Thinking of Moving to Italy from the UK? Visa, Residency & Life After Brexit
- reloux®-GB
- May 5
- 10 min read
Moving to Italy from the UK continues to be one of the most appealing lifestyle changes for British residents. Whether you’re planning a slower pace of life, retiring abroad, relocating for work, or simply looking for more sunshine and culture, Italy offers a unique combination of lifestyle, history, food, and scenery.
However, since Brexit, moving to Italy from the UK is no longer a simple EU relocation. It is now a fully regulated international move that requires planning, documentation, and a clear understanding of Italy’s visa and residency system.
This guide explains everything you need to know about moving to Italy from the UK, including visa requirements, residency rules, cost of living, the best places to live in Italy, and how removals from the UK to Italy work in practice.
Here’s a quick comparison of living costs between Italy and the UK
Who Is Best Suited to Move to Italy from the UK
Relocating to Italy is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The process is generally best suited to individuals with a clear plan and stable financial position.
This includes:
Retirees with pensions or savings
Remote workers earning income outside Italy
Professionals relocating with a confirmed job offer
Families moving for lifestyle reasons
Property buyers planning long-term residence
For those without a reliable income source, the visa process can be more challenging, as financial stability is a key requirement for long-term residence in Italy.
Moving to Italy from the UK After Brexit: What Has Changed
Before Brexit, UK citizens could live and work in Italy without restrictions. Today, UK nationals are treated as non-EU citizens.
This means:
You can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa
Longer stays require a visa and residence permit
Customs procedures now apply to household goods
More documentation is required for relocation
As a result, international removals to Italy from the UK now involve customs clearance and structured planning, rather than a simple EU move.
Despite these changes, thousands of UK residents continue moving to Italy successfully each year, it simply requires better preparation.
Visa Options for Moving to Italy from the UK
Your visa determines how you can live in Italy, so choosing the right one is essential.
Elective Residence Visa
This is the most popular option for retirees and financially independent individuals.
Requires proof of passive income
Typically around €31,000 per year per person
Does not allow employment in Italy
Work Visa
For those relocating with a job offer.
Employer usually supports the process
Subject to Italian quota system
Requires formal employment contract
Self-Employment Visa
Suitable for freelancers and business owners.
Requires proof of activity and income
May involve sector-specific approvals
Digital Nomad Visa
A newer option for remote workers.
Allows you to live in Italy while working for companies abroad
Requires meeting income and professional criteria
What Happens After You Arrive in Italy
Once you arrive in Italy, several steps must be completed.
Apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 working days
Obtain your Codice Fiscale (tax number)
Register your address at the local Comune (Anagrafe)
Open a bank account
Register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN)
These steps are essential for legal residence and access to services.
How to Choose the Right Visa
Choosing the correct visa is one of the most important steps when moving to Italy from the UK.
Elective Residence Visa: Best if you have passive income and do not need to work
Work Visa: Required if you have a job offer in Italy
Self-Employment Visa: Suitable for freelancers or business owners
Digital Nomad Visa: Ideal for remote workers earning outside Italy
Selecting the wrong visa can delay your move, so it is important to match your visa to your lifestyle and income source.
What You Can and Cannot Take to Italy
When planning removals to Italy from the UK, it is important to understand customs restrictions.
You can usually take:
Used household goods
Furniture
Personal belongings
Restricted or prohibited items include:
Food and perishables
Plants and soil-based items
Flammable liquids and chemicals
Certain electronics or hazardous goods
Even a single restricted item can delay your entire shipment.
Door-to-Door Removals: What’s Included
A professional international removals service from the UK to Italy typically includes:
Collection from your home in the UK
Professional export packing
Road transport across Europe
Customs clearance support
Delivery inside your property in Italy
This ensures your move is handled efficiently from start to finish.
Access & Delivery in Italy
Many properties in Italy present delivery challenges that can affect your move.
You may need to consider:
Narrow streets in historic towns
Limited parking access
Apartments without lifts
Long carrying distances
In some cases, external furniture lifts or shuttle services may be required.
Part-Load vs Dedicated Truck
Part-Load (Shared Truck):
Lower cost
Flexible scheduling
Slightly longer transit times
Dedicated Truck:
Faster delivery
Direct transport
Higher cost
Choosing the right option depends on your budget, timeline, and shipment size.
Moving to Italy with Pets
If you are relocating with pets, additional planning is required.
You will typically need:
Microchip identification
Valid rabies vaccination
Pet passport or animal health certificate
Transport arrangements should be made in advance to ensure compliance with EU regulations.
Documents You Will Need
Preparing your documents early helps avoid delays.
