Moving from the heart Oklahoma to the breathtaking shores of Lake Como is a dream for many—but making that dream a reality involves navigating Italy’s complex bureaucracy and visa process. Our client and now friend, Robert Glass, a well known lawyer in the United States, was kind enough to share his detailed, firsthand experience tackling the intricate steps required to secure his visa and residency in Italy.

His story sheds light on the challenges, surprises, and ultimately, the rewards of relocating to one of Italy’s most coveted regions.

“With the guidance of the professional team of Lakeside Real Estate I bought a waterfront Gold Standard Property near to Menaggio in February 2020. A week before COVID broke out in Lombardy. This 5 year investment has become a trophy asset and destination – a winner in so many respects. What has been a really awesome experience just became even more appealing.

Italy enacted a law to attract remote workers in March 2022. This new digital nomad Visa program was launched in April 2024 and recently the regulations and protocol for the Visa became operational. This Visa enables and encourages professionals from outside the European Union to legally live and work in Italy. Meaning qualified professionals can perform their work from Italy with long stay goals, not restricted (in my circumstance) by USA Passport restrictions on EU travel duration.

I am an early application in this program and found the protocol very reasonable to achieve Visa application submission and ultimate approval. I now have secured my Italian Permesso Di Soggiorno and can work from my position on Lake Como subject to annual renewals, but able to combine work, travel and exploration enjoyment seamlessly and on a timeline of my preference. My wife now qualifies for “reunification” status and may secure her companion Visa based on her Passport and my VISA Residence Permit status. Wow!

So, how easy was my capture of the Italy digital nomad Visa? I will describe my pathway to victory.

1. Italian friends familiar with my long stay goal (all individuals accomplished in the business community of this Region) introduced me to an outstanding lawyer, Maria Cristina B. I engaged Cristina to lead me through the Application submission and procurement process. Together we mapped the steps and worked in tandem to achieve them. She accomplished the tasks efficiently and flawlessly. I highly recommend engaging a lawyer who has the confidence, and importantly, the local relationships to thread the needle. Although this form of Visa is new, she is likely the/an expert worth considering for the Como region.

2. I secured from the website - the Italy form of National Visa (Schengen) Application from the office of the Consulate General of Italy website – the specific Consulate General office that has jurisdiction over the State in which I maintain my USA residence. The Application is accompanied by instructions, detailing the qualifications and submission packet required content.

3. I made an assessment that I met all of the requirements for a qualified professional with necessary Italy minimum contacts (described below) to present a successful Application request.

4. What did I need to prove/submit? Copy of valid USA Passport, Driver’s License, Passport photos, Proof of Healthcare Insurance (underwritten in Italy for projected annual Visa residency tenure), Proof of my qualifying profession, Copy of Property Ownership Deed, Proof of my annual professional income meeting the minimum annual EURO self-sufficiency criteria, Proof of my relevant work experience (for me schedule of client invoices and proof of current licensure and membership in professional associations), Evidence of booked flight to enter Italy for completion of the second phase of Application submission, and the Application fee.

5. Upon compiling my Application in a well-organized notebook, using the Consulate General website I made the mandatory appointment at the regional office to present myself and the Application for submission.

6. At the appointment my Application compilation was reviewed in detail, I was interviewed, the fee was remitted, I handed over my original Passport and I was told the submission appeared in order but would be reviewed by a Supervisor with notification to be delivered to me (or available for pickup) within as much as 90 days. My flight was within 45 days of my appearance at the Consulate General office. I received the approval packet by expedited courier within a few weeks – no worries. I provided the necessary pre-paid courier envelope, rather than electing to travel back to the regional office. This first phase of the Application submission was efficient.

7. My Consulate General approved packet included the provisional Visa added into my Passport. By regulation within 8 days from the date of clearing Customs in Italy you must present the Application (again) to the Italian authority and both secure and attend an appointment at the Questura (police station) with jurisdiction over the region in which you will reside in Italy (the location you will be performing professional services remotely). In my case this required presenting myself at the Questura in Como together with my Application, my Passport, paying some additional fees, responding to a second round of questioning and explaining my qualifications and packet contents. This is where Cristina was my guardian, the handler, who secured the appointment, took me to the Tobacco shop to pay a fee and secure a receipt, took me to the Post Office to pay another fee and secure an additional receipt, served as interpreter at all stops and deployed her skill and relationships to fast track my appointment and Application for final approval.

8. I was interviewed and finger printed at the Questura. I was given an Application receipt and told to check back in a few weeks for confirmation of the final approval – issuance of the Residence Permit card (similar to a drivers license).

9. Upon confirming my Visa had been approved and issued, I was required to reappear a second time at the Questura with an advance appointment to claim the Residence Permit card. This last step included presenting the receipt (item 8 above) and validation of finger prints against those now in the Italy databank.

In hindsight, it was not particularly complex process; however, it required (i) precision to satisfy the paperwork burden of proof and (ii) a native language speaker, very competent “handler” (Cristina), to guide me to the finish line. As mentioned above, now my wife can secure a companion Visa under a very simplified “reunification” protocol. We will be subject to annual submissions at the Questura to renew the Visas.

I can work, play and enjoy Italy and the broader EU free of USA Passport stay restrictions. Our ownership of Property on Lake Como just became even more valuable to our Family and those benefiting from our hospitality in Italy. Cheers!”

Ownership on Lago di Como Just Became Even More Valuable – Digital Nomad Visa Opportunity