Moving to Italy from the UK: 9 Things to Do and Know
- Last updated on: May 4, 2023
If you are looking for adventure, Italy is the perfect place to move from the UK because it is located in the heart of Europe, making it simple to travel to other European nations for a weekend vacation or a longer trip with your family and friends.
Moving to Italy from the UK can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. To help you decide if Italy is the best place for you, MovingWaldo listed the 9 things to do and know when moving to Italy from the UK with the best quality of life.
Important things to know before moving from the UK to Italy
1. First steps before moving to Italy from the UK
Discover the types of Italy visa requirements and permits
Check the visa residency and permits in Italy
If you wish to move to Italy from the UK permanently, you must apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). Within eight days of arriving in Italy, after obtaining a long-stay visa, you must apply for a residency permit. You can use this to stay in Italy for a maximum of five years before applying for a renewal.
It’s important to keep in mind that applying for a visa and a resident permit may be difficult and time-consuming, so it’s advised to get started long before your intended move to Italy. For more information about moving to Italy from the UK, you should speak with the Italian embassy or consulate in the UK.
Check the withdrawal Agreement ‘carta di soggiorno’
UK residents and their family members who have a valid residence permit in Italy before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020, were given the “carta di soggiorno” as part of the Withdrawal Agreement. According to the rules of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU, their ability to continue living and working in Italy is confirmed by the carta di soggiorno.
The carta di soggiorno plays an important role for British nationals living in Italy since it serves as identification and allows them to continue utilizing the country’s job opportunities, medical care, and other services.
Can I still move to Italy from the UK after Brexit?
After Brexit, British citizens can still move to Italy, however the procedure has changed since the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. A long-stay visa or a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) that permits a person to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must be applied for by UK nationals who are interested in moving there.
UK citizens who were legally residing in Italy before the transition period ended on December 31, 2020, may be eligible to apply for the Withdrawal Agreement “carta di soggiorno,” which confirms their right to continue living and working in Italy under the terms of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
The visa application procedure for UK residents who were not lawfully residing in Italy prior to the expiration of the transition period may be more challenging, depending on criteria such as the purpose of the stay, the length of the stay, and the individual’s personal circumstances.
How long does it take to get an Italian residence permit?
After the date of your application, it should take you 4–6 weeks to receive your Italian residency permit. A permanent residency permit may take up to three months to get.
Learn about the dual Citizenship in Italy
When applying for Italian dual citizenship from the UK, you have three options. These three methods include applying by descent (if you have an ancestor born in Italy), marriage (if you are married to an Italian citizen), or naturalization (by staying in Italy for a specified amount of time). You may check with the country’s consulate or embassy in the UK for information on dual nationality rules and regulations.
Student Visa
If you are a UK citizen and wish to study in Italy for more than 90 days, you must apply for a student visa (Type D visa) at your home country’s Italian embassy or consulate. To submit your visa application, you must make an appointment with the Italian embassy or consulate in the United Kingdom. Attend your appointment at the Italian embassy or consulate and submit your visa application with the necessary documentation.
Learn about the currency in Italy
The euro and centessimo, similar to the US dollar and cent, are the currency units of Italy (and the rest of Europe).
Prepare your pets
Travel with your pet dog, cat, or ferret by obtaining a pet passport or export health certificate, a microchip, immunizations, and tapeworm treatments. What you need to do depends on the country you’re visiting. Here are some guidelines for traveling with your small fur family.
What is the currency in Italy?
Italy’s official currency is the euro and centesimo.
Prepare for travel from the UK to Italy
- Plane – Many airlines operate direct flights from the United Kingdom to Italy. British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Alitalia are among the most popular airlines. The flight time from the United Kingdom to Italy varies depending on the location, however it is usually between 2-3 hours.
- Train – Eurostar provides direct travel options from London to Paris, where you may connect to a train to Italy.
- Bus – A few bus companies provide services between the United Kingdom and Italy. Eurolines is one of the most popular companies, and bus travel may be rather long, lasting between 24 and 30 hours depending on the route.
