The potential win-win for “digital nomad” visas in Italy.

Impending legislation in Italy permitting work visas for “digital nomads” stands to be a win to both the Italian state and the remote worker with expatriate horizons. 

The Italian State, for one, stands to benefit from an influx of tech talent, whose higher income stands to spur spending locally in areas with great unrealized potential. The natural beauty and quality of life of Italy offer an attractive living destination for those professionals whose earnings does not corellate with the national median. For digital nomads linked to wealthier economies, such as in the United States, Britain or Australia accordingly, living in Italy will allow them to take advantage of income arbitrage. A worker from these countries will typically reduce their cost of living whilst maintaining income levels from their home country.

This seems particularly appealing to those professionals living in some of the more expensive cities and regions in the US or UK.  A comparison of average living costs between New York City  and Rome and Milan, or San Francisco and the same cities reveals sizeable differences in living costs. The price of living in two of Italy’s most expensive cities is indeed 40-55% less than their US counterparts. 

For those that seek to reduce their costs even further, a move to some of Italy’s less populous cities, such as Turin, Florence, Bologna, or Naples would allow one to reduce their general living costs by up to 66%.

Remote workers seeking a smaller, more tranquil setting in Italy can benefit even further financially from other municipal programs currently on offer to attract skilled professionals from outside of Italy. Smaller cities and villages in Italy are offering financial incentives for professionals interested in relocating full-time. Mantova and Rieti, for example are currently offering rent rebates to move to their cities, where one can save from €150- 300 euros monthly. Smaller towns, such as the idyllic villages of Santa Fiora and Poltremoli in the legendary Val d’Orcia in rural Tuscany are also offering their own digital-nomad friendly relocation programs.

Are you qualified to work in Italy and interested in relocating to Italy full-time? Contact us below regarding your enquiry for a free consultation and overview of the legal requirements.