A removal to Italy involves more than a van and a booking date. The paperwork that follows arrival has fixed deadlines, and some of it decides whether a person can register as a resident, see a doctor or keep driving legally. This article summarises the GOV.UK guidance “Living in Italy” (published 22 March 2013, last updated 11 December 2025 in the version consulted) and the GOV.UK guidance “Healthcare in Italy” (last updated 25 October 2022 in the version consulted). It is written for British nationals moving from the UK now, not for those who moved before 1 January 2021. It is general information, not immigration advice, and Italy’s own authorities set the detailed rules.
Visas and the permesso di soggiorno
GOV.UK tells people to make sure they meet Italy’s entry requirements before travelling. It lists visa routes for work (including as a digital nomad or remote worker), study, living with family, research, investment or business, living in Italy without working, and religious activities. It points to the Italian government’s frequently asked questions on entry into Italy and to the step-by-step guide from VFS Global, described as Italy’s official visa partner.
As a non-EU national, a British person must apply for a residence permit, the permesso di soggiorno, within 8 days of arriving in Italy. The Italian police website explains how and where to apply.
Registering as a resident
Once the permit application is lodged, GOV.UK says a person who plans to stay more than 3 months must register their residency, a process known as iscrizione anagrafica. Questions go to the municipality’s registry office (the Anagrafe of the Comune) or to an English-speaking lawyer in Italy. A dual UK and Italian national must register as an Italian national.
GOV.UK’s healthcare guidance adds a condition: proof of healthcare cover is needed before a person can register as a resident and when applying for a visa. The exact cover required is a matter for the Italian authorities, so it should be arranged before the removal date.
Healthcare registration
According to the healthcare guidance, people who are employed or self-employed can register with the national health system for free, a route called iscrizione obbligatoria, and can register dependants at the same time. Those who are not working or paying social security contributions may be able to register voluntarily by paying an annual fee (iscrizione volontaria); otherwise private health insurance is needed. Registration is made at the local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale, or ASL) after applying for the permit of stay and registering as a resident. The guidance lists the documents to take, including a residency certificate or permit of stay, passport, tax code (codice fiscale) and evidence of dependants.
Documents worth keeping out of the removal lorry
GOV.UK says Italian authorities regard the original UK birth certificate as the main identity document and that it is not common to change a name in Italy for any reason, including marriage; a person who has ever changed their name may find it harder to access services. Anyone in that position should keep name-change evidence with them. Italian law also requires everyone to carry photo ID at all times. These documents are needed in the first weeks, so they should travel apart from the main load. The site’s moving house checklist covers how to keep an essentials bag apart from the removal.
Driving licences
For people who became resident in Italy on or after 1 January 2023, GOV.UK says a valid licence issued in the UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man can be used to drive in Italy for up to 12 months. Such a licence cannot be replaced or renewed while living in Italy. A licence must be exchanged for an Italian one if the person became resident before 1 January 2023 or if a year or more has passed since becoming resident. No driving test is needed for a valid licence. In most cases the exchange can be made within 6 years of the date of becoming resident, although people with Withdrawal Agreement rights can exchange at any time.
The exchange is arranged by booking an appointment at the local Motorisation Office (Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile). If the UK licence is lost or stolen, a copy of the loss or theft report filed with the Italian police is required; without it the person must apply as a non-EU national. The office may ask for an official translation. GOV.UK advises leaving enough time, because the Italian licence is needed to drive legally after the 12 months.
Guests and the 48-hour notification rule
One rule that surprises new homeowners is in the property section. GOV.UK says that a person who hosts a non-EU national as a guest must tell the local immigration office (questura) in writing within 48 hours of the guest’s arrival, and that a fine is possible for non-compliance. For a guest from an EU country, the office must be informed if the stay is planned to be 30 days or more.
Common questions
Do I have to apply for the permit before I move?
GOV.UK says a non-EU national must apply for the permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arriving in Italy. The visa requirement is separate and must be met before travelling.
Can I keep driving on my UK licence?
For those who became resident on or after 1 January 2023, GOV.UK says a valid UK licence can be used for up to 12 months, after which it must be exchanged.
The bottom line
Moving to Italy works best when the removal date follows the paperwork rather than the other way round: settle the visa, arrange proof of healthcare cover before registering as a resident, apply for the permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arrival, keep identity documents out of the van, and plan the licence exchange inside the 12-month window. GOV.UK’s guidance is a starting point, and the Italian authorities and an English-speaking lawyer in Italy remain the place to confirm current rules.