How to get a Codice Fiscale in Italy: a guide for Americans

What it is

The Codice Fiscale is a 16-character alphanumeric code assigned to each person. It works as your identifier for tax matters and for a surprising number of everyday administrative tasks. You usually receive it as a printed certificate rather than a card you carry.

Having a Codice Fiscale does not by itself make you an Italian tax resident. If you have tax questions, ask an Italian accountant (commercialista) and a US tax professional.

When you will need it

It is commonly requested for:

• signing and registering a lease
• opening an Italian bank account
• utilities, internet and phone contracts
• registering your residence (residenza)
• enrolling in the national health service (SSN)
• digital identity (SPID)
• setting up as a freelancer (Partita IVA)

Many of these cannot start until you have it, which is why it is usually the first document to get.

Where to get it

There are usually two routes.

• Before you arrive, at an Italian consulate. Some consulates issue it, often in connection with a visa application. Ask the consulate that handles your visa whether it does.
• After you arrive, at a local office of the Agenzia delle Entrate. Many offices work by appointment, and some services can be started online.

If your consulate can issue it, you can start some steps, such as a lease or bank enquiries, sooner. If not, getting it in Italy is common and normally quick to arrange.

What to bring

• your passport, original and a copy
• your visa or permit paperwork, if you already have it
• your address in Italy, if you have one: a lease or a host declaration (dichiarazione di ospitalità) can help
• the request form, which the office will give you or tell you how to complete

Requirements can differ between offices, so confirm before you go.

Step by step

1. Ask your consulate whether it issues the code before you travel.
2. If not, find the Agenzia delle Entrate office that serves your address and check whether you need an appointment.
3. Bring your documents and the request form.
4. Before you leave the counter, check that your name, date of birth and place of birth match your passport exactly.
5. Ask for the printed certificate showing your code, and photograph it straight away.
6. Save the code with your other documents. You will be asked for it many times.

Common mistakes

• Trusting an online calculator. Websites can generate a code from your details, but only the code issued by the authority counts. A calculated code that differs from the official one causes trouble later.
• Mismatched details. A spelling or place of birth that differs from your passport can create problems with banks and contracts. Check it at the counter.
• Assuming any office can issue it. Ask which office handles your case.
• Not keeping the certificate. Photograph it and store a copy in two places.

Questions to ask the office

• Can I request it here from my situation, or must I go to another office?
• Which documents do you need, and do you issue it the same day?
• Can I have a printed certificate showing my code?
• Does the spelling of my name and place of birth match my passport?

What comes next

With your Codice Fiscale in hand, the usual next steps are a bank account, a residence permit if it applies to you (permesso di soggiorno), then residenza at the Comune. Our checklist has the full order, with a question to ask at each step.