Italy has opened its doors to digital nomads as the European country launched its visa program to cater to remote workers, international media reported.

The new visa programme for foreigners came into effect on April 4. They are eligible to stay in Italy in a legal way for a period of up to a year through the scheme and the visa can be renewed annually.

By announcing the decision, Italy joined over 50 countries that offer digital nomad visas or similar alternatives, including Japan and South Korea.

According to the Italian government, a digital nomad is a citizen of non-EU states “who carries out a highly qualified work activity with the use of technological tools capable of allowing them to work remotely, both as a worker self-employed or as a collaborator or employee of a company even if not resident in Italy.”.

Self-employed freelancers and corporate remote workers are both eligible for the new visa.