Italy gets tens of millions of tourists every year. They flock there for the great food, amazing art and architecture, and for a slice of the Dolce Vita. However, it is not yet a major destination for digital nomads even with its cachè as a world class destination. Does this mean that it is not a great spot for digital nomads?
Not at all. In fact, there have been some changes to the notorious bureaucracy with a new digital nomad visa to be able to stay past the typical 90 day tourist period. This could open the way for thousands of digital nomads that are looking for a bit of a good life. In this article, we will give you a guide on how to make Italy work on your digital nomad journey.
The Digital Nomad Visa
There’s a lot of excitement about a new digital nomad visa in Italy. This visa is made for people from outside the European Union who work online and want to live in Italy while they do their jobs.
This visa is somewhat like having a full-time work permit. It lets people work and live in Italy legally. This is a big deal for online workers as it provides a chance to experience life in a new culture while continuing their regular work.
The Italian government liked this idea and approved it in March 2022. Now, everyone is waiting for the official launch of this visa, which was supposed to happen in early 2023 but still hasn’t been launched. It should launch in 2024 and is a big step forward. It shows that Italy is welcoming to online workers, and it’s making efforts to join in on the modern way of working that’s becoming common all over the world.
One thing to keep in mind is that health insurance is mandatory in Italy. As a digital nomad you won’t have access to public insurance so you’ll need private health and travel medical insurance.
Italian Self-employment Visa
Since the Digital Nomad Visa is still on the horizon, there’s another option for people who can’t wait to start their Italian adventure: the Italian Self-employment Visa. This visa is for highly skilled remote workers and freelancers from countries outside the European Union. It’s a great option if you have a good amount of experience in your field and want to work from Italy.
There are some boxes you’ll need to tick to apply for this visa. First, you need to have a clean criminal record. This is a standard requirement for many countries to ensure that newcomers are of good character.
Next, you need to show that you earn a certain amount of money. The minimum income requirement is there to make sure that people coming to Italy can support themselves.
One of the big perks is a tax break. Normally, people living in Italy have to pay taxes on their worldwide income, but with this visa, you only pay taxes on a small part of your income. This can save you a lot of money.
Embrace the Italian lifestyle
A big part of settling in is learning the language. Although you may not be planning to stay more than a year, knowing Italian not only makes your life easier but gives you an appreciation of the country’s culture. It’s also a gesture of respect towards the locals who warmly appreciate foreigners making an effort to speak their language.
Living in Italy comes with the privilege of enjoying some of the world’s finest cuisines. From savoring a plate of authentic pasta to sipping on a well-aged wine, the Italian culinary journey is an experience in itself. But Italy is not just about food and drink. The countryside is a picturesque landscape waiting to be explored.
Italy has a growing community of digital nomads and freelancers. Networking with other like-minded individuals can provide a sense of community, share insights about living and working in Italy, and may even lead to collaborative work opportunities.
Overcoming the challenges
Moving to a new country comes with its share of legal and bureaucratic hurdles, and Italy is no exception. It might feel overwhelming at first, especially with the language barrier, but taking one step at a time can make the process manageable.
Reliable internet is the priority of a digital nomad, and finding good co-working spaces is often your best bet. Thankfully, Italy has been adapting to the digital nomad culture, and many cities now offer co-working spaces with fast internet.
However, internet speeds may vary from one place to another, especially in rural areas. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan, like a portable Wi-Fi device, to stay connected. Researching and choosing accommodation that ensures reliable internet connectivity is also a wise step to ensure seamless workflow.
