Guidance

Living in Italy

Information about moving to, living or retiring in Italy – including visas, working, healthcare and driving. 

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:  

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:  

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:   

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:  

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:  

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. 

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:  

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:  

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:  

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

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:  

For more information, read:  

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:  

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: 

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:  

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:  

You can also: 

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:  

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:  

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 

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: 

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:  

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: 

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.

Updates to this page

Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 3 November 2025 show all updates
  1. Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.

  2. Updated information about introduction of EES on 12 October 2025.

  3. This guidance has been reviewed and updated where necessary.

  4. Added section about Name change and proving your identity. Added section about Sailing in Italy with attachments to administrative letters. Update regarding EU EES (Entry Exit System).

  5. Update to visas and residency with information for people who were living in Italy before 1 January 2021.

  6. The healthcare section for British nationals living in Italy before 1 January 2021 has been updated,

  7. Passport section completely revised to reflect the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES), scheduled for Autumn 2024.

  8. Healthcare section updated 17 May 2024

  9. Update to the paragraph on Healthcare - 14 March 2024

  10. 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.

  11. Driving in Italy section updated 24 January 2024

  12. Updated section on passport stamping for residents in Italy 28-09-23

  13. Coronavirus paragraph removed due to end of pandemic.

  14. Updated instructions on how to exchange your UK licence

  15. Update on bilateral (driving licence) exchange agreement and entry into force date

  16. Driving in Italy update

  17. New UK-Italy Bilateral Agreement on driving licence exchange signed

  18. Driving License update

  19. Changes to wording in healthcare section - updated 20-10-22

  20. 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.

  21. Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and working in Italy sections.

  22. Driving section: updated guidance about how long valid UK licences will be recognised for in Italy.

  23. Extension to 31 December 2022 for exchanging your valid UK driving licence for an Italian one.

  24. Visas and residency section updated: The additional support provided by the UK Nationals Support Fund to UK nationals making their residency application, will end on 30 September 2021. Contact the relevant implementing partner before this date if you need this additional support. 8 September 2021

  25. Guidance reviewed for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, and Useful information sections.

  26. Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Italy, Studying in Italy, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.

  27. Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Italy after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.

  28. Working in Italy section updated: new guidance for frontier workers

  29. 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.

  30. Visas and residency section updated: new information on your legal requirement to register guests staying with you.

  31. Additional support section updated with link to guidance on UK Nationals Support Fund, healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; education section updated with information on moving to study in Italy; and working in Italy section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and link to DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.

  32. Updated guidance on buying property and working in Italy

  33. Update to links regarding Driving in Italy - 7 April 2021

  34. New link to detailed guidance on how to get the new biometric residence card

  35. Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.

  36. Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, driving, pet travel and moving to Italy

  37. Uploaded a Healthcare Information Booklet

  38. Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.

  39. Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.

  40. Visa and residency section updated with new links to detailed guidance on how to register for residency

  41. updated to include ANCI guidance on registering as a resident in Italy

  42. We have updated the Citizens' Rights Information Booklet

  43. Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021

  44. 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.

  45. Information added to the 'Visas and residency' section on the impact of Covid-19 measures on local residency processes in Italy

  46. Link to travel advice added for latest coronavirus guidance

  47. A new link to Italian government guidance on residency registration in the ‘Stay up to date’ section.

  48. 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

  49. Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.

  50. Brexit update: information updated in 'driving in Italy after Brexit' section

  51. Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement

  52. Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.

  53. update on getting married in Italy - 26 July 2019

  54. Updated 25 July 2019

  55. EU Exit update: information on no-deal conditions for passports and visas

  56. New link to Ambassador's newsletters - updated 7 May 2019

  57. EU Exit update: updated text for passports, pensions, and returning to the UK.

  58. EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections

  59. 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

  60. webpage address for ACRO criminal records office made more precise. March 2019

  61. We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.

  62. EU Exit Update: On residency appointments and information on getting married in Italy.

  63. Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip

  64. Update to section on re-registering a car in Italy 14 February 2019

  65. EU Exit update: Further information about residency applications added to the Italian government residency announcement

  66. EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare

  67. EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.

  68. EU Exit update: added in further information about 'applying for Italian citizenship'.

  69. Update on voting rights 2 January 2019

  70. Italian govt announcement on EU exit.

  71. 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.

  72. Link to page listing ambassador's messages to British nationals regarding EU exit. Added 8 November 2018

  73. Amended July 2018

  74. We have added more information on applying for Italian citizenship.

  75. More detail on how to register for healthcare added.

  76. Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

  77. Major changes in all fields

  78. Updated guidance on UK state pensions in Italy

  79. Information added on changes to EHIC rules and health cover for early retirees.

  80. Updated the witness instructions for UK state pension life certificates.

  81. Added link for healthcare in Italy

  82. talian residence permit details updated.

  83. First published.

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