Applying for a Codice Fiscale: How to Get Your Italian Tax ID Number

The Tax ID number is the Italian tax ID number—and the first step toward almost any interaction with government agencies or signing a contract in Italy. Without it, practically nothing works: no bank account, no lease, no SIM card. The good news: It’s free and usually easy to get. Here you’ll learn what the Codice Fiscale is, what documents you need, and how to apply for it—whether in Italy, from your home country, or through an authorized representative.

What is the Codice Fiscale?

The Tax ID number (literally „tax code“) is a 16-digit combination of letters and numbers that uniquely identifies every person in Italy—similar to the tax identification number in Germany. It is issued by the Italian tax authority Agenzia delle Entrate assigned and calculated based on your last name, first name, date of birth, gender, and place of birth.

Important: The code is Free, valid for life, and never expires. Just owning it doesn't solve anything Tax Liability — it is solely a distinguishing feature.

➤ Please note regarding self-calculated codes: There are calculators circulating online that generate the code from your data. For official purposes, however, what counts is only the code issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate – If names are the same, the official code may differ from the calculation.

What You Need the Codice Fiscale For

You'll need your Codice Fiscale for almost every important step in Italy:

• a Bank account open
• one Rental or Purchase Agreement Complete and register
• one Cell phone plan or a SIM card get
• you at the state health department (SSN) register and choose a primary care physician
• one Employment Contract sign up or register on your own (VAT Number)
• Sign Up for Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet
• Enroll Children in School or Daycare

Applying for a Codice Fiscale: An Overview of the Options

Which option is right for you depends on whether you are an EU citizen and whether you are already in Italy.

➤ For EU citizens (including Germany and Austria) and Swiss nationals: All you need is a valid ID card or passport. You can redeem the code directly in Italy at the Agenzia delle Entrate or apply from your home country through an Italian consulate.

➤ For non-EU citizens (e.g., the U.S., the U.K.): You'll also need a residence permit (visa or Residence Permit). When entering the country with a national visa, the code is often automatically generated via the One-Stop Shop for Immigration or the Questura awarded.

Option 1: In Italy, at the Agenzia delle Entrate

This is the fastest way if you're already in Italy. You'll usually receive the code right away during your appointment—printed on paper.

Here's how to do it

1. Find the nearest office of the Agenzia delle Entrate. Many locations accept walk-ins, while some prefer that appointments be booked through their website.
2. Fill out the form Model AA4/8 from (Application for Individuals).
3. Please present your valid identification document.
4. You will usually receive your Codice Fiscale immediately as a paper certificate.

You'll need these documents

• valid travel document or—for EU citizens— Identity card
• Additionally, for non-EU citizens: Visa or Permesso di Soggiorno (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months)
• completed Model AA4/8

Option 2: From your home country through the Italian consulate

If you need the code before you move, you can apply for it at the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over your area—also free of charge. Processing times vary widely.

➤ Important: Many consulates (especially in the U.S.) now issue the code to non-Italians only on a limited basis and give priority to Italian citizens and visa applicants. You will often be asked to appoint an authorized representative in Italy instead. Check with your consulate in advance to find out the current rules.

Option 3: Through an authorized representative

You can appoint someone in Italy as your attorney-in-fact (power of attorney) to apply for the code on your behalf with the Agenzia delle Entrate. Many people who aren't yet in the country use this service. Only the code itself is free—if you hire an agency or a lawyer, you'll have to pay their fee.

For non-EU citizens: Codice Fiscale for visas and Permesso

If you're a non-EU citizen moving to Italy, you'll often receive your Codice Fiscale directly as part of the residency application process:

• With Work or Family Reunification the code will be executed on One-Stop Shop for Immigration assigned.
• With Issuance or Renewal of the Permesso di Soggiorno The Questura.

How much does the Codice Fiscale cost?

The Codice Fiscale is free of charge – both at the Agenzia delle Entrate in Italy and at the consulate. You’ll only incur costs if you choose to pay an agency, a lawyer, or an authorized representative.

Codice Fiscale, Tessera Sanitaria, and Tax ID Number—the Differences

These terms are often confused:

• Tax ID number: your personal tax and identification number.
• Tessera Sanitaria: the plastic health card that you receive after registering with the SSN You'll receive it. It contains your Codice Fiscale.
• VAT Number: a separate sales tax ID number, which you only need if you're self-employed or a business.

Correct an error or retrieve your Codice Fiscale

If there is an error in your code (e.g., a misspelled name), contact the Agenzia delle Entrate—corrections are free of charge. If you have forgotten your code, you can find it on your Tessera Sanitaria, in official correspondence, or by contacting the Agenzia delle Entrate again.

What You Need to Do Next

With your Codice Fiscale in hand, you can move on to the next steps: a Open a Bank Account, your Register Your Address (residenza) and help you with the SSN Health Services Register. Non-EU citizens should take care of the Residence Permit.