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Moving Guide for Brits Planning a Relocation to Italy in 2025

Migrating to Italy from the UK post-Brexit: An Exploration of the Ease and Necessary Considerations for Those Planning to Relocate This Year

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British residents are still relocating to Italy post-Brexit, but is the transition smooth? If Italy...
British residents are still relocating to Italy post-Brexit, but is the transition smooth? If Italy is your intended destination in 2021, here's what you need to bear in mind.

Moving Guide for Brits Planning a Relocation to Italy in 2025

With so many Brits moving to Italy for a better quality of life, lower costs, and culinary delights, this article outlines what you should consider before making the leap. Keep in mind that visa and residency permit requirements now apply to UK nationals as non-EU citizens, and the specific requirements and challenges differ depending on your situation.

Visa

To move to Italy, you'll likely need a visa, and the type depends on your personal situation. Apply for your visa at your nearest consulate before leaving the UK, as house-hunting can only be done for short visits without long-term commitments due to the documentation required.

Residency Permit

Once your visa is approved, you need the matching Italian residency permit, which must be applied for within eight working days of arriving in Italy. This involves filling out a form at your local post office, followed by at least a couple of trips to your nearest Questura police headquarters.

Renting or Buying Property

Unless already arranged, you'll need to either rent or buy a place to live. Rental contracts in Italy differ from those in the UK, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with them in advance. Italian rental markets can be competitive, particularly in cities like Rome and Milan.

Banking

As a resident of Italy, you may need an Italian bank account and IBAN, since many utilities and services require one. Some readers suggest going with traditional banks for better trust, face-to-face service, and specialties for foreign nationals, while others opt for digital banking platforms.

Healthcare

Registering with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) provides access to the same healthcare services available to Italian citizens. However, some non-EU residents, such as pensioners on ERVs, may need to pay a fee to register. There is also an option for private healthcare coverage, but it may be more expensive than the SSN fees.

Driving

While you can drive on a foreign-issued license for up to 12 months, you will eventually need to exchange it for an Italian one. British nationals have a driving licence exchange agreement with Italy, which allows them to swap their licenses without retaking tests in Italy.

Tax

Anyone classified as 'tax resident' in Italy is liable to pay taxes to the Italian state, so it's essential to consult a qualified tax advisor familiar with both Italian and UK tax law ahead of taking up residency.

Settling In

Learning Italian and integrating into the community can be enriching experiences. Joining clubs, attending language classes, and meeting new people are great ways to settle in your new home.

Read more about taxes, driving, and integrating into your community in the related articles section.

  1. House-hunting requires long-term commitments and specific documentation, so it should be done after obtaining a visa.
  2. The Italian residency permit must be applied for within eight working days of arriving in Italy, after receiving a visa.
  3. The Italian rental markets can be competitive, especially in cities like Rome and Milan, when searching for a place to live.
  4. As a resident of Italy, you might need to open an Italian bank account and IBAN for utilities and services purposes.
  5. Registering with the SSN provides access to the same healthcare services applicable to Italian citizens, but some non-EU residents may need to pay a fee for it.
  6. After 12 months, a foreign-issued driving license must be exchanged for an Italian one, and British nationals can swap their licenses without retaking tests in Italy.
  7. If classified as 'tax resident' in Italy, one is liable to pay taxes to the Italian state, hence consulting a qualified tax advisor who is knowledgeable about both Italian and UK tax law is crucial before taking up residency.
  8. Learning Italian and integrating into the community by joining clubs, attending language classes, and meeting new people can be rewarding experiences when settling into a new home in Italy.
  9. For those with dual nationality, it is essential to understand the Italian law regarding residency and any related implications to preserve your rights and benefits in both countries, such as in Florence and other Italian cities, where you might plan to stay.

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