Three ways to get it
In Italy
Book an appointment at any Agenzia delle Entrate office. Bring form AA4/8 and your passport (EU citizens: passport or ID card valid for travel).
From abroad
Apply through the Italian consulate responsible for your country of residence. Check its website for the exact procedure.
By delegation
A relative, lawyer, estate agent or notary in Italy can file the application for you with a signed authorisation and a copy of your ID.
Non-EU citizens entering Italy for work or family reunification receive the code from the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione; for other residence permits it is issued by the Questura.
Preview your codice fiscale
The code follows fixed rules. Enter your data to see the code you are likely to receive. For a place of birth outside Italy, type your country (for example Germany = "Germania", United States = "Stati Uniti", United Kingdom = "Regno Unito").
This is a calculation, not an official code: the valid code is the one issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate.
How the 16 characters are built
| Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Surname: first three consonants (then vowels, then X) |
| 4–6 | First name: consonants 1, 3 and 4 if there are at least four, otherwise as for the surname |
| 7–8 | Last two digits of the year of birth |
| 9 | Month letter: A B C D E H L M P R S T (January–December) |
| 10–11 | Day of birth; 40 is added for women |
| 12–15 | Place of birth: Italian municipality code, or country code starting with Z for people born abroad |
| 16 | Check character calculated from the first 15 |
Already have a code? Check whether it is valid (page in Italian).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Italian codice fiscale?
It is the personal tax identification code issued by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). It has 16 letters and numbers derived from your name, surname, date and place of birth, and it identifies you in every dealing with Italian public offices and private companies.
Do I need it if I do not live in Italy?
Yes, if you buy property, inherit, sign a rental or employment contract, open a bank account, enrol at a university or register for health care in Italy. Residence in Italy is not required to get one.
How much does it cost?
It is free when issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate or by an Italian consulate. Only private intermediaries may charge for their service.
How do I apply from abroad?
Contact the Italian consulate responsible for your country of residence, or authorise a person in Italy to file form AA4/8 at an Agenzia delle Entrate office on your behalf. Many offices also accept applications by certified email (PEC).
Does the codice fiscale expire?
No. The code itself never expires; only the health card (tessera sanitaria) that shows it has an expiry date.
Related pages
Page updated November 2026 by the ilcodicefiscale.com editorial team (AVANET S.R.L., Cuneo, Italy). Information is provided for guidance only: the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) is the only official source.