CNN —
Remote working has become a possibility for many during the pandemic, meaning the office can now be anywhere from a kitchen table to a sandy beach on the other side of the world.
And while relocating to a picturesque Italian town might also factor on many people’s lists, that prospect just got even better with two destinations offering to pay workers who make the move.
In an attempt to lure newcomers, Santa Fiora in Tuscany and Rieti in Lazio will pay up to 50% of the rent of anyone who decides to move and telecommute on a long-term basis.
Rents are already relatively low, so the deal is potentially very attractive, but make no mistake, this is no paid vacation.
Applicants must have an “active” job, even if they can do it in front of a laptop on a panoramic terrace overlooking olive groves while sipping a glass of red wine.
It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, as long as you’re tech-savvy enough to do it anywhere.
Although Italy is still slowly emerging from its latest pandemic wave, it hopes to reopen properly to travelers over the next few weeks, raising the tantalizing prospect of a proper Italian summer.
And while Covid has hit Italy particularly hard compared with some of its European neighbors, one silver lining has been that people have been relocating to previously depopulated towns, bringing new life to previously declining areas that now offer social distancing and lower contagion rates.
So-called “smart working villages” are now flourishing in Italy as local authorities grasp the potential of boosting high-speed internet and setting up equipped “labs” for telecommuters.
Santa Fiora
Santa Fiora's mayor hopes good internet connections will lure remote workers.
Located in the heart of wild Tuscany, the medieval village of Santa Fiora is nestled in the Monte Amiata natural reserve and is close to the wonderful Val D’Orcia Valley, Montepulciano’s wine heaven, and Siena.
Today the population is down to barely 2,500 residents but mayor Federico Balocchi believes technology and virtual work can revolutionize the future of his hometown.
Teleworkers willing to relocate and rent a house here under the Tuscan sun will be given up to €200 ($240) or 50% of the total rent for long-term stays of between two and six months.
Local rentals are typically in the range of €300 to €500 monthly, meaning anyone who moves here might end up paying as little as €100 per month.
To help outsiders find their ideal type of accommodation – be it a cozy stone cottage in the historical center or a little villa in the surrounding green rolling hills – the town hall has launched a website (https://www.vivinpaese.it) to advertise rentals alongside a list of useful services and contacts of plumbers, baby sitters, doctors, electricians and food delivery to make newcomers feel instantly at home.
There are also links to local estate agencies for a wider choice of houses.
But don’t think you’ll get paid to laze around gorging on delicious pasta dishes and going on sightseeing sprees around Tuscany. Balocchi is keen to stress that the rental voucher is not a partly paid-for-vacation. Potential tenants must prove that they will be actually working remotely.
“It’s not targeted at occasional touch-and-go tourists, but people who really want to experiment with our village life,” he tells CNN.
“The goal is to incentivize people to move in and virtually work from here. We want Santa Fiora to become their flexible office. Each time a youth leaves to search for a job elsewhere a piece of our village is taken away.
“This is only the first step of our smart village project, focused on connectivity and technology to lure new residents and firms.”
The village has just been cabled with high-speed fiber internet and “working stations” are being identified amid its narrow cobblestone alleys and Renaissance palazzos.
Beyond the broadband connection, the pace of life in Santa Fiora is slow, offering a sojourn far from city chaos and smog.
It’s ideal for people wishing to spend a part of the year in a quiet and relaxing place surrounded by nature.
Santa Fiora properties rent for about €300 to €500 per month.
So what’s the catch?
First, you must be really teleworking and prove it through a detailed document of what exactly it is you do for a living – be it architecture, design, poetry, freelance reporting, online cooking lessons or brokering world peace. It must be forwarded together with your application form.
People on a pension are welcome to move in but won’t benefit from the voucher unless they’re still working as independent contractors, professionals or online consultants.
Secondly, once you find somewhere in the town, you’ll need to forward proof of rental with contract details and your new address. The €200 monthly vouchers work as reimbursements to be paid only after you send rent receipts to the mayor’s office.
