Italy Codice Fiscale Guide: How to Get Your Italian Tax Code in 2025

The Codice Fiscale is Italy's national identification number—a 16-character alphanumeric code assigned to every individual who interacts with Italian government services, opens a bank account, signs a contract, or buys property. Unlike tax identification numbers in many countries, the Italian Codice Fiscale never expires and remains with you for life.

If you're planning to move to Italy, buy property, or conduct any official business in the country, obtaining your Codice Fiscale should be your first administrative step. The good news: it's completely free from official government sources, and you can often receive it the same day if you apply in person at an Italian tax office.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Codice Fiscale—what it is, how the code is structured, why you need it, and the exact steps to apply whether you're abroad or already in Italy.

What Is the Codice Fiscale?

The Codice Fiscale (literally "fiscal code") is Italy's tax identification number, similar to a Social Security Number in the United States or a National Insurance Number in the UK. Every Italian citizen receives one at birth, and foreign nationals must obtain one when they need to interact with Italian institutions.

Key characteristics of the Codice Fiscale:

• 16-character alphanumeric code — A unique combination of letters and numbers derived from your personal data
• Permanent and lifelong — Once issued, your Codice Fiscale never changes or expires
• Universal requirement — Needed for nearly every official transaction in Italy
• Free to obtain — The government issues it at no cost through official channels

The Codice Fiscale functions as your identifier across all Italian systems—tax authority, healthcare, banking, employment, and property registration. Without it, you cannot legally open a bank account, sign a rental contract, get a phone plan, or purchase property in Italy.

How the Codice Fiscale Is Structured

Understanding the structure of your Codice Fiscale can help you verify its accuracy. The 16-character code is algorithmically generated from your personal data:

• Positions 1-3: 3 letters from your surname (first, third, fourth consonants; vowels fill gaps)
• Positions 4-6: 3 letters from your first name (consonants; if more than 3, uses 1st, 3rd, 4th; vowels fill gaps)
• Positions 7-8: 2 digits for year of birth (last two digits)
• Position 9: 1 letter for month of birth (A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, D=Apr, E=May, H=Jun, L=Jul, M=Aug, P=Sep, R=Oct, S=Nov, T=Dec)
• Positions 10-11: 2 digits for day of birth + gender modifier (females add 40 to the day)
• Positions 12-15: 4 characters for birthplace code (Italian municipality or foreign country)
• Position 16: 1 check character (calculated from previous 15 characters)

Example breakdown:

For a person named Mario Rossi, born March 15, 1985, in Rome:

• RSS — From surname "Rossi" (R, S, S)
• MRA — From first name "Mario" (M, R + vowel A)
• 85 — Year 1985
• C — March
• 15 — Day (male, no modifier)
• H501 — Rome municipality code
• X — Check character

Gender encoding: For women, 40 is added to the birth day. A woman born on the 15th would have "55" in positions 10-11.

Foreign-born individuals: If you were born outside Italy, positions 12-15 contain a country code (e.g., Z404 for the United States, Z114 for the United Kingdom) rather than an Italian municipality code.

Why You Need a Codice Fiscale in Italy

The Codice Fiscale is required for virtually every official interaction in Italy. Here's a comprehensive list of situations where you'll need it:

Financial Services

• Opening a bank account — Italian banks require a Codice Fiscale to open any type of account, including non-resident accounts. Learn more about opening an Italian bank account.
• Applying for a mortgage — Essential for any property financing
• Investment accounts — Required for securities and investment products
• Insurance policies — Health, property, and life insurance all require your fiscal code

Property and Housing

• Buying property — You must have a Codice Fiscale before you can purchase real estate in Italy. This is non-negotiable and must be obtained prior to signing any preliminary contracts.
• Signing a rental contract — Landlords are legally required to record your Codice Fiscale
• Utility connections — Electricity, gas, water, and internet contracts all require it
• Property registration — The Catasto (land registry) records property ownership using Codice Fiscale

Employment and Business

• Employment contracts — Employers must have your Codice Fiscale to legally hire you
• Freelance work — Required for invoicing and tax purposes
• Starting a business — Company formation requires the founders' fiscal codes
• Professional registrations — Joining professional orders or associations

