Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Have you been thinking about your next big move? Home to the epicentre of the Roman Empire, the hub of Catholicism and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is a country with an incredibly rich heritage. It’s got everything, from beautiful landscapes, amazing culinary delicacies, fashion, art, history, and culture. Your Italian adventure could be just around the corner thanks to their new remote workers visa.
What’s a digital nomad visa?
With the growth in popularity of remote working, more people are turning towards the digital nomad lifestyle. It offers travel freedom, an opportunity to gain exposure and a deeper understanding of a new country’s culture, and is a great option for those looking for a more flexible work style. You can find some more information about the benefits of becoming a digital nomad here.
The Italian government defines digital nomads as non-European Union or Swiss citizens who are highly skilled. A digital nomad visa is a document or program that gives someone the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country of permanent residence. Italy is the latest in a long list of countries now offering a digital nomad visa. In early 2022, the Italian government approved a law introducing the Digital Nomad Visa, and applications opened 5th April, 2024.
Who can apply?
Highly skilled workers: The Italian digital nomad visa is being managed under article 27 of the immigration code, which means that it’s aimed at highly skilled workers. Applicants must work through remote technology either as a freelancer or as an employee on the payroll of a business based either in Italy or outside of Italy.
Education and experience: Applicants must prove they have a university or college degree (minimum 3 years) from an accredited institution, an accredited professional licence, or accredited superior professional experience. They must also document at least six months of experience in the industry in which they intend to work remotely.
Annual income: The visa is open to workers who have an annual income of at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs in Italy. That figure equals out at just under €28,000 annually. The law does not require the applicant to prove that such income is generated through his/her freelance or remote working employment (it can include income from rental income, corporate dividends etc.).
As with most digital nomad visas, applicants will undergo criminal background checks. You must also provide proof of medical insurance.
You can find further details all about the digital nomad visa requirements here.
How to apply.
You must apply at the Italian Consulate which is competent for the geographical area where you have your home (residency). Check here to see which Italian Consulate is responsible for your residency at the time of application. You cannot apply from Italy except in some limited cases, for example if you already have a qualifying Italian immigration permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Before going to the Italian Consulate, you need to obtain the visa application form. You should refer to the Italian Consulate regarding your specific location and use their provided form. You’ll then need to set up an appointment with the Italian Consulate.
It is recommended to allow around 5 months for your full visa application process, so make sure you take that into account when you start applying for jobs.
TEFL Jobs in Italy
Associazione Italiana Scuole di Lingue is a great place to start when looking for EFL employment in Italy. They are accredited schools which look for teachers with experience, good qualifications and EU citizenship. If you’re looking to work freelance in Italy, we’d recommend checking out Insegnanti-Inglese.
Ready to get started?
To get started, we’d recommend having at least a Level 2 - 120 Hour TEFL Certificate. Our Interactive Online TEFL Course is the perfect starting point for any future EFL teachers. You’ll find the course is jam-packed with all the essential TEFL theory, delivered in the most interactive and dynamic way! Find out more and enrol here.