Visiting Santa Fiora as soon as global travel resumes might be a good way to get a feel of the village life and personally search for your perfect abode.
Balocchi assures the town’s tourist office will be happy to assist in all procedures and paperwork.
Tenants are of course free to prolong their stay beyond six months, albeit at their own expense, with the mayor hoping that some might fall in love with the village and stay forever.
And if they decide to invest in the local tourist sector, Santa Fiora is willing to give them up to €30,000 to open a B&B or restyle an old dwelling to turn into a hotel or hostel.
There’s even a baby bonus of up to €1,500 for each newborn if anyone decides to take up residency and have a kid.
Santa Fiora is located in the heart of Tuscan wine country.
“That would be great if new families actually settled in,” says Balocchi.
“This place is perfect for remote workers who must balance jobs and kids. We have low kindergarten fees, free school shuttle buses and many activities for children to allow parents time to breathe.”
A former mining center, Santa Fiora is an idyllic Tuscan hilltop village where nature and art perfectly combine. There are towers, fountains, panoramic piazzas overlooking the hilly landscape, museums and works of Renaissance artists.
Cut through by the river Fiora it’s surrounded by chestnut forests and a network of streams, waterfalls and pristine springs. There’s an ancient spectacular fish pond surrounded by a lush garden of pine trees, magnolia and orchards enclosed by lavish palazzos and a castle.
Top outdoor activities include horseback riding, biking and trekking along mountain trails.
Santa Fiora has a popular international music festival in summer and regular food fairs starring local mushrooms, onions and chestnuts.
More info and application details can be found here: https://bit.ly/2SnhjzQ
Rieti
Rieti, not far from Rome, is also offering rental deals to remote workers.
For those who’d rather be closer to Rome, stunning Rieti has a similar deal but for a minimum of a three months stay. Eclipsed by the fame and allure of the Eternal City, it’s an under-the-radar destination worth seeing.
Even though Rieti has some 50,000 inhabitants and is one of the largest cities in the Lazio region, its population isn’t growing.
“We’re kind of stuck,” says deputy mayor Daniele Sinibaldi. “Young people still keep fleeing to Rome in search of work so we’ve embarked on a mission to lure remote workers who will turn Rieti into their smart office and revitalize our city.”
Rieti’s housing offer is even more appealing.
Rent vouchers could be extended beyond six months and a preliminary lease agreement is all the proof needed to get the ball rolling, says Sinibaldi. Teleworkers are free to pick a property even in nearby rural districts where rents are lower compared to the city.
Finding a place might be trickier as there’s no town hall website with available properties. Applicants will need to get in touch directly with agencies or online rental platforms (such as immobiliare.it; subito.it; casa.it).
Employees will need a letter from their boss to prove their status as a remote worker, but freelancers can simply provide a description of their professional work.
Sinibaldi is confident telecommuting will revitalize sleepy Rieti.
“Rents in town are in the range of €250 to €500,” he says. “For €600 you can have an entire little villa in the peaceful countryside. Also, the voucher can be used in the entire territory of Rieti, including the rural hamlets of Sant’Elia, Cerchiara and the skiing resort of Terminillo but we’d love to have people move in to live in the historical center.”
Rieti’s origins are steeped in legend. It was founded by the fiery Italic tribes of the Sabines who inhabited the wild hills and forests of the area but were forced to bend the knee to ancient Rome after a series of bloody massacres.
During Roman times Rieti was a strategic outpost along the Via Salaria salt route, one of the main highways of the Empire.
Enclosed within protective medieval walls and turrets along the pristine Velino river, Rieti is locally known as “the freshwater Venice” for its network of streams, ponds, springs and luxuriant lake reserves.
Rieti's rental deal extends to the surrounding countryside.
It’s a mix of medieval, Renaissance, baroque and modern architecture where monumental piazzas, fortified walls and aristocratic palaces are connected by narrow picturesque alleys.
