If you’re planning to move to Italy, one of the first things you’ll need to do upon arrival is apply for a Codice Fiscale (tax code), one of the first documents you’ll need. It’s the Italian equivalent of the Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States. Still, it’s required for many everyday activities and isn’t solely related to the welfare or employment system! As an Italian citizen, in this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to obtain this document and explain what it’s used for (plus, getting it is easy and free!).
What is the tax code and what does it look like?
The Codice Fiscale is a personal identifier used in Italy for tax and administrative purposes. It is assigned to every Italian citizen and any foreigner who interacts with the country (you don’t need to be a resident to obtain it). This means that even a tourist can get one, for example, if they need to buy property or register a business.
It is a unique code generated by the Agenzia delle Entrate (the Italian tax authority) and is used to register any legal or economic activity, such as paying taxes, signing contracts, and accessing public services.
It consists of 16 alphanumeric characters and is automatically generated based on your personal data:
- Letters from your name and surname
- Date of birth and gender
- Place of birth
- Final control character
What is the tax code used for?
The Codice Fiscale is essential for daily life in Italy. Without it, many basic operations become impossible. Here are some concrete examples of when you’ll need it:
- Renting or buying a house – If you want to sign a lease, the landlord or real estate agency will require your Codice Fiscale to register the contract legally.
- Opening a bank account – No Italian bank will allow you to open an account without a Codice Fiscale, even if you’re an international client.
- Working and paying taxes – If you plan to work in Italy, your employer needs it to officially register you and process tax payments.
- Accessing the Italian healthcare system – It is essential to obtain the Tessera Sanitaria (Health Card), which grants access to Italy’s public healthcare system.
- Signing any contract (electricity, gas, internet, phone)
- Purchasing or registering a vehicle
- Enrolling in a university or educational course
How to apply for a tax code
You can apply for it before moving to Italy or after you arrive at the appropriate offices. I highly recommend taking advantage of the online application option, so you can avoid long queues and bureaucratic delays in Italy. Unfortunately, slow processing times are one of the biggest flaws of the Italian system.
Applying from abroad (before moving to Italy)
If you’re not yet in Italy but already know you’ll need a Codice Fiscale, you can apply for it at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Steps to Follow
- Find the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in your country. You can search for it online on the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Fill out the application form for the Codice Fiscale, which you can download from the embassy/consulate website or request in person.
- Submit the required documents, which usually include:
- Passport (or identity card if you’re an EU citizen).
- Signed application form.
- Send your application in person, via email, or by mail, depending on the procedures of the consulate.
- Wait for processing. The embassy typically forwards your request to the Agenzia delle Entrate in Italy, and you may receive your Codice Fiscale by email or mail within 1 to 4 weeks.
Applying in Italy (after arrival)
If you couldn’t apply for it before moving, you can easily obtain it once in Italy by going to the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate office, which can be found in all cities and provinces. If you prefer to search for the nearest office online, you can use this link: www.agenziaentrate.gov.it
Steps to Follow
- Go to the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate office
- Gather and submit the required documents:
- Passport or identity card (for EU citizens).
- Residence permit (if applicable) – Required for non-EU citizens only if they have already started the residency application.
- Any supporting document that justifies the request (work contract, university enrollment, rental agreement, etc. – not always required but useful in some cases).
The in-person application process is usually much faster, and you will receive your Codice Fiscale instantly.
Applying online
Online applications are not available for everyone and are typically only possible under two conditions:
- If you already have a recognized Italian digital identity (SPID), you can apply through the Agenzia delle Entrate online portal.
- If you have an Italian lawyer or tax consultant, they can apply online on your behalf.
Steps to Follow
- Access the Agenzia delle Entrate website (www.agenziaentrate.gov.it).
- Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents (passport, residence permit, etc.).
- Submit the application and wait for processing.
- Receive your Codice Fiscale via email or mail.
Comparing the Codice Fiscale with similar documents abroad
You may be wondering how the Codice Fiscale compares to identification documents in your home country. Here are the main differences:
- United States – Social Security Number (SSN) – Unlike the Codice Fiscale, the SSN is not required for everyday transactions like renting a home or opening a bank account.
- United Kingdom – National Insurance Number (NIN) – Generally, the NIN is not needed for signing rental contracts or opening bank accounts.
- France – Numéro Fiscal or Numéro de Sécurité Sociale – These are two separate documents: one for taxation and another for healthcare.
Remember: The Codice Fiscale is valid for life and never needs to be renewed!
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