Daily Life

• Mobile phone contracts — SIM cards require registration with your Codice Fiscale
• Healthcare services — Registering with the Italian health system (SSN)
• Vehicle registration — Buying or registering a car or motorcycle
• Legal proceedings — Any interaction with courts or notaries
• Government services — Applying for visas, permits, or residency

For Property Buyers: Timing Is Critical

If you're purchasing property in Italy, you must obtain your Codice Fiscale before the purchase process begins. Italian notaries cannot execute property transfers without the buyer's fiscal code. Many buyers mistakenly assume they can get it during the process—this causes delays and can jeopardize transactions.

Obtain your Codice Fiscale as soon as you seriously consider buying Italian property, ideally 2-4 weeks before you plan to make any offers.

How to Get a Codice Fiscale

There are two primary ways to obtain a Codice Fiscale: through an Italian consulate abroad or directly at the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) in Italy. The best option depends on your location and timeline.

Option 1: Apply at an Italian Consulate (From Abroad)

If you're not yet in Italy, apply through your nearest Italian consulate or embassy.

Processing time: 1-4 weeks (varies by consulate)

Required documents:

• Application form — Form AA4/8 (Richiesta di attribuzione del codice fiscale), available from the consulate website or in person
• Valid passport — Original plus photocopy of the photo page
• Proof of address — Utility bill or official document showing your current residence abroad

Process:

1. Locate your nearest Italian consulate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
2. Download Form AA4/8 from the consulate website or request it in person
3. Complete the form with your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
4. Submit the form with your passport (original and copy) at the consulate
5. Receive your Codice Fiscale certificate by mail or collect it in person

Important notes:

• Some consulates accept postal applications; others require in-person visits
• Appointment systems vary—check your specific consulate's requirements
• Processing times differ significantly between consulates
• Consulate variations: New York has strict PDF format rules and limited receipt hours (Mon-Thu 8am-3pm); London often directs applicants to apply directly in Italy or delegate to a representative there

Option 2: Apply in Italy (Multiple Channels)

If you're already in Italy or visiting, several options are available depending on your citizenship.

For EU/EEA Citizens: Agenzia delle Entrate

Processing time: Typically same day

Required documents:

• Passport or national ID card
• Completed Form AA4/8

Process:

1. Locate your nearest Agenzia delle Entrate office
2. Take a queue number for "Codice Fiscale" services
3. Present your documents at the counter
4. Receive your Codice Fiscale certificate immediately

Office hours: Typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM (some offices have extended hours Tuesday and Thursday)

Tip: Arrive early. While the process is quick once you reach the counter, wait times can exceed an hour at busy urban offices.

For Non-EU Citizens: Primary Channels

Most non-EU citizens receive their Codice Fiscale automatically during the residence permit process—you may not need a separate application.

Sportello Unico dell'Immigrazione (Single Immigration Desk at Prefettura)

• Issues Codice Fiscale automatically when processing entry clearance (nulla osta) for employment or family reunification visas
• No separate application needed—it's part of the permit process

Questura (Police Headquarters)

• Issues Codice Fiscale automatically when you apply for or renew a residence permit
• Covers most other residence permit types

Agenzia delle Entrate (For other situations)

• Use this only if you need a Codice Fiscale for reasons other than employment or residence permits (e.g., property purchase as a non-resident)
• Required documents: Valid passport with visa, completed Form AA4/8, proof of legal presence in Italy

Key point: If you're applying for a residence permit, your Codice Fiscale will typically be issued as part of that process. Check with the Sportello Unico or Questura handling your application before making a separate trip to the tax office.

The Tessera Sanitaria: Your Health Insurance Card

Once you're registered with the Italian healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), you'll receive a Tessera Sanitaria—a plastic health insurance card that also displays your Codice Fiscale.

The Tessera Sanitaria serves multiple purposes:

• Health insurance card — Access to Italian public healthcare services
• Codice Fiscale card — Physical card displaying your fiscal code with barcode
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — The reverse side functions as your EHIC for healthcare across the EU

The Tessera Sanitaria has effectively replaced the standalone plastic Codice Fiscale card. While you can still request a simple fiscal code certificate, the Tessera Sanitaria is the standard card format for anyone registered with Italian healthcare.

Note: The Tessera Sanitaria is only issued to residents enrolled in the national health system. Non-residents and those with private insurance only will have a paper Codice Fiscale certificate.

Cost: The Codice Fiscale Is Free

The Italian government issues the Codice Fiscale at no charge. There is no application fee, processing fee, or any other official cost.

You may encounter third-party services online offering to obtain your Codice Fiscale for €15-50. These services are unnecessary. They simply submit the same free application on your behalf and charge a premium for convenience.

Official sources are always free:

• Italian consulates: Free
• Agenzia delle Entrate offices: Free
• Italian municipalities (for residents): Free

The only legitimate costs you might incur are:

• Travel to a consulate or tax office
• Document translation or apostille if required by your specific consulate
• Expedited mail services if you want faster delivery of your certificate

Common Questions About the Codice Fiscale

Can I calculate my own Codice Fiscale?

Yes, the algorithm is publicly known, and many online calculators can generate a Codice Fiscale from your personal data. However, a calculated code is not official. You must apply through proper channels to receive a valid, registered Codice Fiscale in the Anagrafe Tributaria (tax registry).

Banks and notaries will verify your code against the official database—a self-calculated code that isn't registered will be rejected.

Does the Codice Fiscale expire?

No. Once issued, your Codice Fiscale is permanent and never expires. It remains the same even if you change your name, move countries, or let your Italian residency lapse.

The physical Tessera Sanitaria card expires and must be renewed, but the Codice Fiscale number itself is lifelong.

Can I get a Codice Fiscale without being in Italy?

Yes. Apply through your nearest Italian consulate or embassy. Processing takes 1-4 weeks depending on the consulate. This is the recommended approach for property buyers and those planning significant transactions before arriving in Italy.

Do I need a Codice Fiscale to buy property in Italy?

Absolutely yes. You cannot purchase property without one. The notary requires your Codice Fiscale for the deed (rogito), and it must be registered before the transaction. Get yours well in advance of any property purchase.

What if I lost my Codice Fiscale certificate?

Your Codice Fiscale number doesn't change, so losing the certificate isn't critical. You can:

• Request a duplicate at any Agenzia delle Entrate office
• Look up your existing code if you've used it before (the number is permanent)
• Request a new certificate from your Italian consulate

Is the Codice Fiscale the same as a Partita IVA?

No. The Codice Fiscale is your personal tax identification number (for individuals). The Partita IVA is a VAT number for business activities. Freelancers and business owners have both—a personal Codice Fiscale and a separate Partita IVA for their business.

Can non-residents get a Codice Fiscale?

Yes. Non-residents regularly obtain Codice Fiscale for property purchases, opening bank accounts, or business purposes. Residency is not required. You simply need valid identification and, for non-EU citizens applying in Italy, a valid visa.

Step-by-Step Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth application process:

Before applying:

• Verify your passport is valid (at least 6 months remaining recommended)
• Check your nearest Italian consulate's specific requirements
• Download Form AA4/8 from the consulate or Agenzia delle Entrate website
• Prepare photocopies of your passport (photo page)
• For non-EU applicants in Italy: Ensure your residence permit is valid

Application:

• Complete Form AA4/8 with details exactly matching your passport
• Double-check spelling of your name (the code is generated from this)
• Submit at consulate or Agenzia delle Entrate office
• Request both the certificate and (if eligible) Tessera Sanitaria registration

After receiving:

• Verify the code is correctly generated (check against algorithm)
• Store the number securely—you'll need it frequently
• Keep a copy of the certificate with your important documents
• Memorize the 16-character code (you'll use it constantly in Italy)

Related Guides

Planning your move to Italy involves several administrative steps beyond the Codice Fiscale. These guides cover the essential next steps:

• Opening an Italian Bank Account as a Foreigner — You'll need your Codice Fiscale to open any Italian bank account
• Italian Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens — Understanding which visa you need
• Cost of Living in Italy 2025 — Budgeting for your Italian life
• Italian Residency: How to Get a Residence Permit — The full process for establishing residency