Standing on the majestic Roman bridge to admire deep red sunsets that set the river ablaze is a popular evening activity.
Since the Roman age Rieti claims to be the so-called Umbilicus Italiae, aka “Italy’s belly button,” the exact geographical center of the country.
The supposed dead center is apparently embodied by a historical billiard table located inside a tiny bar on the main piazza, where a round-shaped monument dubbed “la caciotta” (‘the cheese form’) marks Italy’s navel.
Fascinating treasures are hidden from sight. Strolling along via Roma, the main shopping street, you’d never guess that right beneath your feet runs another ancient Roman overpass from which the city grew and flourished.
The viaduct was built in the third century BCE to prevent flooding on the Via Salaria. The underground city is made of arches that are incorporated into noble residences.
Many dwellings in the historical center boast Roman walls and secret passageways to underground chambers.
Local food specialties include Fregnacce alla reatina, a diamond-shaped pasta with a tasty sauce of softened lard, celery, onion, chopped tomatoes, salt and chili. Pizzicotti are ‘pinched’ gnocchi served with a spicy tomato, garlic and olive oil sauce. Stracciatella are eggs cooked in veal broth while spaghetti alla carrettiera are made with seasoned pecorino cheese and chili pepper.
FAQs
Which pretty Italian towns will pay you to work remotely? ›
And now two Italian villages came forward with an attractive offer for digital nomads. Santa Fiora and Rieti will offer digital nomads who move there, rent vouchers of value up to €200. For the 2 cities, this is about 50% of the rent; which makes it a very attractive offer.
What Italian town is offering $30 K to move there? ›The authorities say they will pay about €30,000 (roughly $30,000) to people to buy an abandoned house and live there. According to a report on CNN, to qualify for the incentive, buyers must move into Presicce and purchase any one of the properties built before 1991, which have been mapped by authorities.
Which Italian town is offering cash to move? ›Presicce-Acquarica has been struggling with a declining population and abandoned homes. To help lure new homeowners, the town has promised grants to people who buy a house and register as residents of the town. Here's what you need to know if you're interested in purchasing property in this pretty town.
How much will Italy pay you to move there? ›Presicce, which is situated in the Puglia region of Italy's southern peninsula—in the heel of the country's boot shape—is offering €30,000 (about $30,000) to anyone who will buy an empty house built before 1991, move in and live there, reports CNN's Silvia Marchetti.
Can a US citizen work remotely in Italy? ›You are not allowed to work on a tourist visa in Italy, and you would need a digital nomad visa if you want to work remotely from Italy. Although many people work and travel on a tourist visa, this could potentially cause tax issues for you or your employer.
How much does Picturesque Italian town pay? ›The picturesque town of Presicce in the sunny region of Puglia is the latest to enter the game with a tantalizing offer. Officials say they will pay people up to 30,000 euros (roughly $30,000) to buy an empty dwelling and take up residency.
Where is the cheapest cost of living in Italy? ›Turin, Palermo, and Naples are the cheapest cities to live in in Italy. The cost of living in Milan is just slightly higher than the living costs in Rome. The cost of living in Florence is only slightly lower than the cost of living in Rome. The cost of living in Turin is 19% lower than in Florence.
Can I move to Italy as a retiree? ›Italy is one of the most popular vacation spots in Europe. It's also a great option if you're thinking about retiring abroad. The country is known for its delicious food, beautiful towns and mild weather, making it about as ideal a retirement destination as you'll find.
Which Italian island pays you to live there? ›Here's what you need to know
Move to a Sardinian town with a population of fewer than 3,000 people. Put the $15,000 towards renovating a home. Live there full-time. Register Sardinia as your permanent residence within 18 months.
Italian villages are offering prospective residents $44,000 to move there to boost their declining populations. Several picturesque villages in the southwestern region of Calabria are part of the scheme, which is one of the novel ways towns and villages across Italy have sought to draw new residents in recent years.
