What’s a Codice Fiscale? Why do you need one? Why do some people say they are “tricky” to get? This is a quick insight on how to get one very easily.
A codice fiscale (or CF) is an Italian tax number – similar to a social security number in the US. It’s free and anyone can get one, both Italians and foreigners. You can either apply at an Italian consulate in your country, in person at any Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) or through a service. for around €100.
You’ll need this to:
~~ Make an offer on a property
~~ Apply for a one-euro house
~~ Close on the purchase of a property
~~ Put utilities in your name and set up online payments
~~ Pay property taxes (IMU)
~~ Open a bank account (residents only)
~~ Possibly for vehicle related things (I don’t have any experience with this)
Getting this early means when you do find the property of your dreams you can move on it quickly and not risk losing out by having to faff about with that initial step. I suggest getting this as soon as you decide you’re serious about buying a place – even while still searching and researching.
Also, please keep in mind that you’ll need one for everyone you want to be on the title.
If you ever hear or read that this is “tricky” or difficult to get – it can be if you try to get it in person. I tried to apply in person at the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) in Ragusa, Sicily and was told I needed to print the paperwork from their website, fill it out, scan it and then email it back to them. This was shortly after COVID things were a bit screwy, but I have heard other people having similar experiences more recently.
Another reason people or organizations say this is ‘tricky’ is because they want to make the whole process seem difficult, complicated and confusing so you feel the need to for their visa or relocation assistance (and to be fair, it’s how they make a living and we all have to eat!)
But by far the easiest way to get one and to avoid all hassles is to apply using a service. I used Studio Legale Mette and it was seriously one of the BEST $120 I’ve ever spent! It was super easy and took about a week. My friend and buying partner applied for hers using their 7-9 days service and received it in just 3 days!
I don’t have any affiliation to this firm; they just did a stellar job for us and I highly recommend using them as the quickest and most hassle-free way to get your codice fiscale. I have also heard good things from other people.
Having said that, there are several other law firms and services which can be found through a quick Google search. Some realtors might still do this for you as this was quite common in the past but not so many seem to be offering to do this these days. You can also still apply in person or through the Italian consulate in your country.
Here’s a sample of what the form looks like and here’s a link to the form online. Only Italian citizens can apply for one online, but non-Italians can download the form.
Also, once you receive your codice fiscale, it’s valid for life and you’ll never have to renew it or reapply.
Italian Homes Under 150k 