Despite all the harm it has caused, the COVID-19 health crisis has at least been “positive” on one point: awareness of the importance of digital technology, the dematerialization of tasks and, above all, teleworking.
Today, several countries have realized the place of this practice in the daily lives of employees and businesses. After Thailand, Italy in turn wants to become an El Dorado for digital nomads. In fact, the Boot of Europe intends to launch a new special VISA intended for nomadic workers. What is it about ? Little information has circulated on the subject, but we explain what we already know.
VISA for digital nomads for Italy: what you need to know
Since March 28, 2022, Italy has started working on the new VISA for teleworkers, or “nomadi digitali”. It is a specific work permit intended to non-European digital nomads. With this new system, Italy wants to aim high: attract qualified, autonomous professionals who work in new technologies and remotely.
How many VISAs will be delivered to digital nomads each year?
It seems that the Italian authorities do not intend to impose any annual limit on the number of VISAs issued to digital nomads. At least for the moment.
How valid is the VISA?
If you obtain the precious sesame for the first time, you will be entitled to a one-year stay in Italy. It is an extendable duration, and close family members can also benefit from it.
What are the professions concerned?
Above all, you must have sufficient experience in your field of activity. According to the Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, it seems that the text brings together, in particular, university professors and even professional nurses. Afterwards, there is no doubt that the classic teleworking professions are concerned, such as design, the Web, application development, etc.
It must be said that little information has circulated on the text. Indeed, the Italian government is reportedly working on this new project relating to nomadic workers.
Is there a minimum income that must be earned?
What is certain is that there will be a minimum income that the nomadic worker should receive. Here again, no official figures have been published. We will therefore have to wait for the final touches to be finalized by the Italian authorities.
VISA for digital nomads for Italy: other conditions?
For information, it is the 5 Star Movement who presented for the first time the bill relating to a VISA dedicated to teleworkers. Speaking in a local newspaper, Luca Carabetta, MP of the mentioned party, returned to the other conditions to be met by people wishing to come and settle in Italy to telework:
- Availability of suitable accommodation
- Health insurance
- A clean criminal record
He once again mentioned the minimum income, but without providing further information. We will have to wait a little longer to find out more. Let us specify that only non-European nationals are affected by the new sesame proposed by the 5 Star Movement. The French, for example, don't need it.
It must be said that a new VISA for digital nomads for Italy is already mouth-watering: working in the cradle of European civilization, the land of pizzas, the Fontana di Trevi and romance... The dream!
VISAs already in force to work in Italy as a freelancer
Italy did not wait for the development of its new VISA project for digital nomads to try to attract young skills.
VISA for self-employed worker
This VISA is intended for non-European freelancers wanting to live in Italy to practice their independent profession. It should just be noted that the Italian authorities are very selective: in 2022, only 500 entries have been issued to VISA applicants.
In addition, an independent worker must be registered with a professional organization specializing in their sector of activity. However, these organizations are not as numerous as those that exist in Italy... Such a VISA is valid for 2 years.
The intra-company VISA
With this type of VISA, there is no need to work for a large company. He has valid for 5 years. In addition, you benefit from several aids granted by the Italian authorities. The only challenge is to convince your employer of the merits of your desire to settle in Italy. In fact, this adventure costs him, on average, 20,000 euros.
Why does Italy want to attract digital nomads?
The Italian authorities have a clear idea in mind: they want revitalize the country's countryside according to Il Sole 24 Ore, who cited the Italian Ministry of Culture. “We have hundreds of wonderful little villages that teleworking can revive”, we hear from the Department of Culture according to the same media.