🇮🇹 Relocating to Italy: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Settling In

Moving to Italy for work, study, or long-term residence is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and compliance with Italian administrative procedures. This detailed guide covers every essential step—from obtaining your tax code to opening a bank account—complete with timelines, responsible parties, and official resources with direct links to help you settle in Italy smoothly.

1. 🧾 Obtain Your Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale)

The Codice Fiscale is a unique identification number essential for nearly every official activity in Italy, such as signing rental contracts, opening a bank account, accessing public healthcare, buying property, or even purchasing a SIM card. It is generated using your personal details (name, date, and place of birth) and does not automatically make you a tax resident or subject you to Italian taxes-tax obligations arise only if you earn income or own qualifying assets in Italy.

Since July 2024, Italian consulates have tightened their requirements. Now, if you apply from abroad, you may first need to attempt getting the code via a representative in Italy. If unsuccessful, you must provide written proof of this failed attempt when applying at the consulate. Processing times vary: in Italy, the code is often issued the same day at the Agenzia delle Entrate; abroad, it can take days to weeks, and delays are common due to high demand.

Requirements:

Valid passport (EU/Schengen citizens only need this; non-EU may need an entry stamp, visa, or a proxy).
Proof of address may be requested.
For children, a parent’s passport is also required.

Tip: Prioritize this step, as you cannot proceed with most other bureaucratic processes without a Codice Fiscale

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Where to Apply?
- In Italy: Apply at the local Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency): https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/web/english/nse/individuals/tax-identification-number-for-foreign-citizens
- Abroad: Request it through the Italian Consulate in your country. See the Italian Consulate Directory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/resourcesold/csi/embassy-and-consulate-lists/italy.html
Who is Involved?
- Applicant
- Immigration consultant (optional)
- Revenue Agency or Consulate staff
Estimated Timing:
- Typically issued within 1 week

The Codice Fiscale is your gateway to Italian life, so prioritize this step early in your relocation process.

2. 🏢 Job Onboarding and Employment Declaration

Before you can legally start working, your Italian employer must register your employment with the relevant labor authorities in the city or region where you will be working. This process ensures your employment is lawful and that you are covered by social security and labor protections.

Process Requirements:

Your employer’s HR department handles the declaration, which must be completed before your first working day.
For non-EU citizens, a valid job offer and “Nulla Osta” (work authorization) are required before applying for a work visa. After arrival, you must apply for a residence permit within eight days to stay and work legally.

Key Documents:

Employment contract/job offer
Proof of accommodation in Italy
Clean criminal record
Health insurance coverage
Evidence of financial means

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Where?
- The declaration is submitted in the city or region specified in your employment contract.
Who is Responsible?
- Your employer's HR department
Timing:
- Varies by company, but must be completed before your first working day

This step ensures your employment is legal and you are covered by social security and labor protections.

3. 📄 Proof of Lodgement (Accommodation Documentation)

You must have documented proof of where you will live in Italy before you can register your residence. Accepted documents include a registered rental contract (contratto registrato), property ownership deed, or a lodgement declaration if you’re staying with someone else.

Update:

For work visa applicants, proof of accommodation is a mandatory requirement.
Your rental contract must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate to be valid for residence registration.

Tip: Secure your accommodation early, as delays in documentation can impact your ability to register your residence and access other services.

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Accepted Proofs:
- Registered rental contract (contratto registrato)
- Home ownership documents
- Lodgement declaration if hosted by someone else
Who is Involved?
- Applicant
- Immigration consultant (optional)
Timing:
- Depends on how quickly you secure and document your accommodation

Your rental contract must be registered with the Revenue Agency to be valid for residence registration.

4. 🏠 Register Your Residence (Iscrizione Anagrafica)

Registering your residence at the local Comune (municipality) is crucial for formalizing your legal status in Italy. This step is required to access healthcare, social services, and is necessary if you plan to apply for Italian citizenship in the future.

Process:

Apply at the Anagrafe office or online via the National Register of the Resident Population (ANPR).
Required documents: passport, residence permit (if applicable), Codice Fiscale, proof of accommodation, and a declaration of residence form.
The municipality may conduct a home inspection to verify your actual residence.

Notes:

Registration typically takes about one month.
Residenza does not expire but can be cancelled if you move, are untraceable, or fail to renew your declaration after your residence permit is renewed.
Physical presence at your declared address is required, not just an intention to reside.

