Moving to Italy from UK

For UK citizens, Italy offers more than just beauty—it offers balance. Accessible visa routes like the Investor Visa and Elective Residence Visa make relocation straightforward, while Italy’s high-quality healthcare, rich cultural heritage and sunny climate make it ideal for British expats seeking a healthier and more affordable lifestyle.

This comprehensive moving to Italy from UK guide walks you through every step—visa selection, tax structures fiscal residency, healthcare, property, and retirement planning. You will also learn how to adapt socially, compare regional living costs and optimise your finances as a UK expat.

British nationals and Brits abroad consistently rank living in Italy among the most rewarding decisions for lifestyle, health and finance.

From Roman history to Tuscan vineyards, UK nationals find Italy’s authenticity irresistible. The Mediterranean diet, open-air living and community spirit transform daily routines for British expats, improving overall wellbeing and work-life balance.

Italy’s affordable property market, reasonable taxes and locally produced food allow UK expats to live comfortably on lower budgets. Many regions—especially in the south—offer exceptional quality of life without the expense of London or the Home Counties.

If you have ever imagined living amid sun-soaked piazzas, sipping espresso by the coast or immersing yourself in centuries of art and culture — Italy offers a lifestyle that few other countries can match.

Watch our short video below for an inside look at what life in Italy is really like for UK nationals — from the first steps of relocation to settling into a new home and community.

Before you start your journey, visit our Leaving the UK guide for essential pre-move steps including tax, pensions and residency planning.

For inspiration, explore Italy’s Official Tourism Portal to discover the country’s unique regions, cuisine and cultural highlights that make living in Italy so appealing for UK expats and British nationals.

See why thousands of UK citizens are choosing to move to Italy for better quality of life, lower living costs and enhanced financial freedom.

Relocating to Italy brings immense rewards — but also a few practical challenges worth anticipating. The most common difficulties for UK expats include navigating Italy’s bureaucratic procedures, understanding tax obligations and managing language barriers in everyday tasks.

Italian public offices can move at a slower administrative pace than in the UK and much of the official paperwork is still conducted in Italian. Securing the right professional advice can make these processes smoother and prevent costly delays.

According to the European Commission’s Quality of Life Index, Italy scores highly for cultural richness and safety but lower for administrative efficiency — meaning preparation and patience are key.

Discover how relocation differs across Southern Europe in our Relocating to Portugal from UK guide for a broader view of Mediterranean lifestyle options.

You can also review international governance metrics in the OECD – Government at a Glance Italy 2023 report.

Buying property in Italy is straightforward when guided by trusted professionals. UK citizens can purchase homes freely, whether for relocation, investment or retirement.

Every property transaction in Italy must involve a notary. The notary (notaio) verifies ownership, ensures taxes are paid, and guarantees compliance with Italian law.

The Compromesso formalises the sale agreement between buyer and seller. It typically involves a 10% deposit, outlining the final price and completion date.

The Rogito finalises the sale in front of the notary. Once signed, ownership is registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency).