Original document : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-italy
Change description : 2020-02-07 14:02:00: New information on the Withdrawal Agreement and a new link to Italian government guidance on healthcare in the 'Stay up to date' section. 7 February 2020 [Brexit]
Showing diff : 2020-01-23 18:25:22 +00:00..2020-02-07 14:04:37 +00:00
Guidance
Official information for UK nationals moving to or living in Italy, including guidance on Brexit, residency, healthcarehealthcare, passports and passports.the Withdrawal Agreement.
You should:
The UK is leaving the EU. This page tells you how to prepare for Brexit and will be updated if anything changes. You should:
The British Embassy regularly holds events across Italy for UK nationals.
Attend one of our citizens’ outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in Italy after Brexit.Italy.
You can also:
The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.
If you are resident in Italy at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Italy.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for more information
In the meantime, make sure you are registered as a resident in Italy. We will update this guidance as soon as more information becomes available.
You should also read our guidance on living in Europe.
Check the entry requirements for Italy.
If you are resident in Italy before the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, you will be able to stay.
You must register as an Italian resident (in Italian) if you want to stay in Italy for more than 3 months. You will get one of the following from the local town hall or comune:
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If you’re staying in Italy for more than 3 months, you must register with the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN) through your local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale).
You can register for free with the SSN if:
If you are not eligible to register for free, you can pay an annual fee to receive state healthcare. Contact your local Azienda Sanitaria Locale.
If you live in Italy and receive an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit, you may currently be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You must apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an S1 certificate and register it with your Azienda Sanitaria Locale.
You can apply for an S1 certificate through the Business Services Authority.
If you are resident in Italy, you must not use your EHIC from the UK for healthcare in Italy.
When you travel from Italy for a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state-provided healthcare in that country. During that short stay:
If you are registered for public healthcare as a resident in Italy, and are travelling outside of Italy, carry your Italian health card (tessera sanitaria) with you.
If you are a student, read the NHS guidance on healthcare and studying abroad.
You can find an English-speaking doctor in Italy.
You must check your prescriptions are legal in Italy.
There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.
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You can apply for or renew your British passport from Italy.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.stay.
You’ll need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
The rules on travel will stay the same until the end of the implementation period on 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to travel to countries in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU with your UK passport.
We will update these pages with details of any changes to the rules as soon as information is available. You should sign up for updates to this guidance.
Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you are resident in Italy, exchange your UK licence for an Italian one. You can still use your Italian licence in the UK or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.
For information on driving in Italy, read the guidance on:
If you are in Italy and your UK driving licence is lost, stolen or expires you will not be able to renew it with the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will need to apply to the DVLA for a ‘certificate of entitlement’ in Italian to be able to apply for an Italian driving licence.
Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.
If you move to Italy with your UK-registered car, you must register your car with Italian licence plates within 60 days of being officially resident in Italy. If not, your car may be impounded.
Be aware that from the moment you start the process of registering your car in Italy you will not be able to use your car, until you get your new documentation and licence plates. For more information, contact an Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile.
You can read the European Union’s guidance on car registration and taxes in Italy. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so, you will need certificates of exemption.
Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you are registered as a resident in Italy, you have the right to work in Italy. Read our guidance on working in anotheran EU Countrycountry. To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
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Youror before 31 December 2020, your right to work will stay the same, as long as you remain resident in Italy.
The UK has a double-taxationdouble taxation agreement with Italy to make sure thatyou people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Italy have not changed.
Read guidance about:
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Italy. You can find a tax adviser or business consultant (commercialista) at the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy or Centro Assistenza Fiscale – Tax Assistance Centre (CAF), or find an English-speaking lawyer.
Check if you need to file an annual declaration of overseas assets using the Quadro RW form (part of the annual Unico tax form). There are severe penalties if you do not file, or give incorrect or incomplete information.
You can get more information from a tax adviser or business consultant (commercialista) at the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy or Centro Assistenza Fiscale – Tax Assistance Centre (CAF).
Find out if you can pay National Insurance while abroad so that you protect your UK State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued A1/E101 form, you will remain subject to UK legislation until the end date on the form.
Brexit will not change existing double-taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Italy. Send your questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you retire in Italy, you can claim:
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.
If you are living in Italy by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.
If you work and pay social security contributions in Italy, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Italian pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after the31 endDecember of2020.
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You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Italy.
Many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
You may be eligible to claim some Italian social security benefits.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you work and pay social security contributions in Italy, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Italian contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after the31 endDecember of2020.
Read theour implementationguidance period.on benefits and pensions in the EU.
IfYou you’recannot residentvote inor Italy,stand you can vote in local municipal andelections in Italy or European ParliamentaryParliament elections.elections.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
You will no longer be eligible to vote or stand in local and European elections after Brexit.
If your child is born in Italy, you will need to register the birth abroad.
If someone dies in Italy you can:
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Italy.
BrexitThe will not affect the right of UK nationals (resident in Italy and elsewhere) to get married in Italy.Italy will not change as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
Read our guidance on getting married abroad for the latest information.
Read guidance on how to buy a property in Italy.
You can buy property or land in Italy if you are:
We will be seeking a reciprocal agreement to make sure that UK nationals who are not resident in Italy can continue to purchase property in ItalyItaly. after Brexit. We will update this guidance whenas theresoon isas moreinformation information.is available.
Current pet travel rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time you must visit your vet to get a pet passport.
Read guidance on bringing your pet travelto the UK.
