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Getting help with living in ItalyÌýÌý

Help from the Italian government Ìý

For any questions about moving to or living in Italy, you may be able to get help from the:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

The UK government, the British Embassy in Rome and British Consulate General in MilanÌýcannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Italy.Ìý

Professional help in ItalyÌý

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Italy, including: Ìý

• lawyers Ìý

• translators Ìý

• notaries  Ìý

• funeral directors  Ìý

Help from the UK government  Ìý

Read the travel advice for Italy to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Italy. This includes the latest information on:  Ìý

• visas and entry requirements  Ìý

• laws and cultural differences Ìý

• safety and security Ìý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.  Ìý

, including in an emergency.  Ìý

Visas, residency and citizenshipÌý

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Italy before you travel.  Ìý

Visas and residence permitsÌý

Check which you need to live in Italy.ÌýÌý

You can get a visa to:  Ìý

• work, including as a digital nomad or remote workerÌýÌý

• study Ìý

• live with family in ItalyÌýÌý

• do researchÌýÌý

• invest or do business in ItalyÌý

• live in Italy without workingÌýÌý

• perform religious activitiesÌýÌý

For more information, read:ÌýÌý

• the Italian government’s Ìý

• the from VSF global, Italy’s official visa partnerÌý

As a non-EU national, you must within 8 days of arriving in Italy. This is called a ‘permesso di soggiorno’ in Italian.ÌýÌý

The Italian police website explains .Ìý

Registering as a residentÌýÌý

Once you’ve applied for your residence permit, you need to if you plan to stay for more than 3 months. This process is known as ‘iscrizione anagrafica’. Ìý

If you’re a dual UK and Italian national, you must register your residency as an Italian national.ÌýÌý

If you’re a dual national of the UK and another EU country, you can choose which nationality you use to register.Ìý

If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:  Ìý

• the registry office (‘Anagrafe’) for the municipality (‘Comune’) in which you liveÌýÌý

• an ÌýÌý

Extending or replacing your residence permitÌýÌý

Contact your for information on how to:ÌýÌý

• extend your visa or residency permitÌýÌý

• replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residency permitÌýÌý

Permanent residencyÌýÌý

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Italy if you’ve lived there legally and continuously for at least 5 years.ÌýÌý

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the Italian police’s guidance on the .Ìý

CitizenshipÌýÌý

Italy recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become an Italian citizen.ÌýÌý

To find out if you’re eligible for Italian citizenship:ÌýÌý

• read guidance on and Ìý

• contact the Ìý

• contact the Ìý

Help with visa, residency and citizenship applicationsÌý

The British Embassy in Rome and the British Consulate General in Milan cannot help with Italian visa, residency or citizenship applications.Ìý

For any questions or issues, contact:ÌýÌý

• your Ìý

• the Ìý

• an Ìý

Police identification checks Ìý

Under Italian law, you must carry photo ID with you at all times. For more information on personal ID checks, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Italy.Ìý

Residency if you moved to Italy before 1 January 2021Ìý

If you moved to Italy before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’)Ìý

If you moved to ItalyÌýbefore 1 January 2021, we strongly recommend that you have a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’). This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. It’s different to the biometric identity card (carta d’identità). Ìý

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need a Withdrawal Agreement ‘carta di soggiorno’ when entering or leaving Italy. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when . Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Italy or other Schengen countries.ÌýÌý

Permanent residence documents (‘attestazione di soggiorno permanente’ and ‘carta di soggiorno permanente’) Ìý

The British Embassy has worked with the Italian government to help UK nationals get the ‘attestazione di soggiorno permanente’ and the ‘carta di soggiorno permanente’.ÌýÌý

These documents prove that you have:ÌýÌý

• permanent resident statusÌý

• the right to use the Italian National Health Service for freeÌý

On 17 June 2024, the Italian Ministry of the Interior published an . This aims to make it easier for British nationals with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement to get the ‘attestazione di soggiorno permanente’.Ìý

