On February 29, 2024, Ministries of the Interior, Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Labor signed a decree for the implementation of the digital nomad visa. Following almost two years of deliberation by national authorities, a decree has been signed that outlines the criteria for obtaining a digital nomad visa, as well as the process allowing relocation to Italy in order to undertake remote work; namely, getting a residence permit upon arrival in the country.
Italy an appealing destination for digital nomad workers
Italy will undoubtedly be an attractive destination for those seeking to live and work abroad, with its temperate climate, world-renowned cuisine and rich history and culture.
Furthermore, compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Italy remains lower, and this is even more so if you reside in the smaller towns of Italy.
Who is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a non-EU citizen who is considered “highly skilled” (having the relevant higher education qualifications and professional experience as set out in the decree). The visa allows digital nomads to work remotely in Italy, either in a freelance capacity, or as an employee/collaborator of a company, that can also be located outside Italy.
What is a digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad visa gives digital nomads entry into Italy, and permits smart and remote working in the country through the use of technology.
It also removes the requirement to obtain a work permit (nulla osta) from the Ministry of Labor to enter Italy.
The digital nomad visa also removes the necessity to fall within the quotas provided for by the so-called decreto flussi, meaning that the digital nomad visa grants the worker the right to remain in the country regardless of the annual quotas currently set for self-employed and employees.
What are the eligibility requirements?
In order to apply for the digital nomad visa, the following criteria must be met:
- Be a non-EU citizen;
- Be classified as a highly-skilled worker;
- Have the technological tools to work remotely;
- Work as a self-employed person or for a company based outside Italy;
- Have a minimum annual income from lawful sources that is not less than three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in health care costs – currently no less than €24,789;
- Have health and medical insurance valid throughout Italy and for the duration of stay;
- Have secured accommodation and have the appropriate documentation;
- Have accumulated at least six months in the work activity to be carried out as a digital nomad or remote worker;
- Be able to present the employment or collaboration or the relevant contractual offer, if a remote worker, for the function of the work activity.
How do I apply for a digital nomad visa?
To make an application for the digital nomad visa, you will need to go via the relevant diplomatic-consular department. You will need to submit certain documentation, including a letter (declaration) signed by your employer, along with a copy of identification. You will also need to present a self-certification which states that there have been no criminal convictions against you in the last 5 years. The diplomatic-consular offices will carry out the necessary checks, in conjunction and consultation with the relevant police, to verify the information provided.
*Being required to submit a letter from your employer is not required for individuals who work in a freelance capacity.
Residence permit
Upon issuance of the digital nomad visa, you can travel to Italy and within 8 working days of your arrival, entry into Italy, you will need to apply for a residence permit. You will have to apply for residence permit at the police headquarters (questura) of the municipality where you intend to live within eight working days of arriving in Italy.
To obtain a permit, you must present the documentation used at the time of applying for the visa, which has been approved by the consular diplomatic office. You will be granted a permit as a “digital nomad – remote worker”, which is valid for one year, and requires that you renew it each year, providing that you continue to meet the conditions outlined.
The police headquarters will inform the Territorial Labor Inspectorate of the issuance of the residence permit, and will send electronically a copy of your work or collaboration contract for verification.
Family
The residence permits family reunification, and family members may also be issued a residency permit that lasts for the same period as the digital nomad’s.
The digital nomad visa grants and extends the right to be, and remain, in the country to the core family members of the digital nomad/remote worker. “Core” family members meaning a spouse and/or children under the age of 18, and, parents under specific conditions.
The residency permit will not be issued, or can be revoked if is not issued, if the requirements set out in this decree are no longer met.
Social security and welfare provisions
In terms of coverage, the digital nomad visa and residence permit give cover in respect of social security and welfare provisions. In relation to digital nomads who will relocate from one country to Italy in order to work, and are subject to third-party security legislation; then, if signed between Italy and the country of origin, those bilateral agreement will apply. Alternatively, if no agreement is in place, the social security and insurance policies contained by Italian legislation will apply for the total period of the residency permit.
Tax code and VAT number
For digital nomads and remote workers, your tax code (codice fiscale) will be created and communicated by the police headquarters (questura) following the issuance of the residence permit. Digital nomads and remote workers will need this tax code as it is used and required for many functions including opening bank accounts.
It is also necessary to request a VAT number, and digital nomads can request a VAT number from the revenue agency, who will have been notified by the questura that the visa has been issued.
The digital nomad must comply with the tax assessment policies and regulations, and the Italian revenue agency is able to request information from the digital nomad’s country of origin on the tax compliance status of the digital nomad.
If any violations of the tax regulations are found, the revenue agency will contact directly the police headquarters that issued the residence permit.
Right of refusal or revocation of a visa
If evidence emerges that either the employer or contractor has a criminal conviction, even by a non-final judgment, including one applied after the penalty, including a financial fine reduced to one third and, if imprisonment, not exceeding a maximum five years, the digital nomad visa may be refused or revoked.
Furthermore, your residence permit can be revoked if you, as a digital nomad worker, or agency, fail to comply with the contribution rules as stated in the tax duties and obligations.
If you would like more information on the digital nomad visa, or would like to make enquiries as to applying for one, you can contact us directly, and one of our friendly experts will be in touch to answer your questions.
