IMPACT – HIGH

The Italian Ministry of Interior has provided post-Brexit immigration guidelines, confirming that U.K. nationals who are not registered as residents and who arrive after Dec. 31, 2020, will be treated the same as other third-country nationals. There will be no “ad hoc” immigration procedures for U.K. nationals.

Key Points:

  • U.K. nationals who are not registered as residents and who relocate to Italy after Dec. 31 for work or long-term residence (i.e., more than 90 days in a 180-day period) will be required to obtain the applicable work visa and residence permit.
  • Applications for work permits, work visas and residence permits for U.K. nationals will not be accepted until Jan. 1, 2021, at the earliest.
  • U.K. nationals will be considered visa-free nationals, meaning they will be able to travel to Italy without obtaining a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visa-free status for U.K. nationals is subject to reciprocity by the U.K

Background: The U.K. left the European Union in January, but a transition period was established so that freedom of movement would remain in place through the end of 2020. U.K. nationals who live in Italy must register as an Italian resident by Dec. 31 and request the so-called “attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica” from the local town hall if they plan to continue residing in Italy in 2021 and beyond. Officials have now confirmed U.K. nationals who have not registered and who arrive in Italy after Dec. 31 will be treated the same as other third-country nationals for immigration purposes.

Analysis & Comments: U.K. nationals in Italy should be sure to register as Italian residents if they have not already done so; the process for registering is much easier than applying for the appropriate visa and/or permit on or after Jan. 1, 2021. Applications for work permits, work visas and residence permits will not be available until Jan. 1 at the earliest. Employers are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte to ensure that any U.K. nationals can continue working in Italy after the transition period.

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