How to get free property in Italy? ›
But now, in Cammarata, an ancient town located in central Sicily, homes are being offered for free. However, there is a catch. In order for new residents to land a free home, they must present a clear renovation proposal for the property and renovate it within three years.
Is Calabria still giving money? ›The region of Calabria plans to offer up to €28,000 ($33,000) over a maximum of three years to people willing to relocate to sleepy villages with barely 2,000 inhabitants in the hope of reversing years of population decline. These include locations near the sea or on mountainsides – or both.
Can Americans get paid to move to Italy? ›To combat population decline, the Calabria region – situated on the tip of the “boot” if you look at the map, northeast of Palermo – is offering new residents a relocation grant of up to €28,000 (~$30,000) over a period of three years. That's about $10,000 per year to help you get settled in.
Can a US citizen move to Italy? ›The easiest and simplest way to “move to Italy” as an American is by utilizing the Uniform Schengen Visa, which allows US citizens to stay in the Schengen Area of Europe for 90 days in a 180 day period. And United States citizens don't have to do anything extra to get this type C visa.
How much money will I need to move to Italy from USA? ›On average you're looking at around 1500 euros or 1900 USD a month to move to a small city or larger town. That doesn't include the moving costs, which would be around 6,000-10,000 USD depending on your situation for the plane ticket, deposit on an apartment, help with a visa, etc.
How many days a year can an American stay in Italy? ›U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
How long can an American work in Italy? ›Americans who intend to stay in Italy for less than 90 days don't need to worry about visas. However, if you plan to go for an extended period, you'll have to apply for a long-stay visa. This is a crucial step because you can't apply for an Italian residence permit without this long-stay visa.
What is the new visa update for Italy 2023? ›Which are the new rules for 2023? For 2023, 82,705 total visas can be issued. The Italian government breaks down into fine detail the number of visas reserved for each category. 38,705 entries for employment, seasonal and self-employment.
What is the richest Italian town? ›Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region in northern Italy and is the wealthiest city in Italy.
What towns are paying people to move to Italy? ›Presicce-Acquarica in the southern Italian region of Puglia will pay new residents up to €30,000 to relocate there. The municipality is made up of two towns - Presicce and Acquarica del Capo - surrounded by countryside and olive groves.
What is the richest Italian city state? ›
Of all of Italy's city-states, it was Florence that was the richest and considered the most cultured.
Is it cheaper to live in Italy or USA? ›Living in Italy is significantly less expensive than living in the U.S. The simplest reason is that housing and health insurance costs are much lower. But it doesn't stop there.
How much is rent in Italy in US dollars? ›The average rent price in Italy is 800 EUR (880 USD) a month. However, this is just the average—you will find rental prices to range from 490 to 1,550 EUR (540 to 1,700 USD). Below is a table with monthly rental prices by region, from most expensive to least expensive.
How much cheaper is it to live in Italy than the US? ›Overall, it's cheaper to live in Italy or the USA? The United States is 34% more expensive to live in than Italy. The only areas where American prices are more affordable are clothing and gas. However, as highlighted, salaries in the US are significantly higher than the Italian ones.
Is US Social Security taxed in Italy? ›In conclusion, Italy does tax retirement income, including US social security benefits, but there are tax treaties and agreements in place to avoid double taxation. As a retiree in Italy, you may also be subject to Italian social security contributions if you work or have income in Italy.
Where do most American expats live in Italy? ›Some of the most popular cities for English-speaking expats include Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin.
What is the retirement age for Italy? ›Of the EU member states, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and Slovenia have the lowest current retirement ages, with 62 years for both men and women.
Which Italian town will pay you $15000 to move to their island? ›Sardinia, a sizable island off the coast of Italy, is offering potential new residents €15,000 ($14,585) to relocate. In response to a shrinking population, Sardinia's government is aiming to boost residential numbers with a new initiative, according to Forbes.
