Getting help with living in Italy  

Help from the Italian government  

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

• Consulate General of Italy in London 

• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

The UK government, the British Embassy in Rome and British Consulate General in Milan cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Italy. 

Professional help in Italy 

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

• lawyers  

• translators  

• notaries   

• funeral directors   

Help from the UK government   

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:   

• visas and entry requirements   

• laws and cultural differences  

• safety and security  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.   

Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.   

Visas, residency and citizenship 

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

Visas and residence permits 

Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Italy.  

You can get a visa to:   

• work, including as a digital nomad or remote worker  

• study  

• live with family in Italy  

• do research  

• invest or do business in Italy 

• live in Italy without working  

• perform religious activities  

For more information, read:  

• the Italian government’s frequently asked questions on entry into Italy 

• the step-by-step guide to applying for an Italian visa from VSF global, Italy’s official visa partner 

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

The Italian police website explains how and where to get a residence permit in Italy. 

Registering as a resident  

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

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

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

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

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

• an English-speaking lawyer in Italy  

Extending or replacing your residence permit  

Contact your local police headquarters (‘questura’) (in Italian) for information on how to:  

• extend your visa or residency permit  

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

Permanent residency  

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

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the Italian police’s guidance on the EU long-term residence permit for non-EU citizens (in Italian). 

Citizenship  

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.  

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

• read guidance on Italian citizenship and becoming an Italian citizen 

• contact the Italian Ministry of the Interior (in Italian)  

• contact the Consulate General of Italy in London 

Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications 

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

For any questions or issues, contact:  

• your local police headquarters (‘questura’) (in Italian) 

• the Consulate General of Italy in London 

• an English-speaking lawyer in Italy 

Police identification checks  

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. 

Residency if you moved to Italy before 1 January 2021 

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.  

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

If you moved to Italy before 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).  

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 entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Italy or other Schengen countries.  

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

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’.  

These documents prove that you have:  

• permanent resident status 

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

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

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

Exchanging a temporary residence card for a permanent residence card  

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 local police headquarters (‘questura’) (in Italian), even if your 5-year card has not yet expired.  

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.  

If you do not have a residence document 

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.  

To do this, book an appointment at the immigration office at local police headquarters (‘questura’) (in Italian).  You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time. 

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

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Italy. 

For more information on how to appeal, contact your local prefecture (in Italian). 

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

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

Contact your local police headquarters (‘questura’) (in Italian) for information on how to renew your ‘carta di soggiorno’.  

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

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

• which family members can join you in Italy  

• how and when they should apply for their residence document  

Permitted absences and loss of residence status  

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

Passports and travel  

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

• apply for a British passport from abroad 

• travel urgently without your British passport 

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.  

Always carry your passport and residence document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. 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.  

If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Italy using your EU or EFTA passport. 

Dual citizens travelling to the UK 

When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.

European Entry/Exit System (EES) 

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area . 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.  

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.  

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. 

For more information about how the EES works, read:  

• EU guidance on the EES 

• guidance on the EES for UK nationals  

Healthcare in Italy 

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

• plan your healthcare 

• take medicine abroad 

To find out how to get medical treatment:  

• read guidance on healthcare in Italy and health in Italy 

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

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can also read the Italian Ministry of Health’s note on healthcare rights (in Italian) (PDF, 1.34KB).

Working in Italy  

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

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.   

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 Ministry of Employment’s information for employers on registering work contracts for UK nationals (in Italian).  

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

• UK police certificate 

• Italian criminal records certificate (‘certificato casellario giudiziale’) 

If you live in Italy and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers. 

Seafarers entering Italy who have served on a UK or a UK territory flagged vessel may need to show the Italian authorities UK law on validation of sea time (in English and Italian) (PDF, 228 KB, 2 pages). British embassies and consulates do not validate sea service.

Recognition of qualifications 

If you want to work in Italy, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.  

Driving in Italy 

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

• drive abroad legally 

• take your UK vehicle abroad  

• get driving licence letters 

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport provides information on driving in Italy, including how to:  

• exchange a foreign driving licence (in Italian) 

• get an Italian driving licence (in Italian) 

For more information, read:  

• driving in the EU 

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

• the Italian driver’s portal (in Italian) 

• the UK and Italy bilateral agreement on driving licence exchange (PDF, 1.4MB) 

Driving in Italy using a foreign driving licence  

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:  

• the UK 

• Gibraltar 

• Jersey 

• Guernsey 

• the Isle of Man 

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

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

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

• you became resident in Italy before 1 January 2023 

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

You will not need to take a driving test.  