If you have problems trying to get an ‘attestazione di soggiorno permanente’ from your Comune, you can show them the information note.ÌýÌý

Exchanging a temporary residence card for a permanent residence cardÌýÌý

Once you have lived in Italy legally and continuously for at least 5 years, you can apply to exchange your temporary (5-year) ‘carta di soggiorno’ for a permanent (10-year) one. You can do this at your , even if your 5-year card has not yet expired.ÌýÌý

If you have problems making the exchange, draw attention to the Italian Ministry of Interior’s internal circulars of:

• 22 September 2023 (No. 89797)
• 6 June 2024

These instruct local immigration offices to make the exchange for all Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries who have been legally resident in Italy for more than 5 years.ÌýÌý

If you do not have a residence documentÌý

If you were living in Italy before 1 January 2021, but do not have a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’), you should apply for one. Ìý

To do this, book an appointment at the immigration office at .Ìý You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.Ìý

If your application is successful, you’ll get a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’).ÌýÌý

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an .Ìý

For more information on how to appeal, contact your .Ìý

Renewing your residence document if you moved to Italy before 1 January 2021ÌýÌý

You’ll need to apply to renew your Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’) before it expires.ÌýÌý

Contact your for information on how to renew your ‘carta di soggiorno’.ÌýÌý

Bringing family members to Italy if you moved there before 1 January 2021Ìý

Our guidance on non-EU family members of UK nationals living in Italy explains:ÌýÌý

• which family members can join you in ItalyÌýÌý

• how and when they should apply for their residence documentÌýÌý

Permitted absences and loss of residence statusÌýÌý

Read the information on absences and loss of residence status in the European Commission’s . This explains how long you can spend outside an EU country without losing your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

Passports and travelÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• apply for a British passport from abroadÌý

• travel urgently without your British passportÌý

If you have an Italian residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Italy does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.ÌýÌý

Always carry your passport and residence document when . If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.ÌýÌý

If you have dual citizenship with an EU or country, you should enter and leave Italy using your EU or EFTA passport.Ìý

Dual citizens travelling to the UKÌý

When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carryÌýa validÌýBritish passportÌýorÌýcertificate of entitlement. Read guidance onÌýdual citizenship.

European Entry/Exit System (EES)Ìý

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for . Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.ÌýÌý

British nationals legally resident in Italy, and who have a Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’) or other valid residence permit (‘permesso di soggiorno’), do not need to register with the EES.ÌýÌý

If you were legally resident in Italy before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence card, read our guidance on the Withdrawal Agreement biometric residence card (‘carta di soggiorno’) for information on how to get one.Ìý

For more information about how the EES works, read:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• guidance on the EES for UK nationalsÌýÌý

Healthcare in ItalyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• plan your healthcareÌý

• take medicine abroadÌý

To find out how to get medical treatment:ÌýÌý

• read guidance on healthcare in Italy and health in ItalyÌý

• find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in ItalyÌýÌý

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can also read the Italian Ministry of Health’s .

Working in ItalyÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.Ìý

To work in Italy, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Italy for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.ÌýÌýÌý

You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Italy legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. If you do not yet have a ‘carta di soggiorno’, you can show your employer the .ÌýÌý

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

If you live in Italy and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.Ìý

Recognition of qualificationsÌý

If you want to work in Italy, you may need to .ÌýÌý

Driving in ItalyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• drive abroad legallyÌý

• take your UK vehicle abroadÌýÌý

• get driving licence lettersÌý

The Italian provides information on driving in Italy, including how to:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

For more information, read:ÌýÌý

• driving in the EUÌý

• road travel in Italy, in safety and security in the travel advice for ItalyÌý

• the Ìý

• the Ìý

Driving in Italy using a foreign driving licence Ìý

If you became resident in Italy on or after 1 January 2023, you can drive in Italy for up to 12 months using a valid driving licence issued in:ÌýÌý

