Guide: Essential Tasks for Expats Moving to Italy in 2025 (U.K. Residents)

Moving to Italy Post-Brexit: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Nationals

British nationals, seeking a new life in Italy after Brexit, face new immigration rules similar to those for non-EU citizens. below is a detailed guide to navigating the visa and residency permit process in Italy for UK expats.

Key Changes Post-Brexit

Residents in Italy prior to December 31, 2020, under the Withdrawal Agreement can maintain their residency rights by registering with Italian authorities[1].
New arrivals are subject to the usual immigration rules for non-EU/EEA nationals[1][2].

Visas for UK Nationals

There are several visas available for UK citizens, based on their reasons for moving:

Elective Residency Visa: Ideal for retirees or those with sufficient passive income[3]. Applicants must provide proof of income and suitable accommodation.
Self-Employment Visa (Libero Professionista): Suitable for freelancers and independent professionals. Requires a comprehensive business plan and evidence of professional qualifications.
Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato): Essential for those with a job offer from an Italian employer. The employer usually leads the application process.
Student Visa: For scholars enrolled in Italian educational institutions. Applicants must offer proof of admission and financial means.
Digital Nomad Visa (anticipated in 2025): Designed for remote workers, though specifics are yet to be finalized[2].

Application Process

1. Determine the Appropriate Visa Type: Select the visa best suited to your reason for moving (work, study, retirement, freelancing, or remote work)[4].2. Gather Required Documents: Prepare documents such as: - Valid UK passport - Proof of income or financial means (amount varies by visa type) - Health insurance coverage - Accommodation arrangements - Job offer (for work visas) or enrolment letter (for student visas) - Business plan (for self-employment visas)

3. Apply at the Italian Consulate or Embassy in the UK: Submit your visa application, passport, support documents, and the required fee.4. Receive Entry Visa: If approved, you will receive a visa authorizing you to enter Italy.5. Register in Italy: Within eight days of arrival, apply for a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the local immigration office (questura).6. Residency Permit: Regularly renew the permit to maintain your residency status and comply with Italian legislation[4].

Associated Challenges

Documentation Requirements: Gathering documents can be complex and time-consuming.
Language Barrier: Italian bureaucracy often requires knowledge of Italian [5].
Processing Times: Visa and residency permit processing can be drawn-out, sometimes taking several months.
Legislation Changes: New rules or visa categories may be introduced, necessitating staying informed [2][5].
Job Market Restrictions: Work visas are usually employer-specific, making career changes tricky without reapplying [2].

Key Takeaways

UK expats moving to Italy post-Brexit must carefully determine the appropriate visa, gather extensive documentation, and navigate the Italian immigration process[6].
Healthcare access is contingent on one's residency status. Those covered by the Withdrawal Agreement retain rights; new arrivals need private insurance or Italian healthcare registration[1].
UK nationals are entitled to visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within every 180-day period; extended stays require a visa and residency permit[1][6].

In conclusion, UK nationals moving to Italy post-Brexit should meticulously choose the suitable visa, collect a wealth of documentation, and persevere through the Italian immigration process, which could present numerous bureaucratic and practical challenges[2][6].

[1] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-italy#healthcare[2] https://www.expatica.com/it/moving-to-Italy[3] https://www.italymovilita.esteri.it/home/en/vistitele_0[4] https://www.expatica.com/it/itallian-law/residents-guides/moving-to-Italy-what-you-need-to-know[5] https://www.ireland.angloinformation.com/moving-to-Italy[6] https://eu.usembassy.gov/european-union/brexit-uk-nationals-residing-european-union-member-states-3/

UK nationals relocating to Italy following Brexit must adhere to new immigration policies akin to non-EU citizens.
Individuals who lived in Italy before December 31, 2020, under the Withdrawal Agreement can maintain their residency rights by registering with the Italian authorities.
Newcomers to Italy will be subject to the standard immigration rules applied to non-EU/EEA residents.
The Elective Residency Visa, appropriate for retirees or digitally nomads with adequate income, necessitates proof of income and accommodation.
Self-Employment Visa applicants, including freelancers, must provide a detailed business plan and evidence of professional qualifications.
To secure a Work Visa, UK expats must have a job offer from an Italian employer, with the employer typically leading the application process.
The Students Visa is for scholars enrolled in Italian educational institutions, requiring admission and financial means proof.
Italians offer the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, but specifics are yet to be finalized.
The visa application process involves selecting the suitable visa, preparing necessary documents, and submitting them to the Italian Consulate or Embassy in the UK.
Upon approval, UK expats will receive an entry visa authorizing them to enter Italy.
Within eight days of arriving in Italy, they must apply for a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the local immigration office (questura).
UK expats should regularly renew their permesso di soggiorno to maintain their residency status and abide by Italian law.
Aside from navigating the Italian bureaucracy and preparation of various documents, UK nationals might experience longer visa and residency permit processing times, potential changes in legislation, job market restrictions, and a language barrier.