How much money do you need for Italian residency? ›In particular, the applicant must demonstrate a minimum of 32,000€/year of passive income. Italian Consulates generally require a little more to issue an Elective Residency Visa. (i.e., some US Consulates require a minimum of 50,000/60,0000€, depending on the nature of incomes).
Do Italian citizens have to pay taxes when living abroad? ›Worldwide Taxation and Residenza Fiscale
If you have spent more than 183 days in a tax year in Italy, you need to pay the taxes on your worldwide income there, regardless of whether you have registered as a resident or not.
Can a US citizen live full time in Italy? ›
Americans must have an entrance visa which should be obtained at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy, in order to remain in Italy more than three months and gain resident status. This procedure will take several weeks to complete so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the departure date.
Is Italy still selling houses for $1? ›Having a second home in Italy means paying taxes, so selling these unused houses off cheaply can be more lucrative than keeping them. That's why around 25 Italian municipalities are making prospective homeowners an offer they can't refuse - a house for the symbolic price of €1.
Can I move to Italy if I buy a house? ›Buying property in Italy does not give owners the right to permesso di soggiorno, an Italian permit to stay. However, owning property can strengthen your application for an Italian elective residency visa if you prove you have stable and sufficient funds to support your stay without employment.
What town in Italy is offering homes for $1? ›The small Italian town of Maenza, just outside Rome, is selling around 100 homes for little more than $1. The only thing they want in return? A promise that they'll be renovated within three years.
How long can you stay in Italy if you own property? ›The Investor Visa allows you to reside, work, and study in Italy. You and your family can visit Schengen Area countries without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days out of 180 days. There is a special tax regime for new residents in Italy.
What city in Italy is giving away houses? ›Presicce, Italy is offering homebuyers 30,000 euros, or about $31,000, to purchase its abandoned homes. Located in the Puglia region in Italy's heel, Presicce has a rich history, but a declining population.
How safe is Calabria? ›Is it safe to visit Calabria Italy as a tourist? Calabria is a safe destination for tourists. Although the southern regions of Italy have been long associated with mafia and crime, a lot of these issues are now historic, and mafia activities do not affect the day-to-day lives of visitors to the region.
What famous Italian Americans are from Calabria? ›The Calabresi have produced many well known Italian Americans including Tony Bennett, Connie Francis, Leon Panetta, Lou Costello and Jerry Vale.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Italy? ›Do US expats living in Italy also have to file US taxes? Yes. All US citizens and permanent residents who meet the minimum income reporting requirements must file a tax return, even if they don't live in the country.
Is it hard for Americans to get a job in Italy? ›So, is it easy to find a job in Italy as an expat? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're willing to put in the hard work and have relevant qualifications, you'll be able to find a job eventually. However, your options will be more limited if you're looking for an English-speaking job in Italy.
What town in Italy is offering $30000? ›
Presicce-Acquarica has been struggling with a declining population and abandoned homes. To help lure new homeowners, the town has promised grants to people who buy a house and register as residents of the town. Here's what you need to know if you're interested in purchasing property in this pretty town.
Can Americans buy homes in Italy? ›There are no restrictions for foreigners who want to buy properties in Italy. However, the Italian authorities have the power of making some verifications of criminal records and other aspects.
Are Italians friendly to Americans? ›In general, Italians respect Americans and always welcome them as friends. They adore the curiosity of American tourists in regard to experiencing Italian culture, and they love the way that Americans enjoy their food.
Can you be a dual citizen of US and Italy? ›Since 1992, Italy has allowed dual citizenship with the United States, and you will not need to renounce your American citizenship during the process of applying. Italian citizenship is granted as a “birth right” through a familial line.
What is the cheapest city to live in Italy? ›Abruzzo. Located to the east of Rome, Abruzzo is arguably the cheapest and the best region to live in Italy. It has great mountains, fantastic scenery, good food, lovely Italian people and plenty of expats.