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.  

To exchange your licence, book an appointment with your local Motorisation Office (‘Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile’) (in Italian). The Italian government’s guidance on how to exchange a foreign driving licence (in Italian) 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. 

In some cases, the Motorisation Office may ask for an official translation of your driving licence. If they do, contact an English-speaking translator in Italy to organise a legal translation.  

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.   

Exchanging an expired UK, Gibraltar, Jersey or Guernsey licence  

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

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

Applying for an Italian driving licence 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact your local Motorisation Office (‘Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile’) (in Italian) for more information.  

Disabled drivers 

You may be able to apply for an EU parking card for people with disabilities or a new Italian disabled parking card (in Italian).  

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

Driving a foreign registered car in Italy 

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

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. 

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. 

For more information:  

• read Art. 93-bis of the Italian Highway Code (in Italian) 

• contact an Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile (in Italian)  

Tax  

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

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

Contact the Italian Revenue Agency for any questions about double taxation relief. 

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Italy. To do this find: 

• an English-speaking lawyer in Italy 

• a tax adviser or business consultant (‘commercialista’) at the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy or the Italian Tax Assistance Centre (CAF) (in Italian) 

Declaring your assets 

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. 

There are severe penalties if you:  

• do not file  

• give incorrect or incomplete information 

National Insurance  

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

Pensions 

Claiming your UK pension 

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

• how to claim your UK State Pension 

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

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

Claiming an Italian pension 

Contact the Italian Social Security Institute (INPS) to find out whether you can claim an Italian pension.  

Benefits  

Claiming UK benefits  

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

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

Claiming Italian benefits  

You may be entitled to some Italian benefits.  

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

• read the Italian Social Security Institute (INPS) guidance on pensions and social security  

• contact INPS  

Buying and renting property in Italy 

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

Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Italy if you’re considering buying property or land.  

Hosting guests at your property 

If you host a non-EU national as a guest, you must tell your local immigration office (‘questura’) (in Italian). You must do this in writing within 48 hours after they arrive at your property. 

You could get a fine if you do not comply with this Italian immigration law (in Italian). 

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. 

Voting in Italy 

UK elections 

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

• vote in UK elections from abroad 

• register as an overseas voter 

Italian elections  

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

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

Studying in Italy 

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

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.  

For more information, read guidance on:  

• studying in the EU 

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

You can also: 

• contact your higher education provider in the UK or Italy  

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

• contact the Consulate General of Italy in London 

Children 

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

• getting permission to take your child abroad  

• claiming UK Child Benefit abroad 

• child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad 

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

Schools and education 

The European Commission provides information about the school system in Italy.  

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

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

• enrolling your child in school 

• finding a school for your child 

• the Italian school curriculum 

Childcare  

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

For more information, read guidance on:  

• early childhood education and care in Italy 

• subsidised nursery hours (‘Bonus Asilo Nido’) (in Italian)  

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships 

Births  

If your child is born in Italy, read guidance on registering the birth with the Italian authorities.  

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

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

• apply for your child’s first British passport 

If you’re an unmarried father, you’ll need to formally acknowledge paternity to be legally recognised as the child’s father. You can do this when the birth is registered, including at the hospital, or through a separate declaration. To do a late registration, you may need to show the Italian authorities UK law on recognition of a child (in English and Italian) (PDF, 223 KB, 3 pages).

Deaths  

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

• what to do after someone dies abroad 

• how to register the death with the UK authorities  

If someone dies in Italy, read guidance on: 

• what to do when someone dies in Italy 

• English-speaking funeral directors in Italy 

Marriages and civil partnerships  

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

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

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

Divorce and separation 

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

The European e-Justice portal offers guidance on divorce and legal separation in Italy.  

Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Italy. 

Documents for British people in Italy 

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

• legalising and certifying UK documents  

• marriage and civil partnership documents 

• affirmations and affidavits  

• witnessing signatures 

UK education documents 

Read the Italian government’s guidance on recognition of British qualifications in Italy. 

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

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

If you need your qualification evaluated in Italy, contact ENIC-NARIC. 

Proving your identity after a name change  

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.  

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

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

Lawyers, translators and notaries  

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

Pets 

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

• travelling to Italy with pets  

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

Returning to the UK  

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

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Italy through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.    

You should also de-register with: 

• your local town hall (‘Comune’) (in Italian) 

• your local health department (ASL) 

To move your Italian pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre and the Italian Social Security Institute (INPS) (in Italian).  

You must also contact the Italian Revenue Agency before you return to the UK. 

Disclaimer  

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

Read our consular information disclaimer.