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Digital nomads sure are a happy bunch, right?
Who wouldn’t be jealous that they can spin a globe, point to a destination, pack up their belongings and move there, all while earning a paycheck?
It will come as no surprise that Italy, with its storybook romance from town to town and town to town, is a hotspot for this flexible lifestyle.
But one city was righteous reported because it has huge appeal right now – and it’s probably one you wouldn’t guess.
Touted as one of the best alternatives to Milan, this timeless crimson dreamscape is actually the perfect place to call home long-term, thanks to its affordability, culture and off-the-radar appeal that keeps it from feeling overly regimented or clogged with tourist eyesores.
Milan may be chic, but Bologna feels more like the real Italy
If there is one undeniable draw to Milan, it is the fact that it is often the cheapest gateway to Italy.
That said, Milan is a rare place where even locals will opt for Starbucks instead of that cozy little cafe hidden in an alley.
The rest of Italy? That’s a hard sell…
Cities like Bologna feel much more authentic without Gucci billboards and tour groups clogging every square.
With less pizzazz and more squares and pizza — that’s the most Z’s I’ve typed in one sentence — Bologna has become a new hub for remote workers looking for tangible culture and a stronger sense of place rather than feeling like another face in the crowd.
Bologna is neither flashy nor expensive – a common complaint among tourists. But what else can you expect, so chic and close to Lake Como?
Nomads fall in love with this blushing heartthrob, but it’s not just the authenticity that will make you feel like you’re in the Italy you’ve always dreamed of.
Here are 5 top reasons why nomads come here (and stay!):
- Thriving expat and creative community
- Reliable fast WiFi
- More affordable cost of living ($1000 – $1400 rent for 1 bedroom apartment)
- Cafes are everywhere
- Strong connectivity throughout Europe
Day trips and weekend getaways abound
Okay, we lied…
There are actually six reasons, but this one is worth a whole paragraph.
Reason number see is how easily accessible it is to other Italian staples like Florence, Venice and yes, even Milan if you’re in the shop ’til you drop or miss a taste of home like the aforementioned Starbucks.
You don’t need a geography major to convince you that Bologna has a deed to prime real estate.
Nomads can visit all 6 of these destinations in under 2 hours by train for a quick day trip or weekend getaway:
- Florence
- Milan
- Venice
- Verona
- Modena
- Parma
That doesn’t mean you’ll get tired of being here, but hey, you’re in Italy after all…
With a name like Bologna you know the food has to be incredible – and it is. That will not be the reason to enjoy a nice trip.
By leaving the city limits you’re simply taking advantage of being so close to some of Italy’s top destinations, and who in their right mind wouldn’t want to do that?
Obtaining the Italian Digital Nomad Visa
Now that you’re sold on Bologna as your next base for daily cappuccinos, unparalleled cuisine and portico walks, we now need to get to the boring part of connecting the dots, otherwise just head to Aly.
I’ll see myself after that…
Italy joined the digital nomad visa party late, but they do offer an official visa for remote workers.
These are the main requirements:
- Minimum annual income: you need to make about $30,000 a year
- Evidence of remote position: you must prove that you work remotely as a freelancer or as an employee of a non-Italian company, usually with an appointment of at least six months
- Health insurance: required, with a minimum coverage of approximately $32,000
- Criminal record: a clean file is required
- Application procedure: all documents must be submitted through the Italian consulate or embassy in your current country of residence
- Validity: the visa is usually initially issued for 1 year and can be extended annually
