Daily life and basic paperwork

Codice fiscale

The codice fiscale is a personal alphanumeric code issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate, needed for any formal relationship: employment contract, lease, bank account, health registration, SIM, online purchases with invoice. It is free and does not require residence. It is obtained by presenting an identity document (passport or EU identity card) at any Agenzia delle Entrate office, before departure at the competent Italian consulate, or, for those applying for a work residence permit, through the Sportello unico per l'immigrazione. It comes on a paper certificate; the plastic card is the Tessera Sanitaria, sent to those who register with the National Health Service.

Residence, CIE and SPID

Residence is declared at the registry office (anagrafe) of the municipality where you live, with ID, codice fiscale, registered lease (or title deed, or hosting declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, residence permit or application receipt; EU citizens also show proof of work or means and health insurance. The municipality registers within two working days and checks that you live there in the following forty-five; residence is needed for the identity card, family doctor, school enrolment and tax breaks. With residence you can apply for the electronic identity card (CIE), which is also a digital identity; alternatively SPID is activated with an accredited provider. SPID or CIE give access to almost all online public services, including INPS, Agenzia delle Entrate and the electronic health record.

SIM, bank account, PEC

To activate an Italian SIM it is mandatory to show an identity document and, for residents, the codice fiscale; operators' shops and many tobacconists activate it in minutes, and EU roaming is included. A bank account is opened with ID and codice fiscale; some banks also ask for residence or a residence permit, but EU law guarantees anyone legally resident in the EU the right to a basic account, and forbids employers and suppliers from refusing an IBAN from another SEPA country (so-called IBAN discrimination is illegal). Certified e-mail (PEC) has the legal value of registered mail and is compulsory for businesses and professionals, optional but very useful for individuals in dealings with public administration.

Utilities and waste

Electricity and gas are sold on the free market: each household chooses supplier and offer, comparable on the Portale Offerte of the regulator ARERA, and the takeover or switch is done online or by phone with the POD (electricity) and PDR (gas) codes, codice fiscale and meter reading. Bills are generally bimonthly. Water is run by local companies and activated with the municipality's operator. The waste tax (TARI) is municipal and is paid after declaring residence or occupation of the property. Waste sorting is compulsory but rules, bin colours, days and method (door-to-door or street containers) change from one municipality to another: the guide is on the website of the municipality or the waste company, and mistakes are fined.

Hours, post, restaurants

Shop hours vary: in big cities supermarkets are open every day without a lunch break, in smaller towns many shops close at lunchtime (roughly 13–16), on Sundays and one afternoon a week. Pharmacies work on rotas, with the duty pharmacy open at night and on holidays; many medicines require a prescription. Public offices have morning hours and often see people only by online appointment. Poste Italiane handles mail, bill payments, accounts and some procedures (residence permits via postal kit). In restaurants the coperto is a fixed charge on the bill for bread and service and is legal if shown on the menu; tipping is not expected and, if left, is a few euro by rounding up. Card payment is accepted by law everywhere, but small amounts are often paid in cash.

First thirty days checklist

1. Codice fiscale

   At the Agenzia delle Entrate with your passport, if not obtained at the consulate or with the residence permit.

2. Italian SIM

   With ID and codice fiscale; choose a plan with enough data, it will be needed for authentication.

3. Residence permit (non-EU)

   Within eight working days of entry via the postal kit or at the Questura, depending on the permit type (see the Entry section).

4. Home and registered lease

   Keep the registration receipt: it is the document that unlocks residence.

5. Residence at the municipality

   Residence declaration with lease, ID and codice fiscale.

6. Bank account and PEC

   Open the account and, if self-employed, activate a PEC.

7. SSN registration and doctor

   At the ASL of residence with permit or employment contract; choose the family doctor and paediatrician.

8. SPID or CIE

   Activate your digital identity for all later online procedures.

9. Utilities and waste

   Take over electricity and gas, activate water, file the TARI declaration, read the municipality's waste-sorting rules.