Need a 16-character Italian tax code? Learn about it for foreigners and residents alike, as the codice fiscale in Italy is a must for expats and even short-term workers. In this article, we’ll explain what it is, why you need it and how to get one.
What is codice fiscale in Italy?
How to apply for codice fiscale
Foreigners and codice fiscale
Common pitfalls to avoid
What’s new for 2025
What is codice fiscale in Italy?
What is codice fiscale in Italy? The Italian tax code, known as codice fiscale and issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency), is a 16-character alphanumeric identifier used across Italy. Introduced in 1973, this identification number combines letters and digits derived from personal details like name, birthdate, and birthplace. For instance, the first three characters are consonants from one’s surname, followed by three from their first name, then a five-digit birthdate/gender code, and a four-character birthplace reference.
Over 50 million people in Italy rely on this fiscal code daily. Unlike the UK’s National Insurance number, which focuses solely on tax and benefits, the codice fiscale serves broader purposes. It’s required for everything from opening a bank account to signing a phone contract. Even non-residents — say, a foreigner buying property in Sicily — need one. Surprisingly, it’s issued at birth or upon first administrative interaction in Italy, making it as fundamental as a passport.
Explore: Taxes in Italy for self-employed individuals.
Role in everyday life
Codice fiscale isn’t just for taxes. It’s your golden ticket to public services. Need a prescription? Pharmacies cross-check your Italian identification number. Signing an employment contract? Employers demand it for payroll. Even mundane tasks, like claiming a library card in Florence or joining a gym in Naples, require it.
Around administrative processes in Italy hinge on this fiscal code. For example, registering with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (National Health Service) without it? Impossible. Tourists aren’t exempt either: staying longer than 90 days? You’ll need one. Banks like UniCredit won’t open accounts without it, and landlords insist on it for rental agreements.
How to get codice fiscale? The process has become easier since 2025: applications are processed in 5 days (Agenzia Entrate). Non-EU nationals must apply in person at local offices. Around a million codice fiscale cards are issued annually. Stay compliant — secure yours early! Let’s explore the application process in more detail.
As an expat, you also need to know how to send money from Italy. To do it quickly, beneficially and stress-free, use the online service Profee. Read more about it on profee.com.
How to apply for codice fiscale
Understanding how to get codice fiscale in Italy is essential for everything from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. While the process can feel tangled in bureaucracy, especially for foreigners, breaking it down step-by-step simplifies things. Applications are approved within 24 hours of submission in person, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete.
Let’s explore the eligibility criteria, application process, and modern online tools that streamline this requirement.
Who’s eligible?
Knowing how to get an Italian tax code as a foreigner highlights that the tax code isn’t just for citizens. Foreign nationals planning to work, study, or reside in Italy – even temporarily – must apply for Codice Fiscale. Non-EU nationals may also need one for transactions like purchasing property.
The application process
- Gather documents: A valid passport, proof of Italian residency (e.g., rental contract), and visa (if applicable).
- Submit in-person: Visit an Agenzia delle Entrate office – Rome’s Via Giorgione branch handles 300+ daily requests. Alternatively, Italian consulates abroad process codes for non-residents.
- Postal option: Mail Form AA4/8 (downloaded from the agenziaentrate.gov.it portal) to your local tax office. Processing takes 7–14 working days.
Avoid using a Codice Fiscale generator for foreigners for official purposes – these tools estimate codes but lack legal validity.
Online options and tools
While Italy’s bureaucracy is traditionally paper-heavy, online systems now ease the process of wondering how to get an Italian tax code as a foreigner.The tax portal allows EU citizens to request codes digitally, with many applications processed within 48 hours. For others, platforms offer checklists and template forms. Remember: third-party tools can’t replace in-person submissions but simplify prep work.
Pro tip: Double-check spellings on your form – mismatched names cause half of delays. Stick to official channels, and keep that 16-character code safe!
Read more: Apps and services for living in Italy.
Foreigners and the codice fiscale
Navigating Italian bureaucracy can feel daunting for foreign nationals, but securing a Codice Fiscale (Italy’s 16-character tax code) is essential. Knowing how to get an Italian tax code for foreigners is crucial for unlocking everything from bank accounts to healthcare. Here’s how to tackle it.
First off, non-residents can get tax code for foreigners by visiting an Agenzia delle Entrate office. Bring your passport, proof of address (even a temporary one), and a completed Form AA4/8. Surprisingly, applications are processed on the spot if documents are in order. Alternatively, apply via your home country’s Italian consulate, which is ideal for those moving to Italy later.
Crucially, name spellings and birthdates must exactly match your passport. Even minor discrepancies – like a missing middle name – risk delays. For EU citizens, the process is streamlined thanks to cross-border agreements, but non-EU nationals often need appointments.
How to get codice fiscale in Italy? Pro tip: The code isn’t just for taxes. You’ll need it to sign phone contracts (a lot of providers demand it), rent property, or even join a gym. While a codice fiscale generator for foreigners can provide an estimate, only the officially issued code is accepted for these purposes. Since 2021, Italy’s digital push allows online pre-registration via the Agenzia delle Entrate portal – slashing wait times in major cities like Milan. Additionally, some foreigners use a codice fiscale generator for foreigners to estimate their code before completing the official application.
Remember: Without this code, you can’t access public services. Double-check requirements on official sites to dodge classic Italian bureaucracy pitfalls.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Even small errors can derail your application when you apply for Codice Fiscale. Let’s break down the top blunders.
- Incorrect name format: Italy uses surname-first order officially. Writing “John Smith” instead of “Smith John” causes rejections.
- Assuming Consulates handle everything: While consulates abroad assist, they lack the staff to process codes – always confirm beforehand.
- Missing documents: A forgotten residency permit or visa copy? Applications get bounced in 48 hours if incomplete.
- Overlooking expiry dates: Temporary codes (for non-residents) lapse after 6 months – renewals take 10 working days.
- To get the Italian tax code for foreigners smoothly, triple-check forms. Use the Agenzia delle Entrate’s bilingual guide for clarity. If you apply for Codice Fiscale in person, arrive early – queues in Rome average 90 minutes post-10 am.
- Watch out: Unofficial third parties charge up to 150 EUR for “fast-track” services, but the state fee is 0 EUR. Always verify agents via Italy’s Chamber of Commerce registry. Lastly, once issued, your code is lifelong – losing the card isn’t catastrophic, but replacement takes 3 weeks.
What’s new for 2025?
A key change involves stricter residency criteria under Decreto Legislativo 209/2023 (Tax Summaries), requiring proof of 183+ days in Italy for tax obligations. Additionally, the codice fiscale application process shifts online via the Agenzia delle Entrate portal, slashing processing times from 14 to 5 working days. Non-EU applicants must now submit biometric data—a first since 2019.
Final thoughts
Securing an Italian tax code (codice fiscale in Italy) remains critical for residency, healthcare, or employment. To get the Italian tax code smoothly in 2025, prioritise updated documents: a valid passport, residency proof (even temporary), and a translated birth certificate. The key points? Remember, delays often stem from mismatched names (e.g., middle names omitted). For non-residents, embassies in London or Berlin report faster processing. And remember that you can easily send money from Italy with Profee. Do it with no stress, unlike with all these documentation processes.
