Codice Fiscale Guide: Everything You Need to Know

What Is a Codice Fiscale?

A codice fiscale (fiscal code) is an essential Italian tax identification number, one of the key requirements for an Italian immigrant, among other things. It identifies foreign citizens in their interactions with public authorities and other administrative bodies. Individuals are assigned a 16-character alphanumeric code based on their personal information. The code is formed by 3 letters for your surname, followed by three for your name, then five denoting your birth year, month, and day, then your sex and place of birth, and finally a checksum letter.

Why Do You Need a Codice Fiscale?

The Italian tax code is necessary to obtain for many reasons, such as opening an Italian bank account, accessing public healthcare services for court dispute reasons, purchasing, renting, and mortgaging Italian property, signing contracts, whether they are employment-based or not, and filing tax returns. These are some of the main reasons, but extend beyond it. 

Common Misconception: Having a tax code implies abiding by tax duties. 

Debunked: A tax code is given to everyone and assigned to Italian children at birth; it does not ensure tax duty unless you:

1. Earn Italian taxable income;

2. Own or inherit Italian taxable assets;

3. Are an Italian tax resident.

What You Need In Order To Apply

If you are an EU citizen, then you only require a passport and proof of address, such as a bank statement, utility bills, or lease agreement.

If you are not an EU citizen, then you need to provide a copy of your passport as well as an entry date and stamp into the EU or a Schengen Visa country (not older than three months). In addition, a current Schengen visa issued by Italy or another Schengen country. If you are already a resident, then you should submit your permesso di soggiorno (residency permit)

How To Apply For a Codice Fiscale

Applying From Abroad

It is often recommended to get a fiscal code prior to your entry into Italy, but that is not necessary. If you prefer this option, then you can go to your nearest Italian embassy in your home country.

1. To check which embassy is nearest to you, click here. 
2. You can find the application form here and a list of comprehensive instructions on how to fill it out in English. 
3. Once completed, email or post the form to them and await their response; they are likely to email it back to you with your code.

Applying Within Italy

1. One way of applying for a codice fiscale from Italy is to go to the Sportello Unico Imigrazzione. Within Milan you can visit it at Corso Monforte 29, nearest metro station, San Babila M1 or Tricolore M4. 

2. Another way is to go to any Questura police headquarters near you. 

These options are viable if you are in the country for employment reasons or to reconvene with your family. If these apply, visit Sportello Unico.  

In the Questure you can apply if you want to renew your residency permit and require a fiscal code to do so.

3. If these do not suit you, then the alternative is to visit the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) and request it there. Click here to find which one is closest to you! It is recommended to make an appointment prior to your visit. In order to do so, click here.

If you would like, you can download this form and send it to them via email. During completion, ensure you physically sign the documents and scan them as pdfs, as this is the only acceptable format for approval.

What Happens Next?

Once you have done everything on your behalf, the agency should either issue you a physical card via post, or email you a printable tax code certificate, which you can use. This procedure takes between 5-7 working days. If you are in person, they can often issue you the card on the same day over the counter.

Once received, it is imperative to verify your details on the card in case of any errors or typos. If you spot one, then report back to the offices immediately and ask them for a second issue. Bring a form of identification, like a passport, with you to support your claim.

The Italian fiscal/tax code never expires! The only exception is if you change your name or nationality, then you would have to request a second issue.

If you would like to check that your fiscal code is valid, then click here.

If you believe a fiscal code was issued to you but are unsure if it is official or not, click here to verify.

For more information, visit the Agenzia delle Entrate website.

Article by Asmita Thareja for Easy Milano

Featured image by Ivan Oštrić