• the UKÌý

• GibraltarÌý

• JerseyÌý

• GuernseyÌý

• the Isle of ManÌý

You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Italy, regardless of when you became resident.ÌýÌýÌý

Exchanging your valid UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence ÌýÌý

You must exchange your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence for an Italian licence if either:ÌýÌý

• you became resident in Italy before 1 January 2023Ìý

• it has been 1 year or more since you became resident in ItalyÌýÌý

You will not need to take a driving test.ÌýÌý

In most cases, you can make the exchange within 6 years from the date you became resident in Italy. However, if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can exchange your licence at any time.ÌýÌý

To exchange your licence, book an appointment with your . The Italian government’s guidance on how to explains the documents you must take to your appointment.

If your UK licence is lost or stolen, you must also provide a copy of the loss or theft report filed with the Italian police. If you cannot provide this report, you will need to apply for an Italian licence as a non-EU national.Ìý

In some cases, the Motorisation Office may ask for an official translation of your driving licence. If they do, contact an to organise a legal translation.ÌýÌý

Make sure you leave enough time for the exchange process. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Italian licence to drive legally.ÌýÌýÌý

Exchanging an expired UK, Gibraltar, Jersey or Guernsey licenceÌýÌý

You can exchange an expired UK, Gibraltar, Jersey or Guernsey licence if it expired less than 5 years before you apply for the exchange.ÌýÌýÌý

You cannot exchange an expired Isle of Man licence. Instead, you must apply for an Italian licence as a non-EU national.ÌýÌý

Applying for an Italian driving licenceÌý

You must apply for an Italian driving licence as a non-EU national if:ÌýÌý

• your licence was issued in the Isle of Man and has expiredÌýÌý

• your licence was issued in the UK, Gibraltar, Jersey or Guernsey, and expired more than 5 years agoÌýÌý

• you became resident in Italy after 31 December 2020, and have been resident for 6 years or more without exchanging your driving licenceÌý

• your licence was lost or stolen, but you cannot provide a copy of the loss or theft report filed with the Italian policeÌý

You will need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test.ÌýÌý

Contact your for more information.ÌýÌý

Disabled driversÌý

You may be able to apply for an or a .ÌýÌý

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Italy, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.Ìý

Driving a foreign registered car in ItalyÌý

You cannot drive a foreign registered car in Italy once you have been resident in Italy for 90 days or more.Ìý

If you move to Italy with your UK-registered car, you must register it with Italian licence plates within 90 days of becoming resident. If you do not do this, your car may be impounded.Ìý

As soon as you start the process of registering your car in Italy, you will not be able to drive it. You can only use your car again once you get your new documentation and licence plates.Ìý

For more information:ÌýÌý

• read Ìý

• contact an Ìý

TaxÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.ÌýÌýÌý

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Italy so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.Ìý

Contact the for any questions about .Ìý

Consider getting professional advice on . To do this find:Ìý

• an Ìý

• a tax adviser or business consultant (‘commercialista’) at the or the Ìý

Declaring your assetsÌý

Check with a lawyer, tax adviser or business consultant (‘commercialista’) if you need to file an annual declaration of overseas assets. You can do this using the Quadro RW form, part of the annual Unico tax form.Ìý

There are severe penalties if you:ÌýÌý

• do not fileÌýÌý

• give incorrect or incomplete informationÌý

National InsuranceÌýÌý

Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.Ìý

PensionsÌý

Claiming your UK pensionÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:ÌýÌý

• how to claim your UK State PensionÌý

• where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State PensionÌý

Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.ÌýÌý

Claiming an Italian pensionÌý

Contact the to find out whether you can .ÌýÌý

BenefitsÌýÌý

Claiming UK benefitsÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.ÌýÌýÌý

You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.Ìý

Claiming Italian benefitsÌýÌý

You may be entitled to some Italian benefits.ÌýÌý

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:ÌýÌý

• read the ÌýÌý

• Ìý

Buying and renting property in ItalyÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.ÌýÌýÌý

