A new Digital Nomad visa will allow you to live rent-free on an Italian island

A village nestled in the heart of Italy's Sardinia, Ollolai, has launched an enticing scheme to attract remote workers seeking a change of scenery.

'Work from Ollolai' is a new program from the municipality of Ollolai that aims to bring experienced professionals to work from Ollolai rent-free. You just need to pay €1.

"All the community asks for in return is that those who obtain the visa share their knowledge with the local community," the visa’s application page reads.


The goal of the program is to promote an exchange of information and experiences between rural communities and the rest of the world, to increase the opportunities for the local students (and non-students) to learn more about the new digital professions, the opportunities of remote work, and cultural interchange.

Last week, the village welcomed its first digital nomad participant in the project, Clarese Partis, a 39-year-old software designer hailing from Los Angeles. Clarese will enjoy rent-free living in the picturesque village as part of this unique opportunity.

So, what's the catch, and how can you join if you're considering relocating to Italy?

Ollolai, a serene village adorned with sun-soaked piazzas and a picturesque array of terracotta-roofed houses nestled in a wooded valley, has, like many small Italian towns, grappled with depopulation and a sluggish local economy. Over the past century, its population dwindled from 2,250 residents to just 1,300. Located away from the coastline, Ollolai has missed out on the influx of tourists flocking to Sardinia's pristine beaches.

In recent years, several rural Italian towns have resorted to selling homes for a symbolic €1 ($1.10) to attract new inhabitants, and Ollolai decided to embrace this trend. This year, local authorities recognized the opportunity presented by the growing popularity of remote work and the desire for a change of scenery.

Over the next two years, Ollolai plans to welcome digital nomads one by one, offering them the chance to reside in the village for up to three months—a duration that aligns with the maximum stay for non-Europeans without requiring a visa.