You can dial the European emergency number on 112 or:
If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact the British Embassy in Rome or the British Consulate General Milan.
Tell the UK and Italian authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently. To help prove you are now living in the UK, de-register with your:
If you get UK State Pension or benefits payments, you must tell the International Pension Centre and the Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale (INPS). You must also contact the Agenzia delle Entrate before you return to the UK.
If you get healthcare in Italy through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Contact us through our web form if you have a specific question on howliving Brexitin will affect your rights.Italy.
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Italian authorities. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
New information on the Withdrawal Agreement and a new link to Italian government guidance on healthcare in the ‘Stay up to date’ section. 7 February 2020
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
Brexit update: information updated in 'driving in Italy after Brexit' section
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
update on getting married in Italy - 26 July 2019
Updated 25 July 2019
EU Exit update: information on no-deal conditions for passports and visas
New link to Ambassador's newsletters - updated 7 May 2019
EU Exit update: updated text for passports, pensions, and returning to the UK.
EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections
EU Exit update: Italian government issues emergency decree on the UK leaving the EU without a deal explaining the impact it has on UK nationals living in Italy
webpage address for ACRO criminal records office made more precise. March 2019
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
EU Exit Update: On residency appointments and information on getting married in Italy.
Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
Update to section on re-registering a car in Italy 14 February 2019
EU Exit update: Further information about residency applications added to the Italian government residency announcement
EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare
EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
EU Exit update: added in further information about 'applying for Italian citizenship'.
Update on voting rights 2 January 2019
Italian govt announcement on EU exit.
EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
Link to page listing ambassador's messages to British nationals regarding EU exit. Added 8 November 2018
Amended July 2018
We have added more information on applying for Italian citizenship.
More detail on how to register for healthcare added.
Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
Major changes in all fields
Updated guidance on UK state pensions in Italy
Information added on changes to EHIC rules and health cover for early retirees.
Updated the witness instructions for UK state pension life certificates.
Added link for healthcare in Italy
talian residence permit details updated.
First published.
2024-07-17 13:46
Update to visas and residency with information for people who were living in Italy before 1 January 2021.
2024-07-03 12:14
The healthcare section for British nationals living in Italy before 1 January 2021 has been updated,
2024-06-10 15:30
Passport section completely revised to reflect the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES), scheduled for Autumn 2024.
2024-05-17 11:52
Healthcare section updated 17 May 2024
2024-03-14 14:46
Update to the paragraph on Healthcare – 14 March 2024
2024-03-08 13:19
There is an update on the healthcare for those living in Italy before 1 January 2021.The Italian Government has recently decided that:British nationals who entered and have been living in Italy prior to 1 January 2021 and are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement can register for free (iscrizione obbligatoria) with the Italian National Health System (Sistema Sanitario Nazionale) and are therefore not required to make voluntary contributions. We continue to engage to fully understand guidelines and requirements. Any update will be posted here.
2024-01-24 16:07
Driving in Italy section updated 24 January 2024
2023-08-03 14:02
Coronavirus paragraph removed due to end of pandemic.
2023-04-19 12:59
Updated instructions on how to exchange your UK licence
2023-03-27 11:16
Update on bilateral (driving licence) exchange agreement and entry into force date
2022-12-30 09:55
Driving in Italy update
2022-12-23 12:46
New UK-Italy Bilateral Agreement on driving licence exchange signed
2022-12-23 10:01
Driving License update
2022-10-20 14:13
Changes to wording in healthcare section – updated 20-10-22
2022-03-11 09:00
Important information in the ‘Working in Italy’ and ‘National insurance and social security contributions’ sections if you work in Italy, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
2022-01-24 08:30
2022-01-14 12:45
Driving section: updated guidance about how long valid UK licences will be recognised for in Italy.
2021-12-29 13:15
Extension to 31 December 2022 for exchanging your valid UK driving licence for an Italian one.
2021-05-20 10:04
Updates to Withdrawal Agreement and Visa and Residency sections with updated information from the Italian government; update in Passports section on documentation for spot checks; Driving section updated with latest deadlines on licence validity.
2021-02-22 15:22
New link to detailed guidance on how to get the new biometric residence card
2021-02-15 14:36
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
2020-10-13 09:43
updated to include ANCI guidance on registering as a resident in Italy
2020-09-09 10:30
We have updated the Citizens' Rights Information Booklet
2020-09-07 13:02
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
2020-07-24 08:48
Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
2020-05-04 13:23
Information added to the 'Visas and residency' section on the impact of Covid-19 measures on local residency processes in Italy
2020-03-10 13:03
Link to travel advice added for latest coronavirus guidance
2020-03-03 13:29
A new link to Italian government guidance on residency registration in the 'Stay up to date' section.
2020-02-07 14:02
New information on the Withdrawal Agreement and a new link to Italian government guidance on healthcare in the 'Stay up to date' section. 7 February 2020
2020-01-23 16:36
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
2019-10-23 16:10
Brexit update: information updated in 'driving in Italy after Brexit' section
2019-09-23 16:46
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 16:45
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-07-29 08:31
update on getting married in Italy – 26 July 2019
2019-07-25 14:54
Updated 25 July 2019
2019-05-31 15:44
EU Exit update: information on no-deal conditions for passports and visas
2019-05-07 14:35
New link to Ambassador's newsletters – updated 7 May 2019
2019-04-15 14:13
EU Exit update: updated text for passports, pensions, and returning to the UK.
2019-04-09 19:07
EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections