If you're organizing your move to Italy to study, there's one document you'll need from day one: the Codice Fiscale. For non-EU students it comes on top of the obligation to obtain an entry visa (VISA) to enter the country, but the Codice Fiscale for international students concerns everyone, EU citizens included. It's the document that lets you truly start your life in Italy: let's look at what it is, why it's essential, and how to get it without mistakes.
What it is and why it's essential
The Codice Fiscale is an alphanumeric code that identifies you before the Italian public administration. It's needed for a huge number of everyday actions: opening a bank account, activating a phone SIM, receiving a scholarship and — a central point for anyone looking for a home — registering a rental contract.
Without a Codice Fiscale, the landlord cannot register the contract with the Agenzia delle Entrate, and an unregistered contract leaves you without the document you need to apply for residency or renew your residence permit, on top of ruling out tax and university benefits. That's exactly why anyone managing student housing, like Smart Housing Milan, asks for the Codice Fiscale at signing, so the contract can be registered correctly.
How to get the Codice Fiscale: at the consulate or on arrival in Italy
Before you leave: at the Italian consulate
To save time, you can request the Codice Fiscale directly at the Italian consulate in your home country, even before arriving in Italy. This is the best advice: sorting this out in advance means you'll be ready to sign a rental contract without delays as soon as you find the right home.
Just arrived: at the Agenzia delle Entrate
If you arrive in Italy without a Codice Fiscale, the fix is quick: you can go to an office of the Agenzia delle Entrate with your documents and get it the same day. You'll need to fill in the official AA4/8 form (you can prepare it in advance or fill it in at the counter) and show up in person, since photocopies or scans of ID documents aren't accepted.
Documents to bring with you to the counter:
- Your valid passport.
- Your entry visa (VISA) and, if applicable, proof of your residence permit application, for non-EU students.
- Any university documentation, such as your admission or enrolment letter.
EU, UK or European Economic Area students don't need a visa: they can get the Codice Fiscale with the same AA4/8 form simply by presenting a valid ID card or passport.
Watch out for unofficial documents
The Codice Fiscale must be officially issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate. The office will hand you a "Certificato di attribuzione del codice fiscale" (Codice Fiscale attribution certificate): a paper document with your details registered in the Anagrafe Tributaria, complete with barcode, office stamp and official's signature. Keep it safe, because you'll need to show it when signing the rental contract or at the bank.
A Codice Fiscale "calculated" by a university or generated by unofficial websites has no legal value: only the document issued and stamped by the Agenzia delle Entrate is valid for Italian administrative procedures. Finally, check carefully how your name is transcribed on the certificate, especially if your passport contains non-Latin characters, to avoid problems with other documents later on. Below is a facsimile of the codice fiscale attribution receipt issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate: this is the kind of official document you'll need to keep and show.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Codice Fiscale calculated online?
No. Online generators only produce a provisional string with no legal value. To sign a contract, open a bank account or complete university enrolment you need the official certificate from the Agenzia delle Entrate.
How long does it take to get it at the Agenzia delle Entrate?
Showing up in person with the correct documents, issue is usually immediate, the same day. At the consulate, on the other hand, timing varies from country to country: it's worth checking in advance.
Do I need the Codice Fiscale to sign the contract with Smart Housing Milan?
Yes. It's mandatory to register the rental contract properly: we ask you to have it ready at signing or check-in.
About us
Smart Housing Milan has been renting well-kept apartments in Milan since 2016, designed for students, Erasmus and professionals. All expenses are included in the rent, contracts are clear and properly registered, and there are no intermediaries: you speak directly with the owner.
Looking for a home in Milan with no worries? Write to us — we reply within 24 hours.
Get in touchWe take the greatest care to provide useful, verified information, but errors, omissions or inaccuracies are always possible. If you spot any, we apologise: please let us know at ar4mgmt@gmail.com and we'll put it right.