Italy After Brexit: UK Citizens Moving to Italy in 2027

Six years post-Brexit, moving to Italy requires careful planning for UK citizens. This guide covers the 2026 visa landscape, including the new ETIAS requirement, income thresholds for the Elective Residence Visa, and crucial updates on driving licenses and healthcare access for British pensioners.

Introduction to UK Citizens Moving to Italy

For decades, moving to Italy was a simple matter of booking a one-way ticket and registering at the local town hall. Today, the reality for UK citizens is fundamentally different. As “Third Country Nationals,” Britons now face the same immigration hurdles as Americans or Canadians. However, the dream of La Dolce Vita remains achievable with the right strategy.

The regulatory landscape has settled into a new normal, though significant updates—such as the introduction of ETIAS and revised tax regimes—continue to reshape the experience. Whether you are a retiree seeking the Tuscan sun or a remote worker eyeing a Milanese apartment, understanding the specific post-Brexit rules is the first step to your new life.

This comprehensive guide outlines the essential legal, financial, and logistical steps for UK citizens moving to Italy in 2026, from navigating the 90-day limit to securing your long-term residency.

The 90/180 Rule and the Arrival of ETIAS

The most immediate change for British travelers is the strict enforcement of the Schengen Area’s short-stay rules.

The Rolling Window

UK citizens can spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area (which includes Italy) within any rolling 180-day period. This is not a visa; it is a visa-waiver allowance.

• Tracking: You must carefully track your days. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the EU.
• No Work: You cannot work in Italy during these 90 days, even remotely, without a specific work authorization.

ETIAS: The New 2026 Requirement

Starting in the last quarter of 2026, UK citizens will no longer simply show their passport at the border. You will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization prior to travel.

• What it is: A pre-travel security screening, similar to the US ESTA.
• Cost: It costs €7 for adults (free for those under 18 or over 70) and is valid for three years.
• Enforcement: Airlines will check for this authorization before allowing you to board.

Long-Stay Visa Options for UK Citizens

To stay longer than 90 days, you generally need a National Visa (Type D). You must apply for this at the Italian Consulate in the UK (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh) before you move. You cannot switch from a tourist status to a resident status while inside Italy.

1. The Elective Residence Visa (For Retirees)

This is the most popular route for British retirees. It allows you to live in Italy if you have substantial passive income and do not intend to work.

• Income Requirement (2026): Consulates typically require roughly €31,000 per year for a single applicant and approximately €37,000 to €38,000 for a married couple.
• Source of Funds: Income must come from pensions, rental income, or dividends. Salaries (even remote ones) are not accepted.
• Housing: You must provide a registered rental contract or a deed of property ownership in Italy at the time of application.

For a deep dive into the financial nuances, see our guide on Elective Residence Visa in Italy: The Retirement Visa Guide.

2. The Digital Nomad Visa (For Remote Workers)

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa is now fully operational, offering a pathway for UK professionals who can work remotely.

• Eligibility: You must prove an annual income of roughly €28,000 and have health insurance.
• Social Security: Unless you have a specific certificate of coverage, you may be required to pay into the Italian INPS system.

If this sounds like your path, verify your eligibility with our Italy Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility and Application guide.

3. The Investor Visa

For high-net-worth individuals, the Investor Visa offers a streamlined process in exchange for a significant financial contribution to Italy (e.g., €250,000 in a startup or €2 million in government bonds).

Healthcare: The S1 Form Advantage

One major benefit preserved by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and the subsequent Trade and Cooperation Agreement is the S1 Form.

For UK State Pensioners

If you are in receipt of a UK State Pension, you are entitled to state-funded healthcare in Italy, paid for by the UK.

• How it works: You apply for the S1 form via the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services before you move. Once in Italy, you register this form with your local health authority (ASL).
• The Benefit: This grants you access to the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN) on the same terms as an Italian citizen, without paying the voluntary registration fee.

