax office will usually have to communicate with their counterpart in the applicant’s home country.

Good suggestion is that you consult with an Italian tax specialist before to applying in order to ascertain the applicable taxes and related documentation.

If there are any tax infractions, the office will notify the visa’s original issuing authorities right away.

According to the information that has been made available to the public thus far, obtaining one of Italy’s digital nomad visas will require you to fulfil a number of requirements.
When can I get an Italian visa for digital nomads?
Applications for Italy’s digital nomad visa are now being accepted as of April 4.

Those who are interested must schedule a face-to-face meeting at the Italian consulate in their home nation.

A valid passport, evidence of work or income, proof of health insurance, evidence of where you are staying in Italy, and a criminal record certificate are among the documents you must present.

You have eight days from the date of your arrival in Italy, following the approval of your visa, to apply for a permesso di soggiorno, or residency permit.
Italy’s current remote worker visa requirements
In addition, there exist alternative visas that could be appropriate based on your particular circumstances.

They fall under the category of “decreto flussi” (foreign worker quota), and information about them is helpful for aspiring digital nomads. Similar to the existing visa process, it seems that there won’t be a cap on the total number of licences granted each year to potential remote workers in Italy.