The Italian government announced a new digital nomad visa that allows foreign nationals to perform highly skilled work in Italy either as a freelancer or as an employee/collaborator for a company outside of Italy.

‌Key Points:

• The digital nomad visa allows third-country foreign nationals to reside in Italy and perform highly skilled work for up to 12 months.
• The Italian government introduced the digital nomad visa, which is now available, after originally crafting the framework in 2022.
• The visa is exempt from quota limits, and it is not necessary to apply for a work permit. The visa is also renewable.

Additional Information: In order to qualify, a foreign national must receive an annual income that is no less than three times the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare participation expenses (around €25,500, or about US$27,000). They must also possess health insurance for the entire period of stay, proof of accommodation and have at least six months of work experience as a digital nomad or remote worker. Applications are submitted at the Italian consulate in the foreign national’s country of residence.

BAL Analysis: The new visa is designed to attract more specialized workers and is a welcome change for foreign nationals who qualify and wish to work remotely in Italy. Digital nomad visas are increasingly prevalent and demonstrate a concerted effort by certain countries to innovate and attract more skilled workers without negatively impacting their local workforce.