Biometric Residency Card for UK Nationals Living in Italy

What is the biometric residency card?

The Italian government has introduced a biometric residency card for UK nationals and their family members resident in Italy.

If you are a UK national and were living in Italy before 1^st January 2021, you have the right to obtain an electronic residency card.

Family members of UK nationals who were resident in Italy by 31st December 2020 can also get an electronic residency card and, any family members joining UK nationals resident in Italy, even after the aforementioned date, are also entitled.

Why do I need a biometric residency card?

The electronic residency card will provide further evidence of your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement and it will save you having to carry other papers such as your Attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica and/or your Permesso di soggiorno when you exit and enter Italy.

In addition, the card can be useful for administration purposes. For example if you need to renew your Italian ID card and need to show proof that you are resident in Italy.

How do I obtain the residency card for UK nationals?

You will need to apply for a biometric residency card. First, you need to book an appointment by sending a PEC email to your Immigration Office of the Police Headquarters (Questura) in the province of your residence.

You will need to attend your appointment in person. In order to issue a biometric residency card, you will have to supply biometric data in the form of fingerprinting.

The biometric residency takes some time to prepare. You will need to return to the questura to collect it when it is ready. Collection requires another check of your fingerprints so you will have to go in person to pick up your biometric card.

How do I apply for a card?

You will need to take the following to your appointment:

A valid identity document. If this is your UK passport, you will need to ensure that it has at least 6 months validity. If not, you will need to renew your UK passport;

Attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica, issued by your Municipality of residence, which proves registration by 31st December 2020; or, alternatively, self-certification of being registered with the anagrafe by 31st December 2020 and that registration has not been subsequently cancelled, pursuant to art. 46-47 D.p.r. 445/2000;

Permesso di soggiorno permanente if you have one or, alternatively, self-certification of being registered with the anagrafe by 31st December 2020 and that registration has not been subsequently cancelled, pursuant to art. 46-47 D.p.r. 445/2000;

Receipt of payment of € 30,46 for the cost of producing the document. Payable by postal order on CC no. 67422402 (account holder “MEF DIP.TO DEL TESORO VERS: DOVUTO RILASCIO CARTA DI SOGGIORNO” – reason for payment: “Importo per il rilascio della carta di soggiorno – Accordo di recesso UE/ UK”);

4 passport-sized photographs.

Validity of residency cards

For UK nationals resident in Italy less than 5 years, the electronic residency card is valid for 5 years. The card you receive will show the title, “residence card”.

If you are a UK national who has acquired legal and uninterrupted residence in Italy over a period of 5 years or more, including periods of stay before or after 31^st December, 2020, the electronic residency card will be valid for 10 years. The card you receive will show the title, “permanent residence card”.

Finally …

We can help you with enquiries and support you through the process to obtain an Italian electronic residency card. Please get in touch with us.

 

You may also be interested in How do UK nationals obtain permanent Italian residency?