🇮🇹 Living in Italy as a Foreigner

Whether you’ve come to Italy for work, study, or family reasons, having the right documents is crucial for a legal and stress-free life.
Without them, even simple daily tasks — like opening a bank account or signing a lease — can become difficult.

Here are the three essential documents every foreigner must have 👇

1️⃣ Codice Fiscale (Tax Code)

The Codice Fiscale is your unique tax identification number — similar to a social security number — used in almost every aspect of life in Italy.

📋 You’ll need it for:

Signing work or rental contracts 💼
Opening a bank account 💳
Accessing public healthcare 🏥
Setting up phone, internet, or utility services 🔌

Without it, many basic services are simply not accessible.

🏛️ How to get it:

You can request a Codice Fiscale from:

Any Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Office)
Your Italian Consulate or Embassy abroad
Sometimes automatically during your residence permit application

Keep it safe — it’s one of the most important numbers you’ll use in Italy.

2️⃣ Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE) – Electronic ID Card

The CIE is Italy’s modern electronic ID card with a secure chip. It confirms your identity both in Italy and across the European Union.

📋 What it’s used for:

Official identification in Italy and the EU 🌍
Accessing SPID, Italy’s secure digital ID system 🔐
Traveling freely within the Schengen Area ✈️
Accessing various online and government services

🏛️ How to apply:

Visit your local Comune (City Hall) with your passport, Codice Fiscale, and proof of residence.
The card is usually issued within a few days and replaces the old paper ID format.

3️⃣ Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit)

For non-EU citizens, the Permesso di Soggiorno is the most critical document — it’s your legal proof of residence in Italy.

📋 Why you need it:

To live and work legally in Italy 📑
To apply for family reunification 👨‍👩‍👧
To access public healthcare, education, and benefits 🛡️

Without a valid permit, your stay in Italy is considered irregular, which can affect your rights and renewals.

🏛️ How to Check Its Status

You can easily check the progress of your residence permit application online using the official websites:

Questura – Polizia di Stato: https://questure.poliziadistato.it/stranieri
Portale Immigrazione: https://www.portaleimmigrazione.it/eli2immigrazioneweb/Pagine/StartPage.aspx
Consegna Permesso (Napoli only): https://www.consegnapermesso.it/

Each platform allows you to track your application using your 12-character postal tracking number or practice number from the receipt provided by the post office.

📱 Quick & Easy Tracking

If you want to check your permit status faster and access all official links in one place, you can use the Stato Permesso app — designed for foreigners in Italy.
It lets you instantly open the correct website (Questura, Portale Immigrazione, or Napoli link) and stay informed with articles, tips, and updates about living legally in Italy.

✨ The Three Keys to Legal Life in Italy

Having these three documents —

Codice Fiscale
Carta d’Identità Elettronica (CIE)
Permesso di Soggiorno

— means you can work, rent, travel, and access services in Italy without bureaucratic stress.

👉 Always keep them safe, valid, and up-to-date — they’re the foundation of a secure and lawful life in Italy.

The Three Essential Documents Every Foreigner Needs to Live Legally in Italy