What is the codice fiscale?
The codice fiscale is a personal identification code composed of 16 letters and numbers. It contains information based on your personal data.
How can I get it?
If you’re a foreigner, you usually receive the codice fiscale from the Italian embassy when applying for a visa to come to Italy.
The embassy didn’t give it to me, what can I do?
There are other options:
- If you entered Italy through a nulla osta, you can request it from the Sportello Unico Immigrazione at the Prefettura.
- If you’re applying for a permesso di soggiorno through the Questura, you can ask them to issue it for you.
- Alternatively, you can go directly to the Agenzia delle Entrate to request it.
In the last case, you must present one of the following documents:
- A valid permesso di soggiorno
- Passport with a visa or another document recognized by Italian authorities
- Proof of identity issued by the diplomatic or consular representation of your home country in Italy
- Carta d’identità
Is it really useful to have the codice fiscale?
In Italy, you can’t do much without the codice fiscale. It is essential for almost everything, as it officially identifies you in the system.
What do the letters and numbers mean?
- The first 3 letters are the consonants of your last name
- The next 3 letters are the consonants of your first name
- The following 2 digits are the last two digits of your birth year
- The next letter represents your birth month
- The next 2 numbers represent your birth day (for women, 40 is added to the day)
- Characters 12 to 15 identify your country of birth if you were born abroad
- The last character is randomly generated by the system
I went to the Agenzia delle Entrate and they told me they can’t issue it. What should I do?
As you may know, bureaucracy in Italy can be confusing. Even though the Agenzia delle Entrate has published a mini-guide on how to request the codice fiscale, some employees may not be fully informed. If this happens, simply go to another Agenzia delle Entrate office and try again.
I changed my last name. Do I need to update my codice fiscale?
Yes, any changes to your personal data require you to request a new codice fiscale.
Do I also need to update my residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)?
Yes, if you change your codice fiscale, you need to update your permesso as well.
You can find here the mini-guide of the Agenzia delle Entrate to request the codice fiscale
You can find here the form you need to request the codice fiscale
