The Italian government clarified the requirements for the new digital nomad visa and issued important updates for the new online work permit application, family reunification and work rights for citizenship candidates.

Key Points:

• The Italian government recently introduced the digital nomad visa, which allows third-country foreign nationals to reside in Italy and perform highly skilled work for up to 12 months.
  • The government has clarified that in order to qualify, an individual must have highly skilled professional experience that is equivalent to that required for an EU Blue Card.
  • An applicant must also possess a higher education degree or a post-secondary level professional qualification of at least three years. Five years of professional experience/qualifications may be a substitute for the education requirements.
• In addition, the government recently created a new online application process for non-quota intra-corporate work permit applications. The government has now stated a financial statement and a certificate attesting to the duration of employment must be provided by the applicant’s employer as part of the application process.
• Finally, the Italian government provided additional important immigration updates including:
  • Confirmation that individuals holding a residence permit derived from a citizenship application are eligible for work authorization while their case is pending.
  • Effective June 1, dependent foreign nationals (spouses and children) must now apply for a “family reasons” type D national visa if they are staying longer than 90 days for family reunification reasons.

Additional Information: Dependent foreign nationals could previously apply for a short-stay visa for tourism or family visit to stay in Italy while their family reunification application was pending. As the type D national visa is now required, these individuals must provide documentary proof of the family relationship, as well as other documents from the principal visa holder, including an invitation letter and identity documentation.

BAL Analysis: The government announced the requirements for the new digital nomad visa to provide additional guidance to prospective applicants. Officials also clarified the documents required for the new online application process for non-quota intra-corporate work permit applications to streamline the application process. BAL will continue to monitor any additional changes and will provide more information as it becomes available.