Visit Italy with a New Digital Nomad Visa
Lawmakers in Italy approved a proposal to issue a digital nomad visa to any travelers who want to extend their visit and work remotely in the country. It’s part of the government’s initiative to invest €1 billion (a little more than $1 billion USD) into more remote areas of the country, in order to attract globetrotting professionals.
Currently, non-EU nationals can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa, but the new visa would allow remote workers from outside the bloc to stay in Italy for up to one year, with the possibility of extension.
The Italian government defines digital nomads as: “Citizens of a third party, who carry out highly qualified work activities through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely on a self-employed basis or for a business, including those not resident in the territory of the Italian State.”
The requirements for the digital nomad visa include showing some proof of availability of suitable accommodation, adequate income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Even though lawmakers approved the bill in March, clearer criteria will need to be established regarding the definitions of “highly qualified work” and “adequate income” before the law is implemented.
Digital nomad visas are proving to be successful, allowing countries to reap the benefits that remote workers bring to their economies. Antigua and Barbuda, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Malta, Dominica, Croatia, France, Germany, Estonia, Portugal, and Greece also have their own form of visa for digital nomads.
Source: The Local