Codice fiscale: your first step towards a house in Italy

If you want to buy property in Italy, the first thing you need is the codice fiscale, the Italian tax number. Without it, almost nothing in the purchase can go ahead. The good news: it is free and quick to apply for.

What is the codice fiscale?

The codice fiscale is a personal identification number made up of 16 letters and digits. It is derived from your name, date of birth and place of birth. Anyone who acquires property in Italy, opens an account or pays taxes needs one, even without residence in Italy.

What do you need it for when buying?

• to acquire the property,
• for an Italian bank account,
• for electricity, water, gas and internet in your new home,
• for the annual property tax (IMU) and other charges.

How to get the codice fiscale

1. In Italy: at an office of the Agenzia delle Entrate. You fill in the form and show your passport or ID card. You usually get the number the same day.
2. From Germany, Austria or Switzerland: through the Italian consulate or embassy in your country.

The application is free. If a couple buys together, each of them needs their own codice fiscale.

How we help you

When you are in Tuscany for a viewing, we go with you to the Agenzia delle Entrate, fill in the form together and translate on the spot. That way you have your codice fiscale before things get concrete with a house. The codice fiscale itself is free of charge.

The contract is a separate step

Having a codice fiscale does not mean anything has been signed. The preliminary contract and the purchase contract are a separate step with their own documents and costs. We discuss what this involves with you personally as soon as a specific house is on the table.

This information is for guidance only and does not replace tax or legal advice. As of November 2026.