Italy appeals to digital nomads because of its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and attractive way of life. Can citizenship in Italy be earned through an Italy digital nomad visa?
Let’s explore the benefits of the visa.
Can an Italy Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Citizenship?
- Italy Digital Nomad Visa – What It Offers
This visa was introduced as part of Italy’s efforts to bring in international experts, permits people who are able to work without regard to location to reside in Italy for an extended period of time.
With the help of the digital nomad visa, remote professionals can live and work in Italy and still make a steady income from elsewhere.
In addition, it offers a rare opportunity to experience life in the country beyond tourism and become a local, with the prospect of getting long-term residency and possibly even citizenship.
Digital Nomad / Remote Worker VISA – CLICK HERE
Eligibility Criteria for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Non-EU nationals with the ability to work remotely typically for an Italian company or as independent contractors for overseas clients are the target market for the digital nomad visa.
Important qualifying requirements include,
- Proof of having enough money to support yourself while residing in Italy
- Proof of freelancing work or remote job
- A current health insurance policy that covers the entire visit
- A clean criminal history
Since it does not contribute directly to citizenship, the digital nomad visa offers a place to start for anyone looking to settle down in Italy.
Can a Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
For people who want to stay in Italy longer, the digital nomad visa provides access to opportunities for longer-term residency, even though it is a temporary visa.
People can apply for permanent residency once they have lived in Italy for a predetermined amount of time, usually for 5 years with a valid residence visa.
It is necessary to maintain legal status throughout this time by either renewing the visa or switching to another kind that can provide more stability, such as a work or self-employment visa.
Read: Does Portugal offer a digital nomad visa?
Steps to Transition from Residency to Citizenship in Italy
It is necessary for digital nomads who want to permanently relocate to Italy to understand the process from residency to citizenship.
After completing a particular period as a resident, you can apply for Italian citizenship after gaining permanent residency.
The two primary routes for long-term residents to become citizens are,
1. Citizenship by Naturalization
- A person is eligible to seek citizenship in Italy after ten years of continuous lawful presence.
- During this year, candidates must exhibit moral rectitude, fluency in Italian, and social integration.
2. Citizenship by Marriage
- You can seek citizenship after two years of residency (three years if you live abroad) if you marry an Italian citizen.
- It is necessary to remember that earning citizenship requires continuing to live in the country legally.
The Time Frame – How Long Does It Take to Obtain Citizenship?
Getting Italian citizenship usually requires a lengthy commitment, and it can take several years to go from a digital nomad visa to citizenship. It is only the beginning of the journey, even though the digital nomad visa makes it possible to move to Italy and begin living there.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa: Initially grants a temporary stay.
Permanent Residency: After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
Citizenship by Naturalization: After 10 years of total legal residency, you can apply for citizenship.
Depending on specific conditions, the entire procedure from gaining a digital nomad visa to getting Italian citizenship may take up to 15 years.
Bottom Line
Since it is a great opportunity to live and work in Italy, the digital nomad visa is not a direct path to citizenship.
