If you ever dream of living and working in Italy, you’ll be happy to know that a new Italy digital nomad visa was voted into law in March 2022.
Unfortunately as of writing it’s still on hold and so you can’t apply as yet, but when it comes into force, here’s what you need to know;
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa will be a government-issued permit that will allow non-EU digital nomads to work in the country provided;
- They work remotely
- Their contracts or employers are from outside of Italy
With the Digital Nomad visa, you will be given the opportunity to stay in Italy, explore its culture and landmarks, and work from anywhere in the country; from city cafes to beachfront cottages.
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The Benefits of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
The biggest benefit for a digital nomad is the ability to move around the entire Schengen area visa free for as long as you’re a Italy Digital Nomad visa holder.
That’s 27 countries you get to freely explore at will!
Other benefits include;
Fast Internet – Italy is a powerhouse in technology, with a highly sophisticated digital infrastructure that enables high internet speeds and convenient access to phone networks for remote work.
Entrepreneurial Atmosphere – Italy has an exceptional entrepreneurial landscape with government initiatives in place to offer support and guidance to business owners, ensuring an environment of innovation and development. Italy is providing a model for the rest of the world in terms of utilizing technology to create an advanced society that supports remote work and encourages productive collaboration.
Weather – Italy is an idyllic country, renowned for its stunning beauty and wonderful weather. From the balmy Mediterranean Sea and the mild winters, to the sensational summers that offer breathtaking ocean views, Italy provides an incomparable lifestyle that is sure to captivate anyone who visits.
Culture – The Digital Nomad visa allows digital nomads to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Italy, going beyond Rome and Venice to explore the region’s many vibrant cities, captivating landscapes and fascinating history. From scaling the ancient Coliseum to taking in the majestic canals of Venice, this visa provides a world of opportunity for freelancers and remote workers seeking unforgettable experiences.
Food – Italian cuisine is a culinary experience that everyone loves! With dishes ranging from classic pasta to fresh Mediterranean salads and of course, delicious pizza topped with mouth-watering cheeses, you can never go wrong with Italian food. Whether it’s a lazy dinner in or a romantic dinner outing, Italian cuisine is a great reason to want to live and work in the country.
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Requirements, Application & Costs
Unfortunately Visa rules change across the globe, change more frequently and faster than the weather, so here is some basic info and some of the top resources to stay abreast of changes to the Italy Digital Nomad Visa;
Basic Requirements;
Valid Passport – You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months at the time of travel
Proof of passive income – You’ll need to provide income statements which prove that you can support yourself while living in Italy. When the requirements are made official, there will likely be a minimum income threshold you’ll have to meet.
Proof that you work remotely – You may be asked to provide evidence that you do indeed work completely remotely as a digital nomad and that your contracts are outside of Italy
Proof of Accommodation – you’ll need to show that you’re physically living in Italy
Health Insurance – You must have a sufficient health insurance policy, which includes repatriation if required.
Clean Criminal Record – You may be asked to supply a police report to show you’re an upstanding citizen!
These are the basic requirements. Please note you may be asked to provide more documents or proof that you are a remote worker living in Italy.
Resources to Stay Up to Date with Visa Changes
Do I Need an Italian Digital Nomad Visa?
This is a great question!
It all depends on your short term and long term plans and where you’re originally from in the world.
Firstly, if you are an EU citizen already, you don’t need this Visa! You can live and work in any other EU country you lucky bugger!
If however, you’re from outside of the EU/EEA & Switzerland, if you want to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days at a time, then you will need this visa or something similar.
If you are from one of these countries, then you can enter Italy or any other country within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day period.
You can go in and out, but you’ll need to keep a track of your days and make sure you haven’t stayed longer than 90 days within 180 days.
If you are from one of these countries, then unfortunately you’ll need a visa just to enter Italy or another EU country, even as a tourist.
So whether you need an Italy Digital Nomad Visa or not depends on where you’re from and what you want to do.
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Best Places to Live or Explore In Italy for Digital Nomads
Italy is brimming with fascinating destinations for digital nomads to enjoy, explore, and call home.
