If you’re from the UK and live in Italy, then you’ll be aware of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, especially for Brits living abroad. With Brexit already here, UK citizens living in Italy already know they’ll be able to stay in the country, but in order to ensure this, there’s one piece of paperwork that is needed to make sure you're a completely legal resident in Italy.
Residency in Italy for UK citizens
First of all, the much talked about Brexit Withdrawal Agreement states that British people who are already lawfully resident in an EU country have the right to remain there after Brexit, including those who moved during transition period in 2020. Therefore, if you hold a valid residence document or proof of living in Italy before 31st December 2020, then the first thing to point out is that you will not need a visa, you should not have your passport stamped and you won't be subject to routine questioning at Schengen borders if travelling within the EU.
New residency documents for Brits in Italy
Therefore, if you’re registered as a resident in Italy, you now need to obtain a new document which is called an “Attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica” from your local comune (town hall); even if you’re a permanent resident in Italy and are fully registered with your local town hall, it is necessary that you also apply for this new document, as it will show that you are fully covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU.
How to obtain the “Attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica” in Italy
Step 1: In order to get your withdrawal agreement residency document in Italy, you need to go to your local comune. Take note that depending on where you live, you may need to make an appointment or ring in advance. The new document that you’re requesting sounds very similar to the Italian residency document, so you need to make sure that the comune is aware that they are not the same thing and that you require the document that refers to Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement. Remember that the “attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica” is not a replacement for your current residency document: you need both pieces of paperwork.
Step 2: To get the new ‘attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica’, according to the British Embassy in Italy, you need to take the following with you:
- Two tax stamps called ‘bolli’, each one worth 16 euros.
- You’ll need to pay an admin fee of 52 cents on the day.
- An ID document, preferably your UK passport and, if not, your Italian Identity card (take the original and some photocopies just to be on the safe side).
Once you’ve provided all of these documents, the town hall will check that you are already registered with them. If so, you’ll get the new attestazione in the moment and will take a form home with you stating when you were registered in your comune’s official residency records.
Moving to Italy from the UK after Brexit
Take note that those British expats who don't already have permanent residency in Italy are restricted to spending only 90 days out of every 180 in the Schengen zone, and this is something that will have a big impact on British holiday home owners in Italy. For those who want to permanently move to Italy in 2021, then you will need to apply for a visa, like most other non-EU citizens who move to Italy. In order to do this, you will have to send a "Long Stay visa" application.
A statement on website of the Italian Consulte in London stated that "starting from January 1st 2021, British citizens planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days (‘long stay’) within 180 days, will be subject to national visa requirements, according to the Italian immigration rules applied to third country nationals".
If you have issues getting your new paperwork, then you can find help in several places. Check out he UK Government’s Living in Italy guide which has links to where you can get the document and how a comune should issue it in Italy, as well as an example of what the document should look like. You can also keep up to date with the latest Brexit news for UK residents in Italy on the UKinItaly Facebook page.
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