Contact an if you’re considering buying property or land.ÌýÌý

Hosting guests at your propertyÌý

If you host a non-EU national as a guest, you must tell your . You must do this in writing within 48 hours after they arrive at your property.Ìý

You could get a fine if you do not comply with this .Ìý

If you host a national of an EU country, you must inform the immigration office if they plan to stay with you for 30 days or more.Ìý

Voting in ItalyÌý

UK electionsÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• vote in UK elections from abroadÌý

• register as an overseas voterÌý

Italian electionsÌýÌý

You cannot vote in Italian elections unless you hold Italian citizenship.Ìý

You cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.Ìý

Studying in ItalyÌý

If you plan to study in Italy, you must meet all .ÌýÌý

You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Italy legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.ÌýÌý

For more information, read guidance on:ÌýÌý

• studying in the EUÌý

• travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)ÌýÌý

You can also:Ìý

• contact your higher education provider in the UK or ItalyÌýÌý

• visit , the Italian Ministry of University and Research’s online portalÌý

• contact the Ìý

ChildrenÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:ÌýÌý

• getting permission to take your child abroadÌýÌý

• claiming UK Child Benefit abroadÌý

• child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroadÌý

You can also read the Italian government’s guidance on .ÌýÌý

Schools and educationÌý

The European Commission provides information about the .ÌýÌý

All children aged 6 to 16 must attend school or home school in Italy.ÌýÌý

For more information, read the Italian government’s guidance on:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

ChildcareÌýÌý

The Ministry of Education and Merit and your local municipality (‘Comune’) are responsible for nurseries and childcare services in Italy.ÌýÌý

For more information, read guidance on:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• ÌýÌý

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnershipsÌý

BirthsÌýÌý

If your child is born in Italy, read guidance on . Ìý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:ÌýÌý

• register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificateÌýÌý

• apply for your child’s first British passportÌý

DeathsÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:ÌýÌý

• what to do after someone dies abroadÌý

• how to register the death with the UK authoritiesÌýÌý

If someone dies in Italy, read guidance on:Ìý

• what to do when someone dies in ItalyÌý

• Ìý

Marriages and civil partnershipsÌýÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.ÌýÌýÌý

It’s not common to change your name in Italy when you get married. If you do, you may have problems accessing some services.ÌýÌý

Read our guidance on proving your identity after a name change.Ìý

Divorce and separationÌý

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

The European e-Justice portal offers guidance on .ÌýÌý

Consider taking legal advice from an .Ìý

Documents for British people in ItalyÌý

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:ÌýÌýÌý

• legalising and certifying UK documentsÌýÌý

• marriage and civil partnership documentsÌý

• affirmations and affidavitsÌýÌý

• witnessing signaturesÌý

UK education documentsÌý

Read the Italian government’s guidance on .Ìý

If you need a certified copy of your education document, contact a UK solicitor working in the UK or Italy.Ìý

If you need to authenticate a translation of your education document, contact an . Ask them if they can provide a sworn translation (‘traduzione giurata’).Ìý

If you need your qualification evaluated in Italy, .Ìý

Proving your identity after a name changeÌýÌý

Italian authorities view your original UK birth certificate as your main identity document. It’s not common to change your name in Italy for any reason, including marriage.ÌýÌý

It may be difficult to access services if you’ve ever changed your name.Ìý

Read our guidance on proving your identity after a name change.Ìý

Lawyers, translators and notariesÌýÌý

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Italy, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.ÌýÌý

PetsÌý

If you want to bring your pet with you to Italy, read guidance on:ÌýÌý

• ÌýÌý

• taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU countryÌýÌý

Returning to the UKÌýÌý

Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.Ìý

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Italy through the S1 form, to cancel it.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

You should also de-register with:Ìý

• your Ìý

• your local health department (ASL)Ìý

To move your Italian pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre and the .ÌýÌý

You must also contact the before you return to the UK.Ìý

DisclaimerÌýÌý

We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Italian authorities.ÌýÌý

Read our consular information disclaimer.