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Moving to Italy from the UK

Your Guide for Moving to the Bel Paese

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If you are planning an international removal from the UK to Italy then congratulazioni, you are in the right place! This page contains the most important things you need when moving to Italy, including moving costs, checklists and free removal quotes. Read on and you will find yourself in Bel Paese in no time.

Removal Costs for a UK to Italy Move

Budgeting effectively is essential for any removals to Italy that are on the table. That is why we have put together the following table, which indicates the cost of moving to Rome from London via road.

While we hope this gives you a greater understanding of the cost of international removals to Italy before you crack on it is important to note that these are merely estimates and the only way to receive accurate numbers is to request free removal quotes from us.

Property SizeTimeAverage Cost
1-bedroom9 – 13 days£2,100 – £2,900
2-bedroom3 – 5 days£2,600 – £3,600
3-bedroom3 – 5 days£3,500 – £4,700
4-bedroom3 – 5 days£4,600 – £6,200
5-bedroom3 – 5 days£5,700 – £7,800

Disclaimer. The moving costs in the above table are merely estimates and are subject to change depending on distance, volume, and your individual needs.

Tip! The exact distance travelled and the volume of your possessions are the biggest determinants of removal costs. Not sure of the latter? Our handy furniture volume calculator is here to help!

We hope this has given you a better idea of how much money, or soldi, you will need to spend when moving to Italy from the UK. To understand how these costs are calculated, visit our international moving costs page.

Removals to Italy

Planning to move to Italy? Discover the best companies for international removals to Italy from the UK in our curated selection. Make an informed decision!

1. Legend Removals

2. Mercia Movers & Storers

3. Traslo Service

Request Quick and Free Removal Quotes!

Removals to Italy can be made easier with help from a professional removal company. However, finding a company to help with international removals to Italy can be quite time-consuming and even stressful! Who wants to call dozens upon dozens of removal firms to find one that can help?

Fortunately, you’re on Sirelo and we’ll happily help you receive up to 5 companies that can aid you with removals to Italy. No need to spend hours talking on the phone, just click below and receive removal quotes today!

Need Help with International Removals from the UK to Italy?
Get there faster by requesting free quotes from us; simply choose an option below!

Visas for Moving to Italy

Perhaps the most important thing to think about before planning a removal to Italy is your visa. Luckily, if you are an EU citizen holding an EU passport, you do not require any visas for Italy. If you are a non-EU national (which sadly now includes UK citizens), you can also travel to Italy without a visa, as long as your stay is no longer than three months. If you are planning on moving to Italy permanently, then you will have to apply for a residence permit.

Moving to Italy after Brexit

The great thing is that you can still move, you just need to go through the visa application, and we’re happy to start you on your way. So, what do you need to do?

We recommend you start by visiting the Italian government’s page to find out if you need a visa to move to Italy. It will also list any additional documentation that you will need, very handy, right!

You will then need to gather the necessary documentation and apply at the local embassy or consulate. Where do you need to apply? That depends on where you are living! If you live in England or Wales (and associated islands), please apply at the London Embassy. If you are living in Scotland or Northern Ireland, please apply at the Consulate in Edinburgh.

One final thing, you need to register at the local Questura (police station), to get your permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of your arrival.

Moving to Italy

A Complete Moving to Italy Checklist

While the Italians are not known for their organisational skills, that doesn’t give you an excuse to do the same! An essential ingredient for a successful move is curating a meticulous checklist. Sound exhausting? You’re in luck – we have created a moving to Italy from the UK checklist that can help you.

Before moving to Italy:

  • DocumentsGather together all your important documents and store them in a safe and accessible location.
    • Birth Certificate
    • Marriage certificate
    • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
    • University Degree(s)
    • Job Contract
    • Financial Statements
    • Nulla Osta from the relevant Italian authorities, if necessary
  • Find a removal companyPutting your possessions in the hands of others is stressful! Find the perfect removal company through our quote form or check out our list of top international moving companies.
  • PackIt’s never too early to start packing! Read our expert packing guide to help you on your way.
  • Taking a pet? If you are moving to Italy with a dog or a cat, they must fulfil the following criteria:
    • Have a pet passport.
    • Be microchipped.
    • Have up to date vaccinations, including against rabies.
    • Have up-to-date health certificates.
  • DrivingIt’s safe to say that Italians aren’t known for their safe driving either. However, if you do plan on taking your four-wheels when moving to Italy, it needs to be registered, taxed and insured before making the journey.
  • Tax Make sure you inform HMRC that you are moving to Italy from the UK to avoid being taxed twice.

Note! If you are itching for a more detailed overview, our general moving abroad checklist holds all the answers.

Once you have moved to Italy:

  • Residence permit – If you are staying in Italy for more than three months, you will need a Permesso di Soggiorno. This process can take up to six months so we recommend getting it underway immediately upon moving to Italy. Apply at the local Questura (police station)
  • Healthcare – As in the UK, healthcare is state-funded. So, if you are working, you will be covered. You just need to get your permit and register first. If you will not be contributing through taxation, you may have to pay. Find out more from the UK government’s page on healthcare in Italy.
  • Open a bank account – To avoid extortionate exchange rates, open a local bank account. A good place to start is on the following websites:
    • Unicredit SpA
    • Intesa Sanpaolo
    • Banco BMP
    • UBI Banca

And last but not least, wave goodbye to cold British handshakes and start practising il bacetto; the air kiss on the cheek is an integral part of Italian greeting and culture.

Living in Italy

The beautiful architecture and culture is just a minute feature that persuade thousands to live in Italy. Italians are famous for their close family relationships and fine cuisine which are important features in their culture. The development of the country is similar to the UK but what makes it more attractive is the lower house prices. As a result expats living in Italy experience a very high quality of life. Life here is relaxing and enjoyable and the vivacious nature of the Italian people means that it is always interesting. Many popular locations that people migrate to are the major cities such as Rome and Milan. Many westerners choose to retire to the rural areas where they can live out their years in the relaxed and beautiful Italian countryside.

Culture in Italy

The main cultural difference Italy has to the UK is the language, 93% speak Italian as their native language. The arrangement of businesses is different in Italy, there is less of a hierarchical structure. This is because many of the firms are controlled by families, making features such as meetings a lot less formal. It also means having the right connections is essential to being successful in business.

The majority of Italy is Mediterranean type climates which has hot summers and cool rainy winters. The north of the country has slightly different climates; it tends to be a lot cooler and heavy snowfall in higher mountain areas such as the Alps.

Similarly to the UK Italians generally have three main meals a day. Their lunch differs to ours in the sense there are more courses, in the North lunch is usually eaten between 12-30 and 14-00 in comparison to 13-30 and 14-30. Dinner is eaten a lot later at 20-00 to 22-00, meals in general are a lot larger portions than in the UK.

Living in Italy

Housing in Italy

Housing prices is dependant on the location, prices are a lot steeper in larger cities such as Milan compared to smaller suburban villages. The average person in Italy lives with their parents until the age of 30, therefore most adults own their own houses after moving out. Apartment rental prices are in general cheaper then an average place in the UK, on average 62.33% less. Buying an apartment is around 93% more expensive in the UK which is a massive difference. Many rentals are unfurnished which has a slightly different meaning to what we are used to. Unfurnished is the bare minimum and sometimes doesn’t even include a toilet.

The high house prices are a factor to consider before moving to Italy. Although houses are usually old and small, they are usually well maintained. But the price isn’t the same everywhere. For example, the south of Italy is a lot cheaper than the north, this being said houses in popular cities will also be more expensive than those in small rural villages. Here are some tips when trying to find housing in Italy:

  • It is better to deal with an agency regarding leasing contracts and legal matters than with the owners of the properties directly.
  • Try to start the search for accommodation in the early months of the year and try to avoid the months of September and October. In September and October competition for accommodation is highest because students are looking for accommodation as well.
  • Detached houses are rare in major cities and big towns. There are usually flats or apartments.

Below are some websites you can use to find your home:

Living in Italy

Cost of Living in Italy

Primary products such as utilities are on average a similar price in comparison to the UK. Most variables are more expensive in the UK; however groceries are substantially more expensive in Italy. In the UK we are lucky that many products are subsidised making purchasing a lot cheaper. On average the cost of groceries are around 20% higher. In terms of luxury products, clothing is around 20% cheaper in Italy. Although many features are cheaper in Italy there is a lower average wage of approximately 36%.

MetricUK AverageItalian Average
Monthly rent for 1-bed apartment in the city centre£750£552
Price per square metre to buy in the city centre£4,187£3,127
Cappuccino£2.75£1.26
0.5L of draught beer£3.60£4.56
12 eggs£1.95£2.54
1L of gasoline£1.26£1.40

We hope these figures haven’t put too much of a downer on moving to Italy from the UK. If they have, this ought to cheer you up…

…Did you know? Italy has a free wine fountain. Yep, read that again – in Caldari di Ortona, there is a 24-hour wine fountain that spouts local produce. That is what dreams are made of!

Considerations and Tips when Living in Italy

Italy’s unemployment rate is higher than the average European Union rate at 12%. It is important to consider factors like this if you are looking to work in Italy. Health care is a feature that is not as good as it is in the UK, for starters it is not free therefore essential to take out health care insurance. Over the counter medicines can be up to three times the price so stock up if you’re considering to move to Italy.

At this point, you should have a pretty good grasp of how to move to Italy from the UK. Before we let you off the hook, we thought it might be useful to share some slightly random, but nonetheless important pointers. Here are our final top tips for living in Italy:

  • Learn the language. Getting by in Italy without speaking Italian will be a challenge, to say the least. Even though Italians often have decent levels of English, meeting people and fully immersing yourself in your new home requires you to know more than buongiorno and arrivederci.
  • Clothes. It is safe to say that the Italian climate trumps the British. But, with Mediterranean heat comes a wardrobe revamp. Invest in some breathable items (and lots of sun cream!).
  • Healthcare. Waving goodbye to our trusted NHS is likely to be one of the hardest things when moving to Italy from the UK. Due to Italy’s ageing population and inconsistent standards, we recommend seeking private health insurance when moving to Italy.
  • Food. Get used to small breakfasts and pasta as a starter!
  • And last but not least, if you don’t usually drink espresso, you are going to have to change your ways. Italians consume 14 billion cups of the stuff every year!

Working in Italy

First things first, unless you speak good Italian, a lot of jobs will be difficult to acquire. That being said, moving to Italy does offer a good range of job opportunities from office jobs in the Northern cities to agriculture and farming in the South.

If you are yet to secure employment upon moving to Italy from the UK, the following job portals are a good place to start:

Education in Italy

The education system in Italy has not got a good reputation. As in recent OECD studies, Italy was again below the European average. Although reforms have attempted to change the education system in the past, little has actually changed. The economic situation could therefore be further damaged due to the poor education in Italy. Education in Italy is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 16, and people place a high value on secondary schooling as well as university studies.

The breakdown of the different levels of schooling are as followed:

  • Children’s garden: Scuola dell’Infanzia
  • Primary school: Scuola primaria
  • Secondary school: Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado
  • High school: Leceo

Kindergarten (Scuola dell’Infanzia)

In Italy kindergarten is usually from age 3 which is very different to the UK and some children can be as young as 2 1/2. This level of schooling however is not compulsory. The main priorities of this kindergarten is to prepare the children as well as possible for primary school

Primary school (Scuola Primaria)

Children start primary school at the age of 6 and elementary school lasts 5 years. The region of the schools location depends on the size of the class, but they are usually between 10 to 25 children per class. Scuola Primaria has 3 stages. The first is a year long and is used to as an introduction for the children. Subjects taught include;math, Italian, sports, music, history, art and even a foreign language. When they reach age 11 they are able to continue their education to Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado.

Secondary School (Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado)

The secondary school also often called the middle school and starts at age 11 and is a period of 3 years. This level of education is also free; however it is required for children to purchase their own text books. At Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grade” the children begin to learn a second foreign language, this is a lot younger than in the UK. In order to qualify for a Liceo, the students have to pass a final examination at the end of the middle school.

High school (Liceo)

High school begins at the age of 14, students ge to decide what direction they want to their future career. This decision is crucial as some can realise their choice is not the right one for them. After an examination must be completed to decide their grades. Pupils can then choose either to pursue further education in universities / vocational schools or to start working immediately.

Studying in Italy

There are several state and private universities in Italy . There are also numerous vocational schools, which are also accessible to international students. Universities in Italy are a similar structure to the universities in England. A bachelor degree takes 3 years but a master takes 2 years in comparison to 1 in the UK. Per academic year you have to pay tuition fees in Italy. These can vary depending on the university, but they usually range between 700 and 1,000 euros which is a lot cheaper than in the UK.

Moving to Italy to live there

Excited to Move to Italy?

Italy really is a beautiful country and while we’re extremely jealous that you’ll be moving there, we wish you the best with your house removal to Italy! However, before you do go, you can check out some of the links below. They cover even more useful information related to the moving process that you might find helpful!

For now, we wish you in bocca al lupo (an Italian saying meaning good luck) with your move to Italy. We hope you move with a smile. 😊