Codice Fiscale: the Italian Tax Identification Code

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Codice Fiscale: the Italian Tax Identification Code

The Codice Fiscale is a tax identification number used in all interaction with government agencies and public administration in Italy. It is a unique identity code devised from an individual's name, date and place of birth. It is similar to the National Insurance number (NI) in the UK or the Social Security Number (SSN) in the US.

The Codice Fiscale is issued by the Agenzia dell' Entrate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Italy. It is a plastic credit card-sized card with the unique 16 alphanumeric digit code. 

Applying for a Codice Fiscale

Application must be made at the local office of the Agenzie dell'Entrate. 

• To find a local office: Click here

Documents required: 

• Valid passport or stay permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) 

On making an application, a number will be issued and the card will be sent by post at a later time.

Newborn babies must be issued with a Codice Fiscale within 60 days of birth. A parent must submit the application and supply the birth certificate.

Applying from outside Italy

A Codice Fiscale can also be issued by an Italian Embassy in an applicant's home country.

Italian Embassies in the following countries:

• United States of America

• Canada

• Australia

• New Zealand

• South Africa

What the Numbers Mean

The first fifteen characters define the individual, the sixteenth, an alphabetical character, has control function.

In the following order:

• three alphabetical characters for the last name 
• three alphabetical characters for the name
• two numerical characters for the birth year
• an alphabetical character for the birth month 
• two numerical characters for the day of birth and the gender
• four characters (of which one is alphabetical and three numerical) for the Italian or the foreign state of birth
• one control letter

For full details on the numbers: Click here (in Italian)

Further Information

• Full details from the issuing body, the Agenzia Entrata (in Italian)
• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Residence Permits, Permesso di Soggiorno & Carta di Sorggiorno in Italy