Have you ever heard about digital nomads? They are freelance or professional workers who, thanks to ever developing technologies, can do their job from almost every place on Earth; maybe from a Caribbean island or maybe from an internet cafe in a vibrant European capital, or, why not, from a chalet atop a snowy mountain.
Working while traveling all over the world and visiting beautiful places might sound fascinating. However, it requires a high level of expertise, and not every country is suitable for a digital nomad. Indeed, a recently established index analized different aspects, such as taxes, cost of life, healthcare and obviously the average speed of internet, and elected Spain as the best country in the world for digital nomads.
Italy occupies the twenty-fifth position and recently introduced a dedicated visa for extra UE nomads/ Remote Worker.
Here’s the three objective requirements for requesting the visa:
- perform working activities using technological tools that enable remote working;
- be self-employed, freelancer, or employee of a company but can perform their work completely remotely;
- being considered highly qualified under Italian immigration law by meeting at least one of the following four requirements:
- Possession of at least a bachelor’s degree (a minimum of 3 years of university study) or recognised post-secondary professional qualification (lasting at least 3 years), that must be recognized through CIMEA or a Declaration of Value;
- Have at least five years of professional experience comparable to a university degree and relevant to the profession to be carried out in Italy;
- Have at least three years of relevant professional experience acquired in the seven years prior to the date of submission of the visa application. However, this option is valid only and exclusively for managers and specialists in the field of information and communication technology;
- Possession of an attestation from the applicable Italian Authority certifying that you possess the requirements set out by Legislative Decree n. 206 of 6 November 2007 for professions licensed by government agencies, such as architects, engineers, teachers, etc.
Moreover, there are also some additional requirements:
- A minimum annual gross income of no less than at least three times the minimum necessary to pay healthcare taxes in Italy (around €26,000);
- At least 6 months of previous work experience in the specific field of work to be carried out in Italy;
- Having valid health insurance for the entire period of stay in Italy (but not exceeding 12 months);
- Being in possession of suitable accommodation for entry into Italy, such as a lease contract registered with the Italian Tax Authority, or a deed for property;
- Only for employees and workers who have an ongoing working relationship with the same company, it is also necessary to submit the employment or collaboration contract or the relevant binding offer countersigned;
- For remote workers: Letter from employer stating that the employer has not been convicted in the past five years of any crimes related to the facilitation of illegal immigration, the exploitation of minors for work purposes, the violation of labor laws, or other crimes listed under comma 5-bis of article 22 of the Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione (Italian immigration code).
So, if you are a digital nomad/remote worker and you are wondering what it feels like working while skiing in the Italian Alps, don’t hesitate to contact us, so we can help you in making your thought come true!
