Residence Permit for Digital Nomads in Italy from Non-EU Countries
by Adriana ruiz
Italy has taken significant steps to accommodate non-EU digital nomads by establishing a dedicated residence permit tailored to their unique needs. This initiative reflects the country’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community of remote workers who contribute to its economy and culture. The regulations outline specific eligibility criteria, emphasizing the importance of skills, financial stability, and the ability to work independently. Furthermore, the decree facilitates a streamlined application process, ensuring that qualified individuals can seamlessly integrate into Italian society. By welcoming these global talents, Italy not only enhances its workforce but also enriches its cultural landscape, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads worldwide.
Digital Nomads: Entry Rules for Non-EU Workers in Italy
Published in the Official Journal No. 79 on April 4, 2024, the interministerial decree outlines the rules for entry and stay in Italy for non-EU digital nomads.
These are non-EU workers who are highly skilled in smart working, utilizing technological tools to work remotely.
The law defines the procedures and requirements for entry and the issuance of a residence permit, as well as the categories of workers who fall under the definition of a digital nomad.
It implements the provisions of the Act of Conversion of the Decree Sostegni Ter (Article 6-quinquies of Legislative Decree No. 4/2022), which legally established the framework for digital nomads by amending Article 27 of the Consolidated Act on Immigration (Legislative Decree No. 286/1998).
To enter as digital nomads, neither the temporary nulla osta nor the work nulla osta is required.
As indicated in Article 3 of the Decree, entry and residence are permitted for workers who possess:
A minimum annual income not less than three times the minimum level required for exemption from health expenditure participation;
• Health insurance for medical treatment and hospital admission, valid for the national territory and the duration of the stay;
• Documentation of accommodation arrangements;
• At least 6 months of prior experience in the field of remote work;
• An employment or cooperation contract, or its binding offer.
If all requirements are met, a residence permit valid for one year and renewable is issued.
Digital Nomads: Applying for the Residence Permit
The residence permit must be requested directly from the police headquarters in the province where the worker is located, within eight working days of entering the country.
The document will be labeled “digital nomad – remote worker.”
The permit may be revoked if the necessary requirements are not maintained or if the employer has been convicted in the last five years of offenses referred to in Article 22, Paragraph 5a of the Consolidated Act.
Digital nomads who obtain a residence permit may also be joined by family members, who will receive a visa of the same duration as the worker.
Upon issuance of the residence permit, the tax code (Codice Fiscale) is also generated and communicated.
As a final step, digital nomads must also apply for a VAT number (Partita IVA).
For further details, please refer to the full text of the Interministerial Decree of February 29, 2024.
For assistance and advice on obtaining a visa and residence permit for “digital nomad – remote worker,” please send an email to [email protected]
