Moving to the UK from Italy: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended. New Italian arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Italy permits dual citizenship.
- •Historic Italian community across London, Bedford, Manchester, and Scotland.
- •Budget EUR 5,000 to 10,000 for visa and IHS costs.
Italy has one of the oldest and most established immigrant communities in the UK. Italian migration to Britain dates back over a century. Brexit changed the rules for new Italian arrivals. This guide covers the current options.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
The Italian Community in the UK
The Italian community in the UK is one of the most historic, dating back to the 19th century. Italian-British communities are particularly strong in London (Clerkenwell was historically known as "Little Italy"), Bedford (which has one of the largest Italian populations per capita), Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Italian cultural institutions, churches, and businesses are deeply embedded in British life.
Visa Routes After Brexit
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. Italian students now pay international fees. See the student visa guide.
- Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Italian passport. Carta d'identita no longer accepted.
- No TB test required.
- English language test. Required. Tests available in Rome, Milan, Naples, and other cities.
- Certificato del casellario giudiziale. From the Tribunale. Processing 1 to 2 weeks.
Costs in Euros
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately EUR 850 to 1,780)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately EUR 1,230)
- English test: approximately EUR 200 to 250
See our UK visa fees guide.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
Path to Settlement
After 5 years, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Italy permits dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.