Italy Digital Nomad Visa ǀ Eligibility and Requirement

Are you looking to get Italy digital nomad visa?

The visa was introduced in early 2022 and rolled out for digital nomads to apply by March 2022. Initially, it was very unclear as to who is eligible for the visa. But now it is evident from the policies and news, the digital nomad who are skilled in their profession, and can continue to work remotely are eligible for the visa.

The visa is granted for a year and can be renewed as long as you keep meeting the requirements. Here are the requirements:

• Minimum Income Requirement: 28,000 Euros per annum
• Duration: Visa granted for a year
• Possibility of Extension: Yes
• Who Can Apply: Non-EU Citizens
• Insurance Requirement: Yes
• Proof of Housing: Yes

If the intent is to proceed to the path of permanent residency, you can also look at other options.

One option is the Elective Residence Visa, which allows individuals to live in Italy for a period of up to one year. It is a great alternative to Italy’s digital nomad visa. This visa is designed for individuals who do not intend to work in Italy, but it may be possible to work remotely for a foreign employer while on this visa.

Another option is the Self-Employment Visa, which is designed for individuals who wish to start a business in Italy. This visa allows individuals to reside and work in Italy for up to two years, with the possibility of renewing the visa for an additional three years. This is a very close alternative to Italy digital nomad visa.

Italian government introduced a new visa category called the “Smart-working Visa”. This visa comes very close to Italy digital nomad visa.

This visa is aimed at individuals who work remotely for foreign companies and allows them to reside in Italy for up to one year. However, this visa is only available to individuals who have a contract with a foreign employer and meet certain income requirements.

It is important to note that visa requirements and regulations can change frequently, so it is recommended to consult with the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information on visa options for digital nomads.

Requirements of Smart Working Visa Italy

The Smart Working Visa is a fairly new visa category introduced by the Italian government in 2021 to compensate for the absence of Italy digital nomad visa.

It was designed for individuals who work remotely for foreign companies and wish to reside in Italy for up to one year. In essence, it is Italy digital nomad visa. Here are some of the requirements for the Smart Working Visa:

1. A contract with a foreign employer: To be eligible for the Smart Working Visa, you must have a contract with a foreign employer that allows you to work remotely from Italy. The contract must be in English and specify the duration of the work and the type of work to be carried out.
2. Income requirements: You must have a minimum annual income of €32,000 to be eligible for the Smart Working Visa. This income can come from your remote work or other sources.
3. Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Italy.
4. Accommodation: You must have a place to stay in Italy for the duration of your stay. This can be in the form of a rental agreement or proof of ownership of a property in Italy.
5. Application process: You must apply for the Smart Working Visa through the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process may require you to submit various documents, such as your passport, proof of income, and proof of health insurance.

Other Alternates of Italy Digital Nomad Visa

In addition to the Smart Working Visa, there are a few other visa options that come close to Italy digital nomad visa:

1. Elective Residence Visa: This visa is designed for individuals who do not intend to work in Italy, but may still be able to work remotely for a foreign employer. The visa allows individuals to live in Italy for up to one year and can be renewed.
2. Self-Employment Visa: This visa is designed for individuals who wish to start a business in Italy. It allows individuals to reside and work in Italy for up to two years, with the possibility of renewing the visa for an additional three years.
3. Work Visa: This visa is designed for individuals who have a job offer from an Italian company. It allows individuals to work and reside in Italy for the duration of their employment contract.

Best Places in Italy

Italy has many beautiful cities and regions that can be great for digital nomads. Here are some of the best places in the country for those who come with an Italy digital nomad visa:

• Rome: Rome is one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the world. It has a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with free Wi-Fi.
• Milan: Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and is known for its bustling business district. It has a thriving startup scene and many coworking spaces.
• Florence: Florence is a beautiful city known for its stunning architecture and art. It has a laid-back atmosphere and many cafes and coworking spaces.
• Bologna: Bologna is a charming city known for its rich culinary scene and historic architecture. It has a thriving student population and many coworking spaces.
• Sicily: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has stunning beaches and charming towns. It has a growing startup scene and many coworking spaces.
• Puglia: is a region in southern Italy known for its picturesque countryside, historic towns, and delicious food. It has a relaxed atmosphere and many coworking spaces.

Overall, Italy has a lot to offer for digital nomads, with plenty of beautiful cities, regions, and co-working spaces to choose from.

