This guide covers all the important aspects for getting a Codice Fiscale in Italy as a foreign citizen.
If you live in Rome or in another beautiful Italian city maybe you already know that Italy is a very bureaucratized Country.
Living in Italy could be very difficult if you are an expat. I know it! But don’t be scared and take a loot to our Legal Guides. We here to help you.
Today we will tell you how to easily get a Tax Code as an expat in Italy. In particular, by reading this post you will find out:
- What is the Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code)
- Why foreign citizens need a Codice Fiscale
- How to apply for getting the Codice Fiscale in Italy as a foreign citizen
- What do you need to get the Codice Fiscale
Don’t worry. At the end of this Guide you will be hable to get your Italian Tax Code. 🎯
Let’s start!
What is the Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code)?
The first thing you need to know is what is the Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code).
The Codice Fiscale is an identification number that provides a means of identification of foreign citizens in their relations with the Italian public authorities and other administrations.
It is generated on the basis of your personal data and is made up of an expression of 16 alphanumeric characters.
Here’s how the Italian Tax Code card looks like:
For example, if your personal data are:
- Name and Surname: George Lucas
- Birthday: 14 May 1944
- Sex: Male
- Place of birth: USA
Your Codice Fiscale will be: GRGLCS44E14Z404A.
Take a look here to simulate your Codice Fiscale.
Why foreign citizens need an Italian Codice Fiscale?
Holding a Codice Fiscale is very useful for foreing citizens who live in Italy.
You need the Codice Fiscale as expat in Italy for:
- opening a bank or a postal account (take a look here for a practical guide on “How to open an Italian bank account as expat in Italy”),
- buying or registering a vehicle or a house (do you know how to by a house in Italy?),
- getting a rental flat (read the ultimate legal guide for renting a flat in Italy),
- working (how to find a job in Italy?),
- signing contracts with utility companies of gas, internet, phone (feel free to read my guide on how to get an Italian number),
- buying concert tickets online and
- a lot of other things.
Yes, you need the Codice fiscale for a lot of things in Italy.
So let’s find out how to apply for getting the Codice Fiscale.
How to apply for getting the Codice Fiscale in Italy as a foreign citizen
As I said above, the Italian Tax Code is very useful if you are a foreign citizen in Italy.
Now, it’s time get it!
First of all, a good news for you: getting the Codice Fiscale in Italy as foreign citizens is 100% free.
If you are a non-resident individual, the easiest thing to do for getting a Codice Fiscale is to apply for it at the Italian consular authorities in your Country.
In any case, EU citizens or not may apply for getting the Codice Fiscale at the office of Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency). Take a look here to find the nearest office.
Note that the most of Agenzia delle Entratte offices don’t allow you to make an online appointment. Therefore, my suggestion is to check the schedule of the opening time of the nearest office.
Non-EU citizens can obtain the Codice Fiscale either going to:
- the nearest Single Desk for Immigration (Sportello Unico per l’immigrazione) or
- the nearest Police Headquarter (Questura).
What documentation do you need?
Here’s the checklist of the documentation you need to get the Codice Fiscale as an expat in Italy.
If you are a non-European citizen, you must bring at the Agenzia delle Entrate office the following documents:
- Valid passport with visa (if required),
- Certificate of identity issued by the Italian diplomatic or consular authorities of the Country of nationality (with photo)
- Valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
- ID card issued by the municipality of residence in Italy.
Don’t forget to make a copy of these documents before going to the Agenzia delle Entrate.
EU Citizens may apply for the Italian Tax Code by showing a valid identification document (identity card or passport). Also in this case, bring a copy with you.
When you go to the Agenzia delle Entrate, wait for your turn and then:
- ask for your Codice Fiscale,
- file and sign the forms that the Agenzia delle Entrate will grant to you and
- show your documents and filled forms.
That’s it! 🏆
You will instantly get your personal Tax Code. Instead, the card will be sent to your address in the next few days.
What to do in case of loss or theft of your Tax Code card?
In case of loss or theft of your Codice Fiscale card, you can easily request a duplicate online here or in person directly to the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate.
In case of incorrect data shown on the tax identification number card, a replacement must be required to any office of the Italian Revenue Agency, showing a valid identification document.