10156 Residency (self-employed)

Hi! I 'm confused! I have read much about the subject and I am still confused! I hope that someone may be able to offer some advise...

I am self employed (for nearly 5 years) and my partner has just joined my business (so we are now in partnership). We have recently sold our house in the UK and now only own one property which is in Italy (in Bagni di Lucca). Whilst we don't know exactly how much of the year we will continue to live here, it is now our only home and we will be spending a large part of the year here (with only 'visits' back to the UK). We therefore feel that we should obtain residency in order to reduce our utility bills, etc. Our business is sourced in the UK and is conducted over the internet. I am aware of various tax implications, but at the moment, this post is about obtaining residency (my brain can only handle one thing at a time!).

It is my understanding that, as self employed British nationals, we will need to produce our house deeds, passports, and proof of our self employment in order to obtain residency. The latter is the reason for my posting (unless I have already made any false assumptions anyone can see!). We do not (in the UK) use an accountant, and we are not VAT registered. How do we therefore prove that we are self employed? I have my tax returns (my partner does not have any returns for the business as he has only just become a partner), but no other official documentation pertaining to the business. Do I complete an official self-certification form? If so, what implications does this have on our eligibility on the Italian health system? It is my understanding that, as self employed people, we are eligible for state health care. Am I correct?

Also, from one article I read, it would seem that applying for residency costs EUR30 per person, plus an additional EUR27.50 for the card. Is this correct?

Anyone else have any advice for a very ashamed non-Italian speaker?

Thank you.

Category
Legal

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/07/2008 - 16:52

[quote=Masca;94508]Hi! I 'm confused! I have read much about the subject and I am still confused! I hope that someone may be able to offer some advise...

I am self employed (for nearly 5 years) and my partner has just joined my business (so we are now in partnership). We have recently sold our house in the UK and now only own one property which is in Italy (in Bagni di Lucca). Whilst we don't know exactly how much of the year we will continue to live here, it is now our only home and we will be spending a large part of the year here (with only 'visits' back to the UK). We therefore feel that we should obtain residency in order to reduce our utility bills, etc. Our business is sourced in the UK and is conducted over the internet. I am aware of various tax implications, but at the moment, this post is about obtaining residency (my brain can only handle one thing at a time!).

It is my understanding that, as self employed British nationals, we will need to produce our house deeds, passports, and proof of our self employment in order to obtain residency. The latter is the reason for my posting (unless I have already made any false assumptions anyone can see!). We do not (in the UK) use an accountant, and we are not VAT registered. How do we therefore prove that we are self employed? I have my tax returns (my partner does not have any returns for the business as he has only just become a partner), but no other official documentation pertaining to the business. Do I complete an official self-certification form? If so, what implications does this have on our eligibility on the Italian health system? It is my understanding that, as self employed people, we are eligible for state health care. Am I correct?

Also, from one article I read, it would seem that applying for residency costs EUR30 per person, plus an additional EUR27.50 for the card. Is this correct?

Anyone else have any advice for a very ashamed non-Italian speaker?

Thank you.[/quote]

Have a read of this thread & see if it answers any of your questions.
[url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/legal/9803-private-health-insurance-again.html[/url]

Basically I would continue to try pay your NI contribution in the U.K. untill you have been in Italy for five years or obtained retirement age. That way your residecy Health Insurance criteria will be met.

Pip pip

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/08/2008 - 02:48

Read this link as it contains the terms of the Social Security agreement between the UK and ITALY:

[url=http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/social_security_agreements.asp]DWP - Services and benefits - Social security agreements between the United Kingdom (UK) and other countries[/url]

Best wishes,

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/08/2008 - 02:59

Another link which may be helpful. It is from a different province; however, the general criteria should be the same and, at least, this text is in English:

[url=http://www.provincia.perugia.it/Guide-tema/Lavoro/i-servizi-/Stranieri-/English/Residence-/ENTRY-AND-RESIDENCE-FOR-SELF-EMPLOYE.doc_cvt.htm]Portale della Provincia di Perugia[/url]

Another link easy to read and with relevant information:

[url=http://www.alloexpat.com/moving_to_italy_forum/work-permits-in-italy-t137.html]WORK PERMITS IN ITALY - Allo' Expat Italy[/url]

I would basically advise you to get as much written proof of your self-employed activity as possible. Authorities like to see documents and proof in writing.

Go to the local authorities and check with them many times before making the official application.

Cheers,

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/08/2008 - 04:13

[quote=chrisnotton;94517]Have a read of this thread & see if it answers any of your questions.
[url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/legal/9803-private-health-insurance-again.html[/url]

Basically I would continue to try pay your NI contribution in the U.K. untill you have been in Italy for five years or obtained retirement age. That way your residecy Health Insurance criteria will be met.

Pip pip[/quote]

Despite all my research, the E106 had escaped me entirely, so thank you very much for the your excellent post in the thread you recommended. This does seem to be the solution.