For Non-Pensioners

If you are not yet of pension age and are moving on an Elective Residence or Digital Nomad visa, you must initially have private health insurance to secure your visa.

• After Arrival: You can choose to voluntarily register with the SSN by paying an annual fee (calculated based on your income), or continue with private cover.

For more details on navigating the Italian medical system, read Healthcare in Italy: An Expats’ Guide.

Driving in Italy: The License Exchange

For several years post-Brexit, British residents in Italy faced the nightmare of having to retake their driving test. Fortunately, a long-term agreement is now in place.

• The Rule: If you become a resident in Italy, you must exchange your UK driving license for an Italian one.
• The Good News: You can exchange your license without taking a theory or practical test, provided you do so within the specific timeframes outlined in the bilateral agreement (typically within 12 months of obtaining residency, though specific grace periods apply for exchange).
• Expired Licenses: Italy even recognizes expired UK licenses for exchange purposes for up to five years after expiry.

Residency and Taxation

Moving to Italy makes you a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year there.

Double Taxation

The UK and Italy have a Double Taxation Treaty, meaning you generally won’t pay tax on the same income twice. However, Italy’s tax rates are often higher, and you will likely pay the difference to the Italian Agenzia delle Entrate.

The “Flat Tax” Regimes

Italy offers specific tax incentives to attract wealthy residents.

• High Net Worth Individuals: There is a flat tax on foreign income. Note that as of 2026, the annual fee for this regime has increased significantly, with some sources citing a rise to €200,000 or even €300,000 per year for new applicants.
• 7% Pensioner Tax: Retirees moving to certain municipalities in Southern Italy may pay a flat 7% tax on their foreign pension income for 10 years.

Buying Property as a UK Citizen

Brexit has not changed your right to buy property in Italy. There are no restrictions on UK citizens purchasing homes, thanks to a reciprocity treaty.

• Taxes: You pay the same purchase taxes (imposta di registro) as EU citizens: 2% for a primary residence (“Prima Casa”) and 9% for a second home.
• Mortgages: Getting an Italian mortgage as a non-EU resident can be more difficult, often requiring a lower loan-to-value ratio (typically 50-60%).

Comparison: Pre-Brexit vs. 2026 Rules

Feature	Pre-Brexit (EU Citizen)	2026 (UK Citizen / Non-EU)
Right to Move	Automatic (Freedom of Movement)	Visa Required (Type D)
Length of Stay (No Visa)	Unlimited	90 days in 180 days
Work Rights	Automatic	Work Visa + Quota Required
Healthcare	EHIC / S1	GHIC (Visitor) / S1 (Pensioner Only)
Passport Check	E-Gates / Fast Track	Manual Stamp / ETIAS Required
Income Proof	Minimal	High (e.g. €31k+ for Retirees)

Conclusion

Moving to Italy from the UK is no longer a simple right, but a privilege earned through paperwork and financial proof. The psychological shift—from being a European neighbor to a “Third Country National”—can be jarring. However, the pathways are clear.

Whether you utilize the S1 form to secure your healthcare or leverage the Elective Residence visa to enjoy your retirement, the Italian dream is very much alive. It simply requires a bit more patience, a lot more photocopies, and a solid understanding of the new rules.

References

Primary sources (official)

• European Union (ETIAS Official Site): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
• Gov.uk (Healthcare in Italy): https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/moving-abroad/planning-your-healthcare

Other helpful sources

• Wise (S1 Form Guide): https://wise.com/gb/blog/s1-form
• Impatria (Elective Residence & Tax 2026): https://impatria.com/en/magazine/elective-residency-visa-italy/

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute official legal, tax, or immigration advice. Visa requirements, tax thresholds (such as the flat tax regime), and healthcare agreements are subject to change by Italian and UK authorities. Always verify the latest requirements with the Italian Consulate in the UK or a qualified professional before making relocation decisions.