Difficulties Living In Italy

While Italy is a beautiful and culturally rich country, living there as a digital nomad or ex-pat can come with some challenges. If you have obtained an Italy digital nomad visa, be ready for some of the challenges that you may face. Here are some of the difficulties you may face when living in Italy:

1. Bureaucracy: The country is known for its bureaucratic processes, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. This can be especially challenging when it comes to obtaining visas, registering for healthcare, or setting up a bank account.
2. Language barriers: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, many Italians only speak Italian, and it can be difficult to communicate if you do not speak the language. This can make it challenging to navigate everyday tasks like grocery shopping or going to the doctor.
3. High cost of living: Italy is not a cheap country to live in, especially in larger cities like Rome or Milan. Rent and food prices can be high, and taxes are also relatively high.
4. Slow Internet speeds: While the country has made improvements to its internet infrastructure in recent years, internet speeds can still be slow, especially in rural areas.
5. Traffic and transportation: Traffic can be heavy in larger cities, and public transportation can be unreliable in some areas. This can make it challenging to get around, especially if you do not have a car.

It is important to be prepared for these difficulties when considering living in Italy as a digital nomad or ex-pat. However, many people find that the benefits of living in Italy outweigh the challenges, and with careful planning, and finding a way around each problem, it is possible to have a successful and fulfilling experience living in Italy.

Popular Places to Stay and Work in Italy for Digital Nomads

If you have Italy digital nomad visa, you are open to so many opportunities. Many cities in Italy are bustling with opportunities, culture, and spaces for digital nomads. Here is our list of popular places to stay and work in Italy.

Rome

The city with historic and architectural beauty is a hub of development and tech. Digital nomads also like to stay in the city for its dual benefits. You get to take benefit from numerous co-working spaces but also can explore Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and other historic sites on your time off.

The city has a great transportation system, so getting around will not be an issue. The only problem you will face is rent. The city has high rent even for extremely old buildings. If you are on a budget, you need to look for space on the outskirts of the city.

Florence

The city is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a picturesque beauty, home to Baroque buildings, museums, galleries, and century-old palaces.

The city center is a nice place to live too, but you will find most ex-pats in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. Attractions like Piazzale Michelangelo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fior, and the Uffizi Gallery are some of the places you can visit in your time off.

Florence is a great place if you have an Italy digital nomad visa, and you can work from various cafes, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms. Internet speed is stellar; hence you will see many digital nomads and ex-pats in the city.   

Milan

The fashion capital is also home to creative individuals. There is always something happening in the city, so if you are an avid patron of art, the city is ‘The Place’ to be.

There are several spaces, co-working spaces, and nice accommodations in the city but it is expensive. If you are on a budget, we recommend renting an apartment on the outskirts and trying to cook at home so you can save.

There are more opportunities to burn your monies such as bars, events, and always-happening nightlife will keep you entertained.

Palermo

HBO series, The White Lotus has brought light to the quaint and beautiful city of Palermo. The city is close to Mondello Beach which gives you the avenue to have time off and enjoy the beauty of the city and ocean.

The bustling scenery, architecture, and rich culture make Palermo a great tourist and ex-pat city. Palermo is a cheaper city to live in. If you look smartly, you will easily find a studio apartment near the city center for just $700.

With a quick train ride, you can go to Cefalu, another coastal city rich with architectural gems, museums, and beaches. Sicily has huge history and the streets of the city are oozing with culture.

Naples

The city of delicious pizza and Greek culture, Naples is a city known for its culture and history. It has various historic sites that one must see when one visits on Italy Digital Nomad Visa.

Moreover, the city has various on-budget apartments, and accommodation options for those who are on Italy digital nomad visa.

Internet is grand, and you can do your work in quiet spaces specially made with ideas to accommodate digital nomads. After you have finished your work, you can indulge in endless pizza, gelato, wines, and pasta.

Bari

If you want to see the real Italy, you will find it in Bari. Other than Bari, Naples, and Sicily gives you the real feel of the culture of the city.

It is the largest city of Apulia and is far from the rest of Italy. The infrastructure is not as modern as Rome and Milan, but you will find plenty of opportunities and places where you can work without interruption which you encounter in big cities. Beaches, beautiful towns, and quiet life will keep the digital nomad in you rooted in the serenity of this city.            

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