Italy: New Guidance Issued for UK Nationals Following the Brexit Transition

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points

  • New post-Brexit guidance is available for UK nationals who are residents of Italy before December 31, 2020
  • UK nationals who are legal residents of Italy can retain their residency rights in 2021
  • UK nationals must obtain a residence certificate from the Municipality verifying they were residents before December 31, 2020
  • UK nationals must apply for an electronic residence permit at the local police station where they are registered and have their fingerprints taken
  • A residence permit with a five-year validity will be issued to UK nationals who have lived in Italy under five years
  • A residence permit with a 10-year validity will be issued to UK nationals who have lived in Italy more than five years
  • Appointments for a new residence permit may be scheduled starting on January 1, 2021

Overview

The Italian government has issued new guidance on obtaining residence permits for UK nationals who are residents of Italy on or before December 31, 2020.

What are the Changes?

UK nationals who have registered their residence in the city or municipality where they have been living, and who have secured their legal immigration status by December 31, 2020, can legally stay in Italy post-Brexit provided they follow certain steps.

UK nationals who were legal Italian residents before the Brexit transition must obtain a registration certificate from the municipality where they are registered as residents confirming that they were registered with the Register of the resident population by December 31, 2020. Additionally, they must apply for an electronic residence permit at the local police station where they are registered. Lastly, they must have fingerprints taken at the police station to receive their new residence permit.

In order to file an electronic application, UK nationals must have certain documentation, including:

  • A valid passport
  • A certificate of registration issued by the municipality
  • Proof of payment for processing the application (including tax stamps and government fees)
  • Passport-size photos

What Should Employers and Applicants Know?

UK nationals who have lived in Italy for less than five continuous years will receive an electronic residence permit with a five-year validity. UK nationals who have lived consecutively in Italy for five years or more will receive a residence permit with a 10-year validity.

Looking Ahead

UK nationals who have been living in Italy and who have been registered as residents there can book an appointment with the local police station to apply for a new residence permit to secure their residency rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals will be able to start scheduling appointments on January 1, 2021.


Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-affiliated attorney or another qualified professional.