WHAT’S THE ITALIAN FISCAL CODE?
The Italian fiscal code is a unique alphanumeric sequence used to identify individuals. It is essential for accessing services provided by the Public Administration and ensuring access, just to give an exemple, to healthcare services within the country. Currently, this code is directly associated with the italian Health Card.
Indice dei contenuti
The Revenue Agency has made available a brief compendium containing all the necessary information and instructions for both Italian citizens and foreigners residing in Italy who wish to request the assignment of a fiscal code. This document, translated into 17 languages, can be found in the “Brochures and Infographics” section of the institutional web portal, reachable by clicking here.
The tax code consists of a sequence of 16 characters, a combination of letters and numbers, aimed at summarizing the personal details of the individual, such as surname, given name, date, and place of birth (Italian municipality or foreign country).
As already mentioned, this code is primarily used to identify individuals in dealings with public entities but especially for registration with the National Health Service and the selection of a family doctor.
Additionally, the fiscal code is required for opening a bank account, for the buying and selling of properties or a car, registering for utilities in one’s name, and generally for the registration of contracts in which one is involved, such as a lease agreement lasting more than 30 days.
The fiscal code doesn’t expire and remains valid only if issued and certified by the Revenue Agency.
HOW TO OBTAIN IT
Residents receive their fiscal code via regular mail at their residential address.
Non-residents obtain it at the fiscal address provided at the time of the request.
The request procedure of the fiscal code varies based on the country of origin of individuals, if they come from non-EU or EU countries.
For foreign individuals from non-EU countries, the fiscal code is assigned based on the purpose of their entry into Italy and is therefore linked to the residence permit. For example, those applying for a residence permit for dependent work reasons or family reunification will receive a temporary fiscal code from the Immigration Office, present in every Prefecture. Later on, once the residence permit is approved, they will receive the permanent fiscal code. Other individuals applying for different types of residence permits will obtain the permanent fiscal code from the Police Headquarters (Questura).
In case the identity of two or more persons generates the same fiscal code, the Immigration Office or the Police Headquarters will instruct the citizen to contact one of the Revenue Agency offices. These offices will conduct a verification and issue the definitive fiscal code.
For foreign individuals from EU countries, the procedure varies as they are not required to obtain a residence permit in the first three months upon their arrival in Italy. They can request the fiscal code by filling out the specific form called “AA4/8”. This form must be sent to one of the territorial offices of the Revenue Agency and accompanied by a statement and a valid identification document, such as a passport or an identity card recognized for international travel.
Alternatively, it is possible to request the italian fiscal code directly from the Italian consulate in their origin Country. In addition, EU citizens can access the National Health Service by using the health card issued by their country of residence, known as the TEAM (European Health Insurance Card).
The guide provided by the Revenue Agency also gives specific instructions for particular cases, such as irregular foreign minors, individuals seeking international protection or persons with legal residence in Italy. In these situations, the fiscal code is assigned based on circumstances and competent authorities, such as the Police Headquarters or the Revenue Agency.
Finally, for those who reside permanently in Italy but don’t yet have an italian fiscal code, it’s possible to submit a request at one of the Revenue Agency offices by filling out and signing the AA4/8 form along with a valid identification document or residence permit.
OUR SERVICE
Mazza Law Firm provides assistance through a fully online procedure for all different types of requests. Click here to fill out your tax code request.
Warning:
- If you’re applying for a child’s tax code, you will need to upload both the child’s passport and a parent’s passport.
- You will receive an official italian fiscal code certificate like this sample (not the card)
Pricing for delivery via email:
- € 120,00 express delivery (within 7 – 9 business days)
- € 80 standard delivery (within 20 business days)
