What Is the Italian Fiscal Code (Codice Fiscale) and How Do You Get It?
If you are planning to move to Italy - whether for work, study, or a long-term stay - one of the very first documents you will need is your Italian fiscal code, known locally as Codice Fiscale. Without it, you will not be able to open a bank account, sign a lease, access healthcare, or complete virtually any official transaction in Italy. In this guide, we explain exactly what it is, who needs it, and how to get it - whether you are still abroad or already in the country.
What Is the Italian Fiscal Code?
The Italian fiscal code is a 16-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to every individual who interacts with the Italian tax and administrative system. It is issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italy's national revenue agency) and is derived from your personal data: your surname, first name, date of birth, gender, and municipality of birth.
Despite the name, the Codice Fiscale is not a tax return or a declaration of income. It is simply a permanent personal identifier - one you will use throughout your entire life in Italy, from your first apartment rental to your last medical appointment.
It looks like this: RSSMRA85M01H501Z – a combination of letters and numbers that encodes your personal details.
Who Needs an Italian Fiscal Code?
Both EU and non-EU citizens need a fiscal code for any official activity in Italy. You will need it to:
Open a bank account or postal account
Sign a rental or property contract
Register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN)
Start employment or an internship
Enroll in a university, language school, or training programme
Activate a mobile phone contract or utility service
Renew your residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
Complete any transaction with a public authority or government office
In short: without a Codice Fiscale, everyday life in Italy becomes considerably more difficult. It is one of the first things to sort out.
How to Get Your Italian Fiscal Code
Option 1: Apply at an Italian Consulate Abroad
If you are still outside Italy, you can apply for your fiscal code at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. This allows you to arrive in Italy with the code already in hand.
However this route comes with several friction points. Consulate appointment slots are often scarce and can take weeks or even months to secure, depending on your country of residence. Requirements and processing times vary significantly from one consulate to another, and a single missing or incorrect document can mean starting the process from scratch.
For those who are time-sensitive - or simply want to avoid the uncertainty - this path can quickly become a source of frustration.
Option 2: Apply at the Agenzia delle Entrate in Italy
Once in Italy, you can apply in person at a local office of the Agenzia delle Entrate. When everything goes smoothly, the code can be issued on the same day.
Documents typically required:
Valid passport (and a photocopy)
Valid visa or entry document (for non-EU nationals)
Completed application form (Modello AA4/8) – available at the office or online
Proof of motivation of your stay (e.g. Certificate of Enrollment, Employment Contract)
That said, navigating this process independently is not always easy. Many offices operate on a strict appointment system - walk-ins are frequently turned away, especially in larger cities. Staff at the counter typically speak Italian only. If your documents are incomplete or filled out incorrectly, you will be asked to return another day.
Option 3: Through Direction Italy Bureau
Navigating an unfamiliar administrative system in a foreign language can be stressful - especially when you have just arrived and have many other things to organize simultaneously.
At Direction Italy Bureau, we handle the entire fiscal code application process on your behalf. When you arrive in Italy, our team prepares your documents, liaises with the relevant offices, and ensures you receive your Codice Fiscale as quickly as possible - without the queues, the paperwork confusion, or the risk of errors. We do this using a power of attorney from you, so you don't need to visit the office personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a fiscal code online?
No. The online application through the Agenzia delle Entrate portal is not available to newly arrived foreigners. You will need to apply in person.
How long is the fiscal code valid?
The Italian fiscal code does not expire. Once issued, it remains valid for life, even if your personal details (e.g. marital name) change.
Is there a cost to obtain a fiscal code?
No. The Codice Fiscale is issued free of charge by the Italian Revenue Agency.
Can a minor obtain a fiscal code?
Yes. Minors - including newborns - can obtain a fiscal code. A parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf, presenting the child's birth certificate and their own identification document.
What if I lose my fiscal code card?
You can request a duplicate at any Agenzia delle Entrate office. Alternatively, your fiscal code can be retrieved online through the agency's portal using your personal details.
Next Steps After Getting Your Fiscal Code
Once you have your Codice Fiscale, you can proceed with many essential steps: enroll in the national health service (SSN), register your address in Italy (if you choose to establish official residency), open a bank account, purchase a SIM card, and sign rental agreements.
Need help getting your Italian Fiscal Code?
Direction Italy Bureau handles the full application process on your behalf.