Not up to doing the move yourself? Hire an experienced removal company to do it for you.
How long is a flight from the UK to Italy?
The flight time from the United Kingdom to Italy varies depending on the location, however it is usually between 2-3 hours.
2. Upon your arrival in Italy
It is essential to get all necessary documentation before moving. Having these on available will assist you in legal matters and will serve as identification. Here are some of the first things to sort out upon your arrival:
Apply for residency permit
Upon your arrival in Italy, you must get your residency permit within 8 days. The application process for the permesso di soggiorno is separated into two parts: the post office and the questura. The application kit is an envelope with the required forms that you must fill out. They will also give you a receipt, which will serve as a temporary residence permit because the Questura appointment is usually 1-2 months away.
You must keep this receipt with you in case someone asks to see your residence permit to let them know you are in the process of getting one. Make sure not to sign the application or close the envelope because the officers reviewing your application must first review it. If everything checks out, they will offer you an appointment date to appear at the Questura (local police headquarters) for the second stage of your Italian residency permit application.
Register your Address in Italy
Registration of address in Italy is very important, especially if you plan to move. The Anagrafe of the comune (municipality) where you typically reside is where you should submit your request. This process must be followed each time an Italian changes their municipality of residence. When you move, you have 20 days to register at the Anagrafe of your new comune.
Update your driver’s license
If you already have a valid driver’s license from the United Kingdom or another EU nation, you may be able to exchange it for an Italian license without taking a practical driving test, however, you still have to pass the theoretical test and receive a medical certificate.
However, you are moving to Italy from the UK and plan to apply for a driver’s license for the first time, you will also need to obtain a residency permit, get a medical certificate, pass a theoretical exam, and enroll in practical driving lessons at an authorized driving school in Italy. It is recommended that you seek advice from a licensed driving school or the Italian Ministry of Transport for information needed.
Get your Italian Tax Number
The Codice Fiscale, or Italian Tax Number, is a unique identifying code provided by the Italian tax authorities to all persons who live or work in Italy. It is a very important document that acts as a form of identification in Italy for tax and administrative purposes. To receive a Codice Fiscale, you must apply to the Italian tax authorities and submit proof such as your passport or other forms of identification.
Set up your bank account
If you move to Italy from the UK, it is not mandatory to open an Italian bank account. However, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to do so, as many services and transactions in Italy are conducted through the local banking system. UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, and FinecoBank are among the Italian banks that provide services to British nationals living in Italy.
Check how healthcare works in Italy
The Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), Italy’s national healthcare system, offers complete medical treatment to all citizens and authorized foreign immigrants. One of the greatest in all of Europe, the Italian healthcare system is widely recognized. The majority of medical services are inexpensive or free, while some may need to be paid out of pocket.
3. Living in Italy
Finding a place to live in Italy
If you intend to move to Italy from the UK, you have the option to either purchase or rent a property. It is important to carefully read any terms and agreements before making any deposits. If you’re ready to start looking for a home, visit these websites:
- immobiliare.it
- idealista.it
- casa.it
- thribee.com
- altroaffitto.it
Utilities in Italy
When you move to Italy from the UK, it is important to set up accounts with the appropriate utility providers as soon as possible.
Electricity
Water
Gas
Many Italian families use gas for cooking and heating. Enel Energia, Hera Comm, A2A, and Edison are the primary gas providers in Italy.
Places to live in Italy
Italy is home to numerous stunning and distinctive cities and villages, each with its own charm and perfectly made for you to settle. Your personal preferences, way of life, and financial situation will all influence where you should live in Italy.
- Rome needs no explanation. It also has numerous foreign schools and has an outstanding standard of living.
- Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion center, making it a popular business and creative professional destination. It has a fast-paced lifestyle and a vibrant nightlife that are suitable for young professionals who want to settle into this kind of environment.
- Umbria is a less commonly recognized Italian area that provides a more affordable and authentic Italian way of life. It is an excellent choice for people looking for a more peaceful and rural environment.