From the breathtakingly gorgeous Amalfi Coast to charmingly quaint mountain villages, Italy has no shortage of unique spots to satisfy every digital nomad’s needs.
To truly make the most of this marvelous European country’s wonders, here are ten of the best places to live and explore while utilizing the Italy Digital Nomad Visa.
Turin
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Nestled in northwestern Italy is the magical, fairytale-like city of Turin.
Its beautiful baroque architecture, diverse mix of cultures and cuisines, and majestic surrounding mountains make it the ideal place to begin a digital nomad experience in Italy.
Bolzano
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Just a stone’s throw away from the Austrian border, Bolzano is constantly touted as the region’s friendliest city.
Boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, this city is chock-full of opportunities for digital nomads to get their bearings, immerse themselves in rural Italian culture, and climb nearby mountains.
Stromboli
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Another unique destination for digital nomads is the volcanic island of Stromboli.
Surrounded by natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to connect with nature while embracing a new culture. With a stunning coastline to enjoy and copious amounts of diverse wildlife, Stromboli is an idyllic Italian paradise.
Milan
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The stunning Gothic city of Milan is another great location for digital nomads to reside in.
Known for its iconic Duomo cathedral, fashion, art, and theater, Milan is the perfect city for the culturally adventurous digital nomad. Plus, with hundreds of cafes and restaurants to check out, there’s no shortage of learning experiences to be had.
Perugia
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Adventuring digital nomads will love the small, yet vibrant city of Perugia.
Located in central Italy, Perugia has an electrifying city life that mixes beautifully with its relaxed atmosphere and traditional culinary offerings.
From its stunning churches and parks to its unique crafts and cafes, Perugia is a whirlwind of culture and beauty that can easily take one’s breath away.
Florence
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Famed as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to stunning architecture and art galleries, as well as a vibrant food and drink culture.
With plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and digital nomad-friendly accommodations, Florence is a great place to work remotely and alongside the locals.
Rome
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Northern Italy’s capital city, Rome, is another popular option for digital nomads.
With stunning architecture, from Italian baroque and neoclassical, to beautiful Renaissance and baroque churches, Rome was once home of the powerful and influential Roman Empire.
As a result, this city is full of incredible and intriguing places to explore; from the Sistine Chapel to the Colosseum.
Sicily
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Italy’s largest island, Sicily, offers a variety of captivating attractions and stunning coastal views.
This Sicilian gem is packed with secluded retreats, stunning black beaches, and tasty local food.
Taormina is an idyllic coastal town to consider, with an enviable location below Mount Etna. With crystal-clear waters, tranquil bays, and hidden coves, Sicily is a great destination to explore as a digital nomad.
Amalfi Coast
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Or, if you’re looking for a beach escape, consider Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast. This awe-inspiring stretch of coastline is full of pastel-coloured towns, sprawling beaches, and hillside fishing villages.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to just relax, or you’re drawn by the wealth of outdoor activities, the Amalfi Coast is a great place for digital nomads.
Cinque Terre
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Finally, digital nomads typically flock to Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, the stunning five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
With its pastel-hued houses, beautiful vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this area of western Liguria is the perfect spot for digital nomads who are looking to spend time close to nature.
As you can see, Italy offers a plethora of beautiful places to live and explore as a digital nomad.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant nightlife of Rome, the beauty of the Italian Riviera, or the chic vibe of Florence, there is something here to cater to your preference.
With a digital nomad visa, you can choose the best option for you and begin the adventure of a lifetime in Italy.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa – Summary
Whatever a digital nomad’s preferences may be, the Italy Digital Nomad Visa is the ideal way to explore and experience the captivating country of Italy.
From amazing architectural gems to quaint mountain villages and vibrant cities – the possibilities are endless.
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting and revolutionary addition to the digital nomad lifestyle, allowing for extended and hassle-free nomadic journeys.
As it is new however, it is important to pay close attention to local laws and regulations to ensure legal compliance. With the right strategy, this visa can open up the world of travel and new experiences to nomads all over the world.
