Canadians can work remotely in Italy for up to a year thanks to a new digital nomad visa

Have you always wanted to live in Italy? If you're a remote worker in Canada, that dream could now become a reality.

Italy just introduced a new digital nomad visa, allowing workers from outside the European Union (which includes Canadians) to work and live in Italy for up to a year.

If sipping espresso in a quaint Italian cafe while you attend virtual meetings or liaise with clients sounds ideal, here's what to know about Italy's new digital nomad visa.

What is Italy's digital nomad visa?

Italy's digital nomad visa officially opened for applications on April 4, according to Euronews, after being signed into Italian law in March 2022.

An Italian digital nomad visa is a type of visa required if you want to temporarily live and work in Italy.

According to the Italian Ministry of Tourism, a "fundamental requirement" of the visa is that the applicant must carry out "highly qualified work through the use of technological tools that allow one to work remotely on a self-employed basis, i.e. for a company that is also not resident in the Italian State."

If you're a remote worker in Canada, whether independently or for a company, the new visa makes it easy to obtain a residence permit to spend a year working in Italy.

What are the requirements for Italy's digital nomad visa?

The visa is aimed at "highly skilled" workers, either freelancers or employed remote workers.

The Italian government most recently defined "highly skilled workers" as those with a university-level degree or post-secondary professional qualification, or at least five years of professional experience.

According to Elze Obrikyte, a lead lawyer in the immigration department at international law firm Giambrone, which assists clients with securing Italian citizenship and residency status, digital nomads and remote workers must also have health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in Italy.

They should also have documentary evidence of accommodation for the length of their stay in the country, have a contract of work or clients, have sufficient funds of at least 28,000 euros (about CA$41,143) and have already worked remotely or as a digital nomad for at least six months.

Obrikyte also advises a criminal background check.

Once in Italy, the applicant must apply for a residence permit at the police headquarters within the Italian province they are living in within eight days of their entry.

According to Obrikyte, the digital nomad visa is issued for one year, with renewal possible.

The holder of a digital nomad visa may also apply for their family members (i.e., close relatives, spouse, children and, in some cases, parents), who will be issued a residence permit for the same duration as the digital nomad.

How do you apply for Italy's digital nomad visa?

Applications are now being accepted for Italy's digital nomad visa.

According to Euronews, those interested should book an appointment at an Italian consulate in their country of residence.

You'll want to have a valid passport, proof of employment, proof of income, health insurance, proof of accommodation in Italy and a criminal record certificate.

According to Obrikyte, immigration lawyers at Giambrone can also help guide any applicants and "smooth the path" of applying.

Good luck!