Italian Embassy in UK

For all enquiries please contact the Embassy directly.

British Council Italy


Work permits and visas
Not required for EU citizens but if a company includes a non-EU national, different rules may apply according to that person's residence status in the UK or the terms of the Convention between Italy and that third country. This needs to be checked with the Italian Embassy Consular Section as far ahead as possible as working visa procedures can be time consuming.

Tax
Witholding tax on foreign artists' earnings in Italy is currently 30% (higher than the UK) and is applied rigorously following the discovery that the double taxation agreement between Italy and the UK does not apply in the case of artists' earnings.

This situation has given rise to a number of problems:

• The UK tax rate is 23% so groups are being unjustly penalised by the Italian 30% rate
• The Italian 30% tax is being levied on the per diem as well as the fee
• Many of the larger British orchestras have charitable status and are exempt from tax in Britain. They are therefore unable to claim back in Britain the tax paid in Italy.

We hope the existing agreement will be reviewed in 2004.

Carnets for exhibitions
Contemporary art exhibitions can now move freely within the EU but if an exhibition itinerary includes a country outside the EU, a carnet clearly stipulating the itinerary avoids copious paperwork in the sending and receiving countries.

Forms
E101 form
This shows that a person pays UK National Insurance Contributions and is essential in Italy.  It can be obtained from:

Inland Revenue
National Insurance Contributions Office
International Services
Longbenton
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE98 1ZZ

T 0845 915 4811
F 0845 915 7800