For any British citizen wishing to relocate to Italy, there are several points to consider before making a final decision, especially now that the UK’s departure from the EU has made the process more complex. Therefore, I was very happy to have the recent opportunity to record a podcast with Andrew Lawford, of Spectrum IFAs, in which we discussed the relevant issues.
Firstly, we addressed how an individual could move to Italy – the easiest option, subject to eligibility, being to obtain Italian citizenship – and I explained the basis on which this could be claimed (be it by descent, marriage or residency) and the requirements related to each route.
If you are not eligible for Italian citizenship, then the second course of action would be to obtain a visa. There are several visas available and I touched on the various options and what the process entails from start to finish, including obtaining a permit of residence and the renewal procedure. We also highlighted the EU Long Stay Permit (available after you have lived in Italy for at least five years) which allows you to stay in Italy for an indefinite amount of time.
The important subject of estate planning emerged during our discussion and the salient points to consider if you are resident in Italy and own assets in both the United Kingdom and Italy. It’s incredibly important to remember that the inheritance laws in these countries are different. For that reason, it is vital to obtain legal advice to protect your assets and ensure that these are left to your chosen beneficiaries. In particular, it’s important to take into account forced heirship laws in Italy and how to avoid these, so that a Will does not cause more complications to your beneficiaries in Italy than is necessary.
Last but not least, the issue of inheritance taxes in both countries should not be overlooked, and specific legal advice should be sought in order to find the most tax efficient way to distribute your worldwide assets. We also touched on the concept of English “domicile” and the difference between this and Italian “domicilio”, and how you can be domiciled in both Italy and the UK.
You can find our podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher, or you can use the link direct from the podcast server here.
Please do get in touch with Andrew Lawford should you have any questions on the contents, or wish to obtain any legal or financial advice relating to Italy. We look forward to hearing from you.