4. Italy time difference to UK
The United Kingdom is one hour behind Italy.
Population of Italy vs UK
According to World Data, the United Kingdom has a total population of 67,327,000, compared to Italy’s population of 59,110,000.
5. Cost of living in Italy vs UK
Below is the cost of living in Italy vs the UK for 1 person monthly. While some costs are quite similar, Italy is cheaper on average compared to the UK.
Category | Average Cost in Italy | Average Cost in UK |
Buying a property per square meter
(outside city center) | €208.04 | £7,340.85 |
1-bedroom outside city centre | €509.55 | £1,453.53 |
Groceries (€33.68 multiplied by 4) | €134.72 | £169.48 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | €186.28 | £268.41 |
Internet | €27.93 | £28.96 |
Public transport (monthly pass) | €35.00 | £156 |
Meal at mid-range restaurant | €30.00 | £35 |
Movie Ticket | €9.00 | £12 |
Clothing (2 items) | €160.98 | £147.74 |
Monthly gym membership | €46.83 | £42.98 |
Total | €1,348.33 | £2,314.10 |
(*Numbeo)
How much is the average monthly cost of living for one person in Italy?
The average cost of living of one person in Italy is approximately €1,348.33
6. Broadband and cell phone in Italy
Broadband providers in Italy
When moving to Italy from the UK, it’s important to compare different broadband packages and pricing before choosing a provider because prices and services might vary based on the area and package type.
Some broadband providers in Italy that you may consider are Telecom Italia which is the largest telecommunications provider in Italy, Telecom Italia offers fixed-line and mobile phone services, internet, and digital TV. Others are Vodafone Italy, and Wind Tre.
Cell phone providers in Italy
Before selecting a cell phone provider in Italy, it is necessary to compare prices and cell phone packages. A valid Italian ID card or residency permit may also be required in order to sign a cell phone contract. Some cell phone providers are Wind Tre, Iliad, PosteMobile, Vodafone Italy, and Telecom Italia Mobile.
You can decide to use your phone when you move to Italy from the UK, but you should check with your mobile phone operator to see if there are any limits or roaming fees. As an alternative, you might be able to buy an Italian SIM card and use that for your phone while visiting and just present some sort of identity, such as a passport, in order to buy a prepaid SIM card.
7. Things to do as a local in Italy
- Italians love outdoor activities, so you can see them taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, cycling, or swimming.
- Italians are known as food lovers; during their free time, they visit their local cuisine and discover hidden gems, such as family-run trattorias or street food stalls.
- Italy is known for its bustling open-air markets, where you can find fresh produce, clothing, crafts, and other goods. You can see locals sitting in the market with their families during their free time.
8. Weather in Italy
Italy presents a wide variety of climates, from the warm Mediterranean coast in the south to the snowy alpine areas in the north. Italy has a mild Mediterranean climate since it is surrounded by water.
Milan and Venice, as well as other northern Italian cities, experience a humid subtropical climate with chilly, foggy winters and hot, muggy summers. Rome and Florence are located in the center of the country, which has a Mediterranean climate with moderate, wet winters and scorching, dry summers. Naples and Sicily, which are in the south, have a Mediterranean climate as well, but with even warmer temperatures and less rainfall.
9. What to expect in Italy when you move
- It is extremely important to have some understanding of Italian because it is the country’s official language and to learn a few basic words and phrases to get by.
- The Mediterranean climate of Italy provides mild winters and hot summers. Be prepared for extreme temperatures in the summer, especially in the country’s southern parts.
- This may be a welcome change for someone moving to Italy from the UK because people in Italy are calm and have time to enjoy leisure time and take breaks throughout the day, compared to the fast-paced culture of the UK.
Conclusion
Moving to Italy from the UK can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to be prepared for some cultural adjustments. You may enjoy your time in this beautiful country to the fullest if you have an open mind and are prepared to try new things. After reading MovingWaldo’s guide to moving to Italy from the UK, we hope you will have a better idea of what to expect and be in a better position to make your decision.
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