Living in Italy

Coronavirus

You should follow the advice of the Italian Government and your local authority. You can also read our Italy travel advice for our latest guidance.

For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Italy see our coronavirus travel advice

Stay up to date

You should:

• sign up to email alerts to this guidance
• follow the British Embassy in Italy on Facebook and Twitter

You can also read:

• our Ambassador’s newsletters to UK nationals
• the Italian government’s guidance on the Withdrawal Agreement and citizens’ rights (in English) or the same guidance on the Withdrawal Agreement and citizens’ rights (in Italian)
• the Italian government’sMinistry guidanceof onInterior’s announcement of the new Withdrawal Agreement residency document (in Italian and English)Italian)
• our Citizens’ Rights Information Booklet and our Citizens’Citizen’s Rightsrights information handout
• our guide on non-EU family members’ rights

Attend a citizen outreach event

The British Embassy holds events across Italy for UK nationals. JoinAttend one of our online citizens’ outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in Italy.

The Withdrawal Agreement

IfThe 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 werecan legallycontinue residentto live, work and study in Italythe EU broadly as you did before 131 January 2021,2020.

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

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You should also read our guidance on living in Europe.

Visas and residency

TheCheck Italianthe governmententry hasrequirements introduced a new biometric residence document for UK nationals and their family members. Italy.

Residency

If you wereare livingresident in Italy before 1the Januarytransition 2021period ends on 31 December 2020, you shouldwill getbe thisable document.to stay.

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  Additional support

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  The residentgovernment inhas Italy,announced andfunding needfor helporganisations to completeprovide theirpractical residencesupport applicationto orUK registration,nationals canwho getmay supporthave fromdifficulty organisationscompleting fundedtheir byresidency theapplication UKor Nationals Support Fund.registration.

  This support is only available only to peoplethose who need additional helphelp. toThis secure their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. They may include pensioners, disabled people, people living in remote areas or people who have mobility difficulties.

  SupportThe services available includes:for people who need this additional support include:

  • answering questions about residenceresidency applications, such as the documents yourequired need and how the application process worksprocedure
  • guiding youindividuals through the process, if necessary
  • supportsupporting ifpeople youfacing experience language barriers or difficulty accessing online information and servicestechnology

  In Italy, this practical support is being provided by The International Organisation for Migration. If you,you or someone you know,know aremay havinghave difficulty completing residencethe paperworkpaperwork, oryou havecan anycontact questions,them contactusing the IOM:details below to discuss how they may be able to help you.

  • hotline:

    The International Organisation for Migration (IOM)

    Hotline: 800 684 884

  • email:

    Email: UKnationalsit@iom.int

  Moving

  Healthcare

  If toyou’re living in Italy

  Check theor entrymove requirementsthere forpermanently before 31 December 2020, you’ll have life-long healthcare rights in Italy andas readyou thedo Italiannow, embassyprovided you remain resident.

  Read our guidance on visasaccessing healthcare in Italy and how to register.

  Healthcare

  After you have registered your residency, you need to register with the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN) through your local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale – ASL).

  You can register for free with the SSN if:

  • you have a work contract, are self-employed in Italy or are an immediate family member of someone who is
  • you are an immediate family member of an Italian citizen
  • you hold an Attestazione di Soggiorno Permanente
  • you become unemployed after having worked in Italy, and register on the employment lists (liste di collocamento). This also applies if you register for a professional training course while you are unemployed
  • you hold a UK social security form, such as an S1 form for pensioners

  If you do not qualifyfall forinto freeone SSNof registration,the youabove categories you may be able to pay an annual fee to register .with Contact your ASLSSN toby seepaying ifan youannual canfee. doThis thisdepends inon the region whereof you live.

  Read our guidance on healthcare in Italy and make sure you arelive correctlyin. registered.

  You canshould alsocontact read:

  • how to access healthcare as a posted worker if your UKASL employer has sent you to Italy temporarily
  • our healthcare guide on how to access healthcare in Italy
  • the Italian Ministry of Health’s informative note for local healthcare authorities on implementing healthcare rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (in Italian)
  .

  State healthcare: S1

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  Read our guidance on usinghow to get an S1 form in Italy to ensure you are correctly registered for healthcare..

  European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

  If you are resident in Italy, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC for healthcare in Italy.

  IfWhen you weretravel livingfrom Italy for a temporary stay in Italyanother beforeEuropean 1Economic JanuaryArea 2021,(EEA) country or Switzerland, you maycan beuse eligiblean forEHIC ato newaccess UK-issuedstate-provided EHIChealthcare ifin youthat are:country. During that short stay:

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  pages

If you are registered for public healthcare as a resident in Italy, and are travelling outside of Italy, carry your Italian EHICEuropean health card (Tessera Europea di Assicurazione Malattia –TEAM) with you. An

There EHICwill isbe notno achanges replacementto foryour comprehensivehealthcare travelaccess insurance.before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.

You should also read guidance on:

• the Italian government’s guidance on reciprocal healthcare rights during the transition period (in Italian)
• healthcare and studying abroad
• finding an English-speaking doctor in Italy
• checking your prescriptions are legal in Italy

Passports and travel

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Passports2021

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

From You1 canJanuary apply2021, foryou or renew your British passport from Italy.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Italy, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

You will need to Renewrenew your passport before bookingtravelling your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. YouYour passport may alsobe needstamped tofor showvisits ato returnthese or onward ticket.countries.

Entry requirements

YouFrom can1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism.

To stayThis longeris thana 90rolling days180-day inperiod.

To anystay 180-dayfor period,longer, to work or study, or for business travel, you will mustneed to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travellingtravelling. to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.

