Welcoming Digital Nomads in Italy

Are you a digital nomad loving to stay in Italy and pursue your dream? Want to work & enjoy the beautiful views from those Italian hillside terraces? Here is the good news for you. Italy is welcoming digital nomads in Italy.

How many of you imagined sitting and working while enjoying those Gondola rides? Sipping a limoncello along the coast of Amalfi and sending the emails out?

Of course not on one of those vacation days, but as a digital nomad?

Here is some good news for you.

Recently, the Italian government approved a decree (Sostegni Ter decree) that will invite digital nomads from non-EU countries to work on Italian soil for one year. More and more skilled workers love living in their dreamland and working across the globe. While many European countries already started to attract such talents to their countries, Italy is just starting.

Digital Nomads in Italy

Digital Nomads or remote workers have become more prevalent now after the COVID pandemic. Working from home is the new mantra for several companies, especially in the Information and Technology sectors.

This new law encourages digital nomads in Italy, who are highly skilled remote workers and freelancers from outside the European Union, including America, the UK and other countries. The classification of such skilled remote workers says workers who work through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely, independently or for a company that is not in Italy.

The news about welcoming digital nomads in Italy was first reported on the il Sole 24 ore site and it also highlights the minimum income requirement and the mandatory health insurance for the remote worker.

Citizens of a third country, carrying out highly qualified work activities through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely and independently or for a company on foreign soil, are classified as Digital Nomads.

The full details of the decree welcoming digital nomads in Italy are yet to be published in the public domain, but we believe it would cover the procedures for issuing the Nulla Osta, minimum income, and compliance requirements for digital nomad activities, including the renewal process, tax etc.

New Income Tax Regime in Italy

This will be a great boon to the digital nomads in Italy who relocate here because they can highly benefit from the New Income Tax regime where their income from 70% to 90% is exempted from tax!

In general, the procedure begins with the employer’s request for a nulla osta for the entry of the worker, submitted to the competent Single Desk. Once the opinions of the Questura and the Direzione Provinciale Territoriale del Lavoro have been obtained, the requested authorization is issued and/or denied.

The foreign citizen, once he has received the news of the release of the authorization, has 180 days, to visit the Italian Diplomatic or Consular Representation to apply for the entry visa.

Once the visa has been obtained and the foreign worker has entered Italy, within eight days he/she must go, accompanied by the employer, to the Single Desk for Immigration to sign the residence contract and apply for a residence permit for work.

Applicants also need to have valid health insurance coverage and follow any relevant Italian regulations, like paying taxes and contributing to social insurance.

Also, note that Italy’s digital nomad visa will only be available to individuals working remotely for a company based outside Italy. Self-employed professionals and freelancers can already apply for a self-employed visa in Italy.

One important aspect is the tax. Taxes for digital nomads in Italy are influenced by residency status, income sources, and international tax treaties.

As you may know, if you’re a tax resident in Italy, your worldwide income is subject to Italian taxation, while non-residents are often taxed only on income earned in Italy. Since employment and self-employment income have different tax implications, you might benefit from double taxation agreements. Digital nomads in Italy, please note that it’s always best to consult a tax professional who specializes in international taxes to avoid any surprises.

Work locations and co-working modules

Big cities like Milan, and Rome are also getting ready to welcome the digital nomads in Italy. Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes coming up with ideas for shared workspaces. They provide a comfortable space with good wifi connectivity to pursue your career. At the same time meet with other similar interested digital nomads in Italy.

Wonderful way to keep your networking too.

Bookmark this page, and we will be updating the procedures as soon as possible.

Italy is known for its paperwork. So, let us wait for the fine print!

Get ready for your Dolce Vita in Italy.