Beautiful medieval cities in Italy have launched a new campaign to straighten up after the economic slump caused by the Covid pandemic. The towns of Rieti in the Lazio region and Santa Fiora in Tuscany attract home office workers with offers to take over half of the rent – if they actually work remotely.
If you’re working from home, why not add a new setting and a bit of a holiday atmosphere? Italy is opening up gently after the devastation caused by the Corona crisis – and also wants to attract foreign guests again. This, while an everyday life amidst historic walls and vineyards is promised, as if one were on vacation.
Two popular tourist destinations are now paying to temporarily pitch their tents in these cities. The picturesque historic towns of Rieti and Santa Fiora in central Italy will pay up to half of the rent if you decide to move long-term and if you can prove that you hold teleconferences from your new home.
Old house in the center or villa in the hills?
The offer should not be confused with paid holidays, writes the news portal CNN. Applicants must have an “active” job. What kind of job doesn’t matter. It must be feasible virtually over the Internet. A breeze for the technically savvy.
The local authorities give the equivalent of up to CHF 220 rent for digital nomads. With usual rents between 300 and 500 euros, the monthly housing is quite cheap.
Whether a cozy old stone house in the historic city center or a small villa in the surrounding green hills: the authorities of Santa Fiora have one Online list composed of objects that has something for every taste. “Smart work” is what the Italians call it.
What is the catch?
You have to prove to the authorities that you really do remote work from home – regardless of what you do for a living. Detailed documents must be submitted together with an application form.
Second, you then have to present proof of rent and pay the monthly rent first. Refunds will be given to those who send the receipts to the mayor’s office.
Anyone who loves their new adopted home and even decides to stay the same and invest in the local tourism sector will receive up to 30,000 euros to open a hotel or hostel. There is even a baby bonus: up to 1500 euros for each newborn. (kes)