What will Brexit mean for Brits living and working in Italy?

Brexit is here; but what does this mean for expats living in Italy? / Gtres

24 January 2020, 10:47

Brexit is still the word of the moment and still, no one quite knows what is going on, even more so if you’re a British citizen living abroad. Will I be able to keep working in Italy? Will I need a visa? And what about healthcare? These are just a few of the many questions being asked by expats and we’re going to shed some light for you. This is what we know:

The transition period

Although the official Brexit date is the 31st January 2020, we will enter what is known as a transition period. This runs until 31st December 2020 and basically means that although the UK will cease to be an EU member, the trading relationship will remain the same and it will continue to follow the EU's rules, basically keeping relations between the EU and the UK as they are now.

Will I need a visa?

The implementation of additional visas for Brits living in Italy or other EU countries is unlikely. The best advice to cover yourself from any possible problems is to register for residency in Italy. If you have lived in the country for more than 5 years then, you will be eligible for a permanent residency permit. If that is not the case and you’ve lived in Italy for a shorter amount of time, then you will be eligible for a temporary residency permit, which will be valid for 5 years, provided that you register before the end of the transition period.

Will I still be entitled to healthcare in Italy?

If you spend more than 3 months in Italy then you must register with the Italian National Health Service (“Servizio Sanitario Nazionale”) and this can be done for free if you or your immediate family have a work contract, or if you hold a UK social security form, which may be the case for pensioners. Therefore, if you are considered a resident in Italy and meet these requirements, you are automatically entitled to state healthcare and these rights won’t change in Italy while you remain a resident of the country.

Can I keep working in Italy?

If you are registered as a resident in Italy, this means you have the right to work there. After Brexit comes into force, the good news is that your right to work will not change, providing that you remain a resident in Italy. The UK also has a double-taxation agreement with Italy which exists to make sure that people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries and this will also continue after Brexit.

What about pensioners?

The good news for British pensioners living in Italy or for those thinking of spending retirement in the "Bel Paese" is that the British government has indicated that it intends to continue paying and increasing state pensions for expats in the EU after the Brexit deadline. National Insurance contributions made while abroad will also continue to count towards the state pension.

Irrespective of Brexit, Italy will always be a good place to live and invest. At this time of uncertainty in the UK, moving abroad and even investing in property outside the UK could be a smart choice. As we know all too well, Brexit news changes quickly, so keep watching this space for news on how Brexit will affect Brits living in Italy.