Periods of timestay authorised byunder a visa or permit will not count towardsagainst yourthe 90-day visa-free limit. Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.

Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen area.Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

Travel to the UK and Ireland has not changed.

Driving in Italy

IfDriving youlicence arerules a resident in Italy you should obtain an Italian licence. You will needstay tothe takesame auntil driving31 testDecember to do so.2020.

If you startedare theresident processin ofItaly, exchangingexchange your UK licence beforefor 1an JanuaryItalian 2021,one youbefore will31 notDecember have to take a driving test.2020.

For information on driving in Italy, read the guidance on:

• what you need to drive abroad
• driving licenceslicence inexchange Italy(inand Italian)renewals
• contacting an Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile (in Italian)

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.

Driving in the UK with an Italian licence

Until the end of the transition period, you can still use your Italian licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test. These rules may change from 1 January 2021. We will update this page once more information is available.

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Italy

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 asfrom soonthe asmoment 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 (in Italian).

Working

You incan Italy

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Working in Italy

If you are planningregistered toas comea toresident Italyin Italy, you have the right to work,work youin mayItaly. needRead aour visaguidance on working in an EU country.

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

• UK criminal records certificate
• Italian criminal records certificate (Certificato del casellario giudiziale) issued by the Italian Law Court (Ufficio Casellario Giudiziale c/o Procura della Repubblica, Tribunale)

Frontier workers

If you liveare resident in Italy andon were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country, before 131 JanuaryDecember 20212020, youyour mayright need a permit to show you are a frontier worker. You must also check that you are correctly registered for residency. Read the Italian government’s guidance on the new Withdrawal Agreement residency document.

If you live in the UK or another EU or EFTA country and regularly commuted to work in Italy before 1 January 2021, you do not need a frontier worker permit. However, you can apply for one if you wish. You can obtain a new frontier worker permit from your local immigration office (questura).

Studying in Italy

You will bestay eligible for broadly the samesame, support as Italian nationals, as long as you wereremain legally resident in Italy before 1 January 2021.

Make sure you are correctly registered for residency and healthcare.

You must have healthcare cover before you can register your residency with your local town hall (comune).

Valid forms of healthcare cover include:

• paying voluntary contributions (iscrizione volontaria) to register for state-funded healthcare
• private healthcare cover

A UK-issued EHIC is not valid as evidence of healthcare when you register. You can temporarily register your presence in Italy with the local town hall via the ‘registro della popolazione temporanea’ (temporary register) using a UK-issued EHIC for your healthcare. This registration will ensure you retain your rights in Italy while you are studying here.

Once registered (temporarily or fully) you should obtain the new residency biometric card from your local questura to evidence your rights in Italy. Read the Italian government’s guidance on the new Withdrawal Agreement residency document.

Money and tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Italy to make sure you 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 continuehave tonot apply.changed.

Read guidance about:

• telling HMRC if you leave the UK to live abroad
• the tax on your UK income if you live abroad
• paying income tax in Italy

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.

Declaration of overseas assets

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).

National Insurance

Find out if you needcan to pay National Insurance inwhile theabroad so that you protect your UK orState socialPension securityand contributionsentitlement into Italy.other benefits and allowances.

Banking

WhetherIf you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued banksA1/E101 canform, provideyou serviceswill remain subject to customersUK legislation until the end date on the form.

Banking

Most people living in theEurope EEAshould isnot asee matterany ofchange localto lawtheir andbanking regulation.after 31 December 2020. Your bank or finance provider should contact you if they need to make any changes to your product or the way they provide it. If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected, contact your provider or seek independent financial advice.

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on banking, insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.

Pensions

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Italy.

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire in Italy, you can claim:

• your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pensions Centre to claim
• your Italian and UK State Pension from the Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale (INPS), if you have worked in Italy
• pensions from working abroad, if you have worked in other EU countries

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes for more information on cross-border pensions.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

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.

Benefits

Pensions after 31 December 2020

ReadThere ourwill guidancebe no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on entitlementclaiming the UK State Pension 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 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 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to Italy on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

You whilecan youcontinue areto livingreceive your UK State Pension if you live in Italy.the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.

Benefits

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

CheckYou whichmay still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Italy.

• read our guidance on which benefits you can claim whileif you live abroad
• use andour howtool to check which benefits you can claim them.
  while you’re abroad

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.

Italian benefits

You may be eligible to claim some Italian social security benefits.

• read the EU’s guidance on claiming benefits in Italy

• visit your nearest Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale (INPS)

Benefits after 31 December 2020

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 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to Italy on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

Voting

You cannot vote or stand in local municipal elections in Italy or European Parliament elections.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

• check if you are able to vote
• register as an overseas voter to vote

Births, deaths and getting married

If your child is born in Italy, you will need to register the birth abroad.

If someone dies in Italy you can:

• read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
• read guidance for UK nationals on bereavements in Italy
• find a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Italy

Find out how you can get married abroad.

Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Italy.

Getting married in Italy

The right of UK nationals (resident in Italy and elsewhere) continue to have the right to get married in Italy.Italy has not changed.

Read our guidance on getting married abroad for the latest information.

Accommodation and buying property

UKRead nationalsguidance on how to buy a property in Italy.

You can buy property or land in Italy whetherif or not you liveare:

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• a guidancenational onfrom buyingoutside propertythe abroad.

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Emergencies

You can dial the European emergency number on 112 or:

• 113 for police
• 115 for fire brigade
• 118 for first aid

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.

Returning to the UK

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:

• local town hall (comune)
• the Italian State Police (residenza)
• your local health centre (ASL)

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.

If you have further questions

Contact us through our web form if you have a specific question on living in Italy.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Italian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.