While digital worker visas started out as a way for countries struggling to bring in tourism to attract remote workers to come and contribute to the economy, the idea has quickly taken off and trickled down into wealthier nations that have no challenges in attracting visitors.
Japan, South Korea and Turkey have all announced that they're launching new digital nomad visas in 2024.
Related: A popular European city is introducing the highest 'tourist tax' yet
The latest country popular among tourists to join this train is Italy. At the start of April, the Italian government opened the first applications to professionals looking to spend some time touring the country while sustaining themselves on income from abroad.
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This is how you apply for Italy's new digital nomad visa
This concept of being able to temporarily live in a foreign country with income earned remotely has the tenets of a classic digital nomad visa but also some key differences compared to other countries. To be eligible, applicants need to have the equivalent of a four-year college degree or a professional license, at least five years of work experience, a passed criminal record check and what is perhaps the biggest drawback for those who earn income from multiple sources: a contract of employment guaranteeing the consistency of one's income.
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By contrast, the entry point of earning at least €28,000 a year (roughly $30,000 USD) is significantly lower than the more than $60,000 one needs to earn to qualify for the newly-launched digital nomad visa in countries like Japan and South Korea.
Some other requirements: health insurance, place to live and clean criminal slate
To apply, one will need to go to a consulate or embassy in one's country of citizenship with the necessary documents (there is currently no way to do this online). Other important factors are having health insurance valid in Italy and securing a place to live before arriving. A single record of criminal activity, even when it comes to minor offenses or non-convictions, will also disqualify one from applying.
The visa also offers no path to permanent residence or citizenship; such visas are designed as an alternative to traditional tourist rules for countries with visa-free access that require visitors to leave after 90 days and do not give them the right to work. Digital nomad visas create an alternative for those interested in the country to stay longer (and in doing so, contribute to the country's economy by spending) but not take work opportunities from citizens.
"The permit given will read: 'digital nomad - remote worker' and will be valid for a period not exceeding one year," EuroNews, which was the first outlet to break the news, reports. "It can be renewed annually, but only if the conditions and requirements that allowed it to be issued persist."
The biggest drawback is, however, the fact that one needs to have an employer. Digital nomads are typically freelancers while those with a single employer will often find it challenging to get permission to spend significant time abroad due to both the organization's business goals and tax challenges created when employees are based abroad.