Tip: The date of residence registration is critical for citizenship applications-the clock starts ticking from this date.

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Where?
- At the Anagrafe office of your local municipality. You can also use the National Register of the Resident Population (ANPR) online portal: https://www.anagrafenazionale.interno.it/portale/
Who is Responsible?
- Applicant
- Immigration consultant (optional)
Timing:
- Usually takes about 1 month, possibly including a home inspection by local police
Documents Required:
- Passport
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Codice Fiscale
- Proof of accommodation
- Declaration of residence form

Registering your residence is essential for accessing healthcare, social benefits, and other services.

5. 🏥 Enroll in the National Health System (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN)

After registering your residence, you can enroll in Italy’s public healthcare system (SSN), which provides access to hospitals, clinics, and general practitioners.

Healthcare Update:

Foreign citizens with a valid residence permit are entitled to the same healthcare rights as Italian citizens.
As of January 1, 2025, Italy has introduced a unified national tariff system for healthcare co-pays (“ticket”), standardizing fees for medical services across all regions. For example, a first specialist visit now costs €25 nationwide, and a chest X-ray is €15.45.
Some regional variations may persist for up to 18 months during the transition.

Enrollment Process:

Go to your local Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) with your residence certificate, Codice Fiscale, and valid ID.
You’ll receive a health card (Tessera Sanitaria) and choose your general practitioner.

Tip: Registration is usually completed within 10 days after receiving your residence certificate.

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Where?
- At your local Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL): https://tramitit.com/guides/italy/registration_with_the_national_health_service_ssn/
Who is Responsible?
- Applicant
- Immigration consultant (optional)
Timing:
- Typically around 10 days after you receive your residence certificate
Documents Needed:
- Residence certificate
- Codice Fiscale
- Valid ID

After registration, you'll receive a health card (Tessera Sanitaria) and can choose your general practitioner.

6. 🆔 Request an Italian Identity Card (Carta d'Identità)

The Italian Identity Card serves as official proof of your identity and residency, and is often required for accessing services, domestic travel, and even applying for a driving license.

Requirements:

Apply at your local Comune (Town Hall) or, for Italians abroad, at the relevant consulate if registered with AIRE and your birth certificate is transcribed in Italy.
You must have your Codice Fiscale and be registered as a resident.
The card is not issued on the spot; it is mailed to your address, typically within 10 days after your residence is confirmed.

Tip: The electronic identity card (CIE) now also allows access to digital public services (SPID system)

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Where?
- Your local Town Hall (Comune). Learn more at the Electronic Identity Card Portal: https://www.cartaidentita.interno.gov.it/en/home-3/
Who is Responsible?
- Applicant
- Immigration consultant (optional)
Timing:
- About 10 days after residence is confirmed

This card is essential for identification, accessing services, and domestic travel.

7. 🏦 Open a Bank Account

A local bank account is essential for managing your finances, receiving your salary, and paying for rent or utilities.

Process:

Choose a bank that fits your needs, considering fees and services.
Required documents: valid passport or national ID, Codice Fiscale, proof of residence, and sometimes proof of employment or student status.
Visit a branch (recommended for personalized assistance) or apply online.
Complete the application and make an initial deposit (amount varies by bank).
You’ll receive your account details, debit card, and online banking credentials by post.

Tip: Some banks may request additional documentation depending on your visa or residency status.

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Where?
- Any bank branch in Italy. See a step-by-step guide at Expat.com: https://www.expat.com/en/guide/europe/italy/10627-opening-a-bank-account-in-italy.html
Who is Responsible?
- Applicant
- Immigration consultant (optional)
Timing:
- Usually about 10 days after you have your residence certificate
Documents Required:
- Valid ID
- Codice Fiscale
- Proof of address

Opening a bank account is a key step for financial independence in Italy.

📝 Final Notes

Relocating to Italy involves multiple coordinated steps with various authorities and service providers. Each phase—from obtaining your Codice Fiscale to enrolling in the healthcare system—builds the foundation for your legal status and quality of life. With expert guidance and a clear roadmap, you can navigate these procedures efficiently and start enjoying your new life in Italy.

Jobbatical is here to support you at every stage, from tax code acquisition to municipal registrations, making your transition to Italy as smooth as possible.

Official Resources and Useful Links: