What Is the Codice Fiscale and How Do You Get One?

Needed in Italy for many things — from a bank to renting, from a health registration to a work contract — the codice fiscale is a basic number Turkish students should obtain early. In this post we explain what it is and how to get one.

What is the codice fiscale?

The codice fiscale is a tax identification number that identifies people in Italy; it serves a function similar to the tax/ID number in Turkey. This number is the basis of many official and semi-official transactions in Italy: opening a bank account, a rental contract, a health registration, a work contract and more. For students, the codice fiscale is the key to daily and official life in Italy. The number is free and obtained from certain authorities. Getting it early greatly eases the transactions of your first weeks in Italy. The codice fiscale is one of the first steps of a settled student life.

Where to get it

The codice fiscale can be obtained in Italy from the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) offices. In some cases it can also be obtained through the Italian consulate in Turkey before going to Italy; this is an advantage for those who want to start some transactions (for example arranging accommodation remotely) before arriving. The number usually needs a passport and visa/residence details. Which route suits you depends on your timing and needs. You can weigh both options and choose the more practical one. Getting the number early speeds up later transactions.

What is it needed for?

The codice fiscale is needed for many transactions in Italy: opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, registering with the national health system (SSN), making a work contract, getting a phone line and many official applications. Without this number, most of these transactions cannot be done. So the codice fiscale is the cornerstone of settled life in Italy. Getting the number early lets you handle all these transactions on time. The codice fiscale comes up at every practical step of student life. That is why it should be your priority.

The required documents

To get a codice fiscale you usually need a valid passport, visa or residence details and sometimes an acceptance/enrolment document. The application is usually simple and free. It is important that the spelling of your name in the documents is consistent; the number is generated from this information. If you are getting it through the consulate, check the consulate’s current requirement list. Preparing the documents in full lets you get the number quickly. Most of these documents are ones you have already prepared for the visa and residence process. The codice fiscale application is easily completed with these documents.

When should you get it?

It is an advantage to get the codice fiscale as early as possible, because most of your first transactions in Italy (bank, rent, health registration) depend on this number. If possible, get it through the consulate before going to Italy; if not, from the Agenzia delle Entrate in your first days after arrival. Getting it early speeds up your settling-in process in Italy and prevents needless waits. As you cannot do many basic transactions without the number, it is wise to prioritise it. The timing greatly eases your first experience in Italy. Acting early ensures a smooth start.

Its link to residence and health

The codice fiscale is closely linked to the residence permit and the national health system (SSN) registration. Registering with the SSN, opening a bank account and many post-residence transactions require the codice fiscale. So the codice fiscale is a precondition for, or a complement to, the residence and health processes. Obtaining these documents in the right order lets you set up your official life in Italy smoothly. For the residence and health processes, see our guide library. The codice fiscale is one of the basic links in this chain of documents. Knowing the connection between documents matters.

Common situations

Common situations with the codice fiscale are: the importance of consistency in the documents (as the number is generated from the name spelling), the difference between the consulate and Italy options, and the fact that the number is free. Once you have obtained the number, you just keep it and use it in the transactions that need it. In case of any inconsistency you can apply to the relevant authority. This number becomes an official part of your identity in Italy. A correct, early-obtained codice fiscale eases your transactions in Italy. So it is best handled at the start of the process.

In summary

In summary, the codice fiscale is a tax identification number needed for almost every official transaction in Italy, including bank, rent, health and work. It is free, can be obtained through the Agenzia delle Entrate or the consulate, and should be obtained as early as possible. It is closely linked to the residence permit and SSN registration. Prioritising this number greatly eases your settling-in process in Italy. For the translation of the documents you will bring from Turkey you can take a free quote, and for the processes see our guide library. Early preparation is the key to a smooth start.

Frequently asked questions