Can a retired US citizen move to Italy? ›Those who want to retire to Italy can obtain long-term residence visas which enable them to live there for more than 90 days, however, just like an ordinary residence permit, this visa has a validity of 5 years. If the visa holders decide to remain here, the permit can be renewed.
What is a good salary in Italy? ›Average Wages in Italy increased to 2475 EUR/ Month (2645.333 USD/Month) in 2021. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 2502 EUR/ Month and minimum was 1176 EUR/ Month.
What is the best city in Italy to work remotely? ›- 1/ Rome.
- 2/ Milan.
- 3/ Florence.
- 4/ Naples and Bari.
- 5/ Palermo.
- 6/ Sicily.
- 7/ Sardinia.
- 8/ Cagliari.
And if you do move to Sardinia, you will be helping to bring new life to a beautiful part of the world. 1. Why is Sardinia offering people money to move to the island? 2.
What is the No 1 city to work remotely? ›Santa Ana, Calif.
What is the most remote town in Italy? ›
Nicknamed Italy's “Little Provence,” Sancto Lucio de Coumboscuro is an isolated village in almost every sense. Situated near the border between the Piedmont region of Italy and France, visitors either need to fly to Turin, and take a train and then a bus, or drive south from Provence in order to reach it.
Can I move to Italy if I work remotely? ›Does Italy allow digital nomads? Yes, Italy allows digital nomads to relocate to the country and set up their remote work there. In fact, by the end of 2022, there will be two primary visa options for highly qualified non-Eu citizens who want to relocate as remote workers.
Do I need a work visa to work remotely in Italy? ›Mar 20, 2023
People travelling without a work visa can do some remote work on condition that the activities carried out while in Italy account for less than (i) 5% of their regular working time and/or less than (ii) 5% of their overall remuneration.
So, is it easy to find a job in Italy as an expat? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're willing to put in the hard work and have relevant qualifications, you'll be able to find a job eventually. However, your options will be more limited if you're looking for an English-speaking job in Italy.
Will Italy pay you $15000 to move to Sardinia? ›Getting $15,000 to move to Italy sounds excellent, but this offer does have a catch. To be eligible, you must: Move to a Sardinian town with a population of fewer than 3,000 people. Put the $15,000 towards renovating a home.
Which Calabria Italy villages will pay you $33000 to move in? ›The region of Calabria plans to offer up to €28,000 ($33,000) over a maximum of three years to people willing to relocate to sleepy villages with barely 2,000 inhabitants in the hope of reversing years of population decline. These include locations near the sea or on mountainsides – or both.
What job has the most remote workers? ›In the US, the management and consulting industry is the most in-demand industry for remote workers.
What is the best country to work remote from? ›Mexico. If you're looking for a remote-work friendly country that isn't too far from the US, Mexico is a great choice. The cost of living is relatively cheap, the internet is strong and reliable, and there are plenty of coworking spaces available throughout the country.
Where is the best place to live if you can work remotely? ›- Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, Colorado was named as the #1 place to live in the USA in 2021 – 2022 by US News. ...
- Austin, Texas. ...
- Seattle, Washington. ...
- St. ...
- Sedona, Arizona. ...
- Nashville, Tennessee. ...
- Boston, Massachusetts. ...
- Bozeman, Montana.
Venice Beach, California looks like… well... Venice, Italy. At least part of the area does. These canals were designed by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney in 1905 to imitate the city of Venice and bring a taste of Italian culture to America.
What is the kindest city in Italy? ›
Polignano a Mare!
A town on Italy's Adriatic coast known for its spectacular clifftop location and white pebble beaches, Polignano a Mare also happens to be home to a bunch of supremely welcoming restaurants, hotels and guesthouses.
- Candela. It began with the small town of Candela, known as “La Piccola Napoli,” which now has only 2,700 inhabitants. ...
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio. ...
- Molise: the secret region of Italy. ...
- Vetto.