There is good news for digital nomads looking for long-term options. Last week, Italy signed a new law that will allow remote workers to enjoy a long-term stay in the country with a digital nomad visa, according to EuroNews.
Created specifically for non-EU digital nomads, visas issued under the law known as “decreto sostegni ter” will initially be valid for a year, allowing for a more than three times longer stay than the current 90-day maximum allowed for individuals who enter the country without a visa.
While the government of Italy is currently forming a bill outlining more specifics, some details are known. According to Italian newspaper Sole 24 Ore, the visa is available to individuals who “work highly qualified through the use of technological tools that allow them to work remotely, independently, or for a company that is not resident in the territory of the Italian state.”
Luca Carabetta of the Italian parliament said, “Requirements for the remote worker are the availability of suitable accommodation, adequate income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.”
The new digital nomad law is not to be confused with the “decreto flussi” law signed into effect in December 2021. The “decreto flussi” allows for the temporary entry of a capped number of foreigners from certain countries to work seasonally and non-seasonally, either as self-employed workers or in subordinate jobs.
Unlike the older law, with “decreto sostegni ter” there is no limit to the number of people the country may issue visas to. Also, holders of the remote worker permit can apply for an extension, and the visa can be extended to immediate family members of the visa holder. Though the amount has mot been specified yet, there will be a minimum income requirement.
Related: Can You Work From Anywhere? These Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas