Living in Italy: You’ll need to get a SPID digital identity

If you are planning to move to Italy, you will find that there is a sea of bureaucracy to navigate. One item on the essentials list is a SPID id.

What is SPID?

SPID stands for Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale (SPID), Public Digital Identity System and is a digital identity.

Made up of an encrypted username and password it allows residents in Italy to access public administration and government online services.

From October 1, 2021 a SPID will be needed to access INPS (Tax, income and revenue service) and most public administration and government websites. Soon, the SPID will be the only way to login to these sites.

What sites do you need a SPID for?

All public administration and government websites (local and national) will require the SPID.

You will need a SPID for services such as:

• Public administration
• Resident Registry office
• Financing
• Citizen/Resident online portals
• Municipal/Regional websites
• Tax, legal and financial websites
• Educational facilities and universities
• Inquiries and reservations for public hospitals and clinics
• Social and Community Services
• Certification and Self-Certification Services
• Services for families
• Utility companies
• Electronic Health Record
• INAIL services
• INPS services
• Sending and requesting documents
• Certification and Self-Certification Services

How to get a SPID

SPID identities can be issued by several providers.  You must register with one of these providers. The system is designed to guarantee maximum security and privacy . SPID ensures the maximum confidentiality of data and is designed to increase transparency on the management of its data and provide services utilizing minimum data. The Service Provider cannot keep the user data it receives from the Identity Provider and it is forbidden to track the activities of an individual.

Providers issuing SPID

• Aruba
• Infocert
• Intesa (Ibm Group)
• Lepida
• PosteItaliane (PosteID)
• SielteID
• Telecom Italia Trust Technologies
• Namirial
• Register.it.

To get a SPID, go to the website of one of the above-mentioned providers and register online for a SPID. After you register online, download their app on your mobile phone as well.

Note from the editor:

I found that the registration with Poste Italiane was very easy and free. With Poste.it, you have to first register online and then go to a post office for id verification. The last step of the registration process is to make an appointment for the id verification in person at a post office. I was able to register and be verified within an hour.

How much does a SPID Cost?

The cost for a SPID is free, however some providers require payment for the id verification process.

You will need:

• carte identità (id card
• codice fiscale (fiscal code) or carte sanitaria (health card)
• an email address
• a smartphone

You will need a valid id document, tax code, email address and a smartphone which can receive WhatsApp messages (not all SPID providers use sms).

After registering online with a provider, a personal verification must be carried out. Some providers do this online via PC or mobile phone cameras with video. Other providers require recognition in person at an office.

Some providers charge a fee for the verification process.

Can a foreigner living in Italy get a SPID?

Yes. You must have a valid Italian identification document (such as an identity card) and a tax code card, an e-mail address and a mobile phone for personal use. If you have a residence permit, you can request an Italian identity card and present it during the SPID activation request phase. Click here to learn more about Essential First Steps for Relocating to Italy

Can Italians living outside Italy get a SPID?

Yes, click here for more information.

How does a SPID work once you get it?

When you visit a website that uses SPID login, it will first ask who your id provider is. Click the provider’s name and a login page will appear. You can login with your id and password or simply by framing the QR code on the page with your SPID mobile app.

Some websites, also ask for your email and mobile number for double verification.

Example:

Click here to get a free SPID with Poste Italiane

Learn more about SPID on https://www.spid.gov.it/cos-e-spid/come-attivare-spid/

Article by Anthony Ryan for easymilano.com