You may need:
Passport
Visa approval
Proof of income
Rental agreement or address in Italy
Detailed inventory for customs
Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delays.
Why Professional Packing Matters
Export packing is not just about protection — it is also required for customs compliance.
Professional packing provides:
Secure handling of fragile items
Proper labelling and inventory
Reduced risk of damage or inspection delays
Owner-packed shipments are more likely to be inspected and may have limited liability coverage.
Who Should NOT Move to Italy
Moving to Italy may not be suitable if:
You do not meet visa income requirements
You rely on finding a job after arrival
You are not prepared for administrative processes
You expect fast-moving systems similar to the UK
Being realistic about expectations helps avoid costly mistakes.
Cost of Living in Italy Compared to the UK
The cost of living in Italy is often lower than in the UK, but varies significantly by region.
Milan and Rome: higher cost of living
Central regions: moderate
Southern Italy and islands: more affordable
Average figures:
Net monthly salary: €1,900–€2,100
Lower living costs in smaller towns
Daily expenses such as food, transport, and dining are typically more affordable than in the UK.
Cost of Living in Italy vs UK
Category | Italy (Average) | UK (Average) | Difference |
Rent (1-bed city) | €700 – €1,200 | £900 – £1,800 | Italy cheaper (outside major cities) |
Utilities | €120 – €200 | £150 – £250 | Similar / slightly cheaper in Italy |
Groceries | €250 – €400 | £300 – £500 | Italy cheaper |
Dining Out | €15 – €30 per meal | £20 – £50 per meal | Italy cheaper |
Public Transport | €30 – €70/month | £70 – £180/month | Italy cheaper |
Net Salary | €1,900 – €2,100/month | £2,300 – £2,800/month | UK higher income |
Best Places to Live in Italy for UK Movers
Choosing the right location is key when planning your move.
Milan (Lombardy): best for work and business
Rome (Lazio): ideal for culture and city life
Tuscany: popular for lifestyle and retirement
Veneto (Verona, Venice): balanced for families
Sicily: low-cost living and warm climate
Sardinia: coastal lifestyle and remote work
Each region offers different costs, opportunities, and lifestyles, so your choice should match your goals.
Best Places to Live in Italy
Region | Best For | Cost Level | Job Opportunities | Lifestyle | Key Consideration |
Milan | Work & business | High | High | Fast-paced | Expensive housing |
Rome | Culture & city life | Medium-High | Medium | Historic | Bureaucracy, traffic |
Tuscany | Lifestyle & retirement | Medium | Low-Medium | Relaxed | Higher property prices |
Veneto | Families & balance | Medium | Medium | Balanced | Tourist areas |
Sicily | Budget living | Low | Low | Slow-paced | Limited jobs |
Sardinia | Coastal lifestyle | Medium | Low | Relaxed | Accessibility |
Language, Culture and Bureaucracy
While English is spoken in tourist areas, everyday life in Italy often requires basic Italian.
Administrative processes can be slow and require multiple documents, so organisation and patience are essential.
Removals to Italy from the UK: How the Process Works
Once your visa and relocation plans are confirmed, you can organise your move.
Most UK to Italy removals are completed by road.
Transport options include:
Part-load (shared truck) – cost-effective
Dedicated truck – faster and direct
Transit times:
5–14 days depending on service
Customs and Shipping Requirements
Since Brexit, all shipments require customs clearance.
You will need:
Detailed inventory
Supporting documentation
Compliance with Italian customs rules
Restricted items include:
Food
Plants
Certain liquids and chemicals
Professional export packing is strongly recommended to avoid delays.
UK to Italy Removals Options
Transport Type | Best For | Transit Time | Cost Level | Key Advantage |
Part-Load | Small moves (5–20 CBM) | 7–14 days | Lower | Shared cost |
Dedicated Truck | Full house moves | 5–10 days | Higher | Faster, direct |
Air Freight | Urgent small items | 5–10 days | High | Fast delivery |
Common Mistakes When Moving to Italy
Avoid these common issues:
Starting the move before securing a visa
Underestimating paperwork
Choosing the wrong region
Packing restricted items
Using inexperienced removals providers
Long-Term Residency in Italy (5-Year Rule)
After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, you may apply for permanent residency.
This provides:
Greater stability
Fewer renewals
Long-term security
When to Start Planning Your Move
Planning early is essential.
Visa process: allow 2–3 months
Removals booking:
Peak season: 4–8 weeks
Off-peak: 2–4 weeks
Settling into Life in Italy
Adjusting to life in Italy takes time, but the benefits are significant.
