Do you dream of waking up to the sparkling waters of Lake Como? Perhaps you’d prefer to live in the heart of the Umbrian countryside? Well, now you can – Italy just approved the digital nomad visa.
According to the Italian government, the digital nomad visa is for global professionals who have the freedom to work remotely.
The government describes digital nomads as individuals who are from outside the EU, possess high skills and can work remotely, be that via self-employment or as an employee of a company.
Could you work from a Lake Como loft?
Several other countries in Europe offer the so-called digital nomad visa. They include Portugal, Spain, the Czech Republic, Norway and many more.
However, there is a unique selling point to the Italian digital nomad visa: you can bring your family! There are some caveats, of course, but it’s doable. For more information, talk to a visa specialist.
What are the requirements for the digital nomad visa?
Perhaps you’ll settle down in Umbria?
The eligibility for the Italian digital nomad visa includes:
- You must hold a three-year Bachelor’s degree or higher education qualification.
- Be a chartered professional, such as a doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc.
- Hold a superior professional qualification supported by at least five years of professional experience.
- Possess a higher professional qualification in the IT industry and have served as a manager or director for at least three of the last seven years before applying.
To qualify for Italy’s digital nomad visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you earn a minimum of €28,000 (roughly £24,000) annually.
In addition, applicants will also have to provide proof of active health insurance for the duration of their stay, proof of accommodation and demonstrate a track record of at least six months as a remote worker or digital nomad.
How to get the Italy digital nomad visa
Not bad views from a traditional Tuscan home!
To apply for the digital nomad visa in Italy, you must submit a valid passport (with at least three months validity beyond the time you intend to stay), two passport-sized photos, a completed visa application form, a visa fee cheque and a travel reservation ticket.
When you arrive in the Schengen zone, you have eight days to request an appointment with the Italian immigration office through any local post office. At this appointment, you’ll need to supply the same documents as above.
Once settled in Italy, you will become a tax resident after 183 days, meaning you will be liable to taxes on your employment or self-employment income, as well s any social security contributions you make.
By law, all digital nomads working freelance must gain a Partita IVA (Italian VAT number) and conduct business from Italy. You cannot use a foreign entity to renew your visa under this scheme.
How long is the visa valid?
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Once granted, the residence permit for the Italian digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and can renewed without restrictions as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
This visa type allows you to obtain a permanent EU residency card.
Additionally, you are permitted to sponsor your spouse, any dependents under the age of 18 and elderly parents under the general familial reunification pathway.
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Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove