The UK’s departure from the European Union (Brexit) has resulted in confusion for many British citizens who are considering moving to Italy. What was once a simple process now requires time and administration and, in some cases, will be costly. That being said, it is still possible to move to Italy after Brexit. We’ve put together this guide to answer the most common questions.
Can I still move to Italy after Brexit?
Yes, it is still possible for British citizens to move to Italy after Brexit. However, you will need to ensure that you have a long-stay visa and Italian residence permit in place. There are various residence permits available depending on the type of long-stay visa that you have such as working (regular or seasonal), studying or for family reunification.
How long can I stay in Italy after Brexit?
British citizens are now subject to a maximum of 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen area, within any 180-day period. If you are looking to exceed this then an Italian residence permit will be required.
Can I drive in Italy with a UK Licence after Brexit?
If you have a full UK driving licence upon moving to Italy, this will be valid for up to 1 year from the date you gain Italian residency. Beyond this, you will need to take an Italian driving test in order to gain an Italian driving licence.
Can I retire to Italy after Brexit?
Retiring to Italy is an appealing idea for many British Citizens. In order to do so, you will need to apply for an Elective Residence Permit, which is also known as the Retirement Residence Permit.
This permit will allow you to stay in Italy without working, in order to gain one of these you must be able to prove that you have an alternative source of income.
How do I apply for an Italian residence permit?
Prior to Brexit, a British citizen was also an EU citizen and therefore the process of applying for a residence permit was quick and easy, providing you were able to meet the criteria.
However, the process of moving to Italy from the UK after Brexit is more complex and can take months, if not longer. Here are the steps you will need to take:
- Apply to the Italian Consulate in London for a long-stay visa (you will need this to apply for residency when you arrive in Italy)
- Once your visa is approved you can make your move to Italy
- Within 8 days of your arrival in Italy, head to your local ‘Sportello Amico’ counter, which will be within a Post Office. Here you will need to collect a ‘Permesso di Soggiorno’ kit (right to stay).
- Complete and return the kit to the Post Office along with the required ‘Marca da Bollo’ duty stamp (approx 16 Euros).
- You will then be given an appointment at your local ‘Questura’ (police office).
- Attend the appointment with your receipt from the post office and the originals of all the documents requested. You may also have to answer some additional questions.
Once these steps are complete, you will be told when you can return to the police station to collect your Italian residence permit card.
How long is my Italian residence permit valid?
Residence permits need to be renewed at different intervals depending on the type of permit you have. The renewal process is the same as the application process. It is important to note that you cannot leave Italy during the renewal process.
- A permit of up to 6 months should be renewed at least 30 days before expiry
- A permit of up to 1 year should be renewed at least 90 days before expiry
- A permit of up to 2 years should be renewed at least 90 days before expiry
Once you have been living in Italy for 5 uninterrupted years, you will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit. This will grant you the same rights as Italian nationals.
If you are currently thinking about moving to Italy or another country in the EU, our international moving advice is on hand. If you have already decided to make the move, our international shipping, removals and storage solutions will help you to take care of the process.