You gain:
Better lifestyle balance
Strong cultural environment
Access to high-quality food and living
Is Moving to Italy from the UK Right for You?
Moving to Italy from the UK can be a great lifestyle decision, but it’s important to understand if it fits your situation.
This move is ideal for:
Remote workers earning income outside Italy
Retirees with stable pensions or savings
Families looking for a lifestyle change
Property buyers planning long-term residence
This move may be more challenging for:
Those without a reliable income source
Individuals relying on local employment without a visa
Short-term or uncertain relocation plans
Moving to Italy from the UK – Quick Checklist
Before you move, make sure you have covered the key steps:
Choose the correct visa for your situation
Apply for your visa before relocating
Secure accommodation in Italy
Prepare documents (passport, income proof, inventory)
Book your international removals
Apply for your residence permit after arrival
Estimated Cost of Moving to Italy from the UK
Moving costs vary depending on volume, distance, and services required.
Small move (5–15 CBM): £1,000 – £3,000
Medium move (15–30 CBM): £3,000 – £6,000
Full house move (30–60+ CBM): £6,000 – £10,000+
Part-load services are more cost-effective, while dedicated transport offers faster delivery.
Most Common Mistake When Moving to Italy
The biggest mistake UK movers make is starting the relocation process before securing the correct visa.
Without the right visa and documentation, your move can face delays, additional costs, or legal complications.
Removals to Italy from the UK (City Coverage)
We provide international removals to Italy from across the UK, including:
London • Birmingham • Manchester • Leeds • Glasgow
Door-to-door service is available regardless of your location.
Moving Timeline: UK to Italy
A typical relocation timeline looks like this:
2–3 months before move: Apply for visa and prepare documents
4–8 weeks before move: Book removals service
Moving week: Packing, transport, and customs preparation
After arrival: Apply for residence permit and register locally
Planning early helps ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
Get Your Personalised Quote for Removals to Italy
Reloux provides tailored international removals to Italy from the UK based on your exact requirements.
You receive:
Accurate volume assessment
Transparent pricing
Best transport option for your move
Full relocation support from start to finish
Start your move with confidence and expert planning.
How Reloux Can Help with Removals to Italy
Reloux® provides fully managed international removals to Italy from the UK, including:
Professional export packing
European road transport
Customs clearance support
Delivery inside your property
Storage solutions if required
Each move is tailored based on your volume, destination, and timeline.
Working with an experienced international removals company ensures a smoother and more reliable relocation process.
FAQs – Moving to Italy from the UK
Do UK citizens need a visa to move to Italy?
Yes. UK citizens can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa, but for any longer stay, you must apply for a long-stay visa before moving. The type of visa depends on your purpose, such as work, retirement, or remote income.
How much money do you need to move to Italy?
For visa purposes, you typically need to show around €31,000 per year per person for an Elective Residence Visa. In terms of living costs, monthly expenses vary depending on the region but are often lower than in the UK outside major cities.
Can I work in Italy as a UK citizen?
Yes, but only if you have the correct visa. You cannot legally work in Italy on a tourist stay or under an Elective Residence Visa. A work visa or self-employment visa is required.
What is the Permesso di Soggiorno and do I need it?
The Permesso di Soggiorno is a residence permit required for all non-EU citizens staying in Italy for more than 90 days. You must apply for it within 8 working days of arrival.
What is a Codice Fiscale and why is it important?
A Codice Fiscale is an Italian tax identification number. You need it to open a bank account, sign a rental agreement, register utilities, and complete most administrative tasks in Italy.
Can I take all my belongings when moving to Italy?
Most household goods can be moved, but certain items such as food, plants, liquids, and hazardous materials may be restricted. A detailed inventory is required for customs clearance.
Where is the best place to live in Italy for UK expats?
It depends on your lifestyle. Milan is best for work, Rome for culture, Tuscany for lifestyle and retirement, Veneto for families, and Sicily for lower living costs. Each region offers different advantages.
Is Italy cheaper than the UK to live in?
In general, yes — especially outside major cities. Housing, food, and daily expenses are often lower, although salaries in Italy are also typically lower than in the UK.
Do I need to speak Italian to live in Italy?
While not mandatory, learning basic Italian is strongly recommended. English is not widely used in administration and everyday services, especially outside major cities.
Can I get permanent residency in Italy?
Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency, which provides greater stability and long-term rights.
Start Your Move to Italy with Confidence
Moving to Italy from the UK is more structured than before, but entirely achievable with the right planning.
Focus on:
Choosing the correct visa
Preparing your finances
Selecting the right location
Working with experienced professionals
If you are planning your move, getting expert advice and a personalised quote is the best place to start.
