Moving from the UK to Italy
Italy is a dream destination for many UK movers, from Rome, Milan and Florence to Tuscany, Lake Como and Puglia. It is a road move through France, so cost and timing scale with how far south you are going.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from the UK to Italy?
| Home size | Shared load | Dedicated vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | £1,600 – £3,200 | £2,600 – £4,500 |
| 2-bed | £2,200 – £4,200 | £3,500 – £6,000 |
| 3-bed | £3,800 – £7,000 | £5,500 – £9,000 |
| 4+ bed | £5,500 – £9,500 | £7,500 – £12,500 |
Prices include packing, transport through France and delivery in Italy. Northern Italy (Milan, Turin, Como) is cheaper to reach than Rome, Naples or the south; the islands (Sicily, Sardinia) need ferry/sea freight.
What affects the price
- Distance south — Rome and below add significant mileage past Milan.
- Hill towns and historic centres — narrow streets and restricted ZTL zones may need a shuttle.
- Islands — Sicily and Sardinia add sea crossings.
How Long Does It Take?
| Service | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Dedicated vehicle | 3 – 6 days |
| Shared / part load | 2 – 4 weeks |
Customs & Paperwork After Brexit
- Detailed valued inventory in Italian.
- Transfer of residence relief — used household goods can usually be imported duty- and VAT-free when you move your main residence, if owned for at least 6 months.
- Customs clearance (sdoganamento) — handled by your remover.
- Codice fiscale — the Italian tax code, needed for customs, property and utilities.
Visas & Residency
UK citizens staying beyond 90 days need a visa, such as the elective residence visa (for those with stable independent income) or a work/study route. After arrival you apply for a permesso di soggiorno and register residency at the comune. Check current rules with the Italian consulate and GOV.UK.
Popular Destinations
- Tuscany & Umbria — countryside and historic towns.
- Milan & the north — work and closest to ship to.
- Rome & Florence — culture and city life.
- Lake Como & the lakes — scenery and lifestyle.
The Moving Process Step by Step
- Book a video survey; get 3 itemised quotes.
- Obtain your codice fiscale and visa.
- Prepare a valued inventory in Italian.
- Declutter and pack.
- Collection in the UK.
- Road transport through France into Italy.
- Customs clearance and delivery; confirm ZTL/access for historic centres.
How to Save Money
- Replace bulky furniture locally rather than shipping it.
- Use shared load / groupage with flexible dates.
- Avoid peak summer.
- Plan access early for hill towns and restricted city centres.
Choosing an International Remover
Use BAR Overseas / FIDI members with regular Italian routes, transit insurance and experience with ZTL access and sdoganamento. Benchmark the UK leg with our calculator and read the international moving costs guide.