Does the exemption for British citizens for short-term work stays in italy still exist?

In recent years, following Brexit, the rules governing the entry and stay of British citizens in European Union countries have been subject to ongoing clarification and updates. In Italy, one of the most relevant issues for companies and professionals concerns the possibility for UK nationals to carry out short-term work activities without applying for a visa.

Until recently, the prevailing interpretation among Italian authorities appeared relatively clear: British citizens could enter Italy for stays of less than 90 days and perform paid work activities without the need for a visa or residence permit. This understanding had been confirmed by several institutional sources, including the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, and the Italian Consulate in London.

Recently, however, the situation appears less certain. Some changes made to the official channels of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have raised doubts about whether this facilitated regime still applies. In particular, references on the institutional website expressly mentioning the possibility of carrying out paid work without a visa during short stays appear to have been removed.

The official “Visa for Italy” portal also seems to reflect a more restrictive approach. When selecting “work” as the purpose of stay, the system now reportedly indicates that a visa is required, which contrasts with the guidance previously provided by the Italian authorities.

This discrepancy between official sources inevitably creates uncertainty for both British workers and Italian or international companies arranging temporary assignments in Italy. At present, no formal decree or official clarification appears to have been issued confirming whether the exemption still applies or whether the legal framework has changed.

Another important aspect concerns the principle of reciprocity between Italy and the United Kingdom. Some interpretations suggest that the exemption may continue to apply only insofar as Italian citizens receive equivalent treatment in the UK for short-term work activities.

In the absence of clearer official guidance, many companies are taking a cautious approach and assessing on a case-by-case basis whether a visa application should be submitted before travelling to Italy. This precaution is particularly important in order to avoid potential issues during border checks or inspections by the competent authorities.

Further clarification from the Italian authorities will therefore be essential to determine whether the exemption regime for British citizens is still valid or whether new restrictions on short-term work activities in Italy have effectively entered into force.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.