In Italy it is obligatory to carry some form of photo-ID with you at all times (passport, EU drivers' license with a photo etc.).

EU nationals have the right to both live and travel freely in Italy; you may find that applying for residency may be quite a lengthy process, although it is useful for many purposes (though not mandatory).

BEFORE LEAVING THE UNITED KINGDOM

Make sure you have a full UK/EU passport, which is essential to work in Italy. UK/EC nationals are free to enter Italy for up to three months to look for work or set up in business. Even if you are visiting Italy to look for work, you may be asked to prove that you have adequate means for the duration of your stay and that the cost of your return journey is secured.

Birth, marriage and divorce papers should be officially translated.

ONCE YOU ARRIVE IN ITALY

Permesso di soggiorno: from 1 January 2007 the permesso di soggiorno no longer applies to European Union nationals living in Italy.  However British (and European) nationals must take out a residence certificate at the Anagrafe within three months, by providing some proof of employment or financial resources, which can be in the form of bank statements, tax returns or a contract (more details in Italian on Carta di Soggiorno for Eu nationals).

Certificato di residenza (residence certificate): you will need it to be able to do all sorts of things like buying a car, opening a bank account, etc. It is issued by the anagrafe office of the local town hall and is a confirmation that you really do live where you claim to.  The Vigili (local policemen) will physically come and check where you live so it may take a couple of days for the certificate to be ready to collect. You can get it once you have moved into your new home. The competent authorities may, if checks are necessary for reasons of public policy, defer a decision on your application. They must make their decision within six months from the date on which you applied for a permit.

Permesso di soggiorno for family members (residence permit): to obtain a permission to stay for family members you may be required to provide proof of kinship with them. The permesso di soggiorno for EU nationals is:

Members of your family who are not nationals of an EU country will not be issued with an EU national's residence permit. However, they are entitled to a different residence permit which is equally valid.

Other useful information, including on how regulation of entry into, stay in and removal from the territory of the State and on how to get permits, certificates:

For information on how to apply for: residence permits and certificates, identity documents (Carta d'Identità), and a codice fiscale (tax code), you can also visit: