Apply for a SPID: Italy's digital identity

Without SPID, very little works in Italy’s digital government: taxes, pensions, health records, public services—almost everything relies on this digital identity. Here you’ll learn what SPID is, what you need it for, what documents are required, and how to apply for it step by step—even as a foreigner. The prerequisite is your Tax ID number.

What is SPID?

SPID (Public Digital Identity System) is the unified digital identity for accessing Italy's public online services. With a single login (username, password, and app verification), you can access hundreds of government agencies—securely and without needing separate accounts.

Why You Need SPID

• Agenzia delle Entrate: Tax account and pre-filled tax return
• INPS: Pension and Social Security Benefits
• Electronic Health Record: Your digital health record (see SSN)
• Municipality and Citizen Services: Certificates, Applications, Appointments

Requirements and Documents

To apply, you'll need:

• one Tax ID number
• a valid Identification document (Passport or—if available—Italian carta d’identità)
• one Cell phone number and a Email address

As a foreigner, you can apply for a SPID using your Codice Fiscale and a valid ID; with a Permesso di Soggiorno, you can also apply for and use an Italian carta d’identità.

Identity Providers

SPID is not issued by the government itself, but by accredited providers. These include, among others, PosteID (Poste Italiane), Aruba, InfoCert, Namirial, Sielte, and Lepida.

Note on costs: Since 2026, several providers (including Poste) have been charging an annual fee of about 6 €. Lepida SPID continues to offer this service free of charge.

How to Apply for SPID – Step by Step

1. Select one Provider (Identity Provider).
2. Register online using your Codice Fiscale, ID, cell phone number, and email address.
3. Verify your identity – via Video call, with CIE, with the Health Insurance Card/CNS or with a digital signature.
4. Once your verification is complete, your SPID will be active—you'll log in via app confirmation from now on.

SPID, CIE, or CNS?

There are three digital keys for accessing government agencies: SPID (purely digital identity), which CIE (electronic ID card) and the CNS or Tessera Sanitaria. All three work for most services. SPID is the most flexible, while the CIE is convenient if you already have an Italian ID card.

What You Need to Do Next

First, get your Tax ID number, ideally an Italian cell phone number as well, and then choose an SPID provider. With an active SPID, you can conveniently handle your taxes, healthcare, and government paperwork online.