Tax code

In Italy the tax code (CF) is mandatory for almost everything: work, phone contract, bank, doctor, school.
It is a personal number that identifies each person.
Let's see how to request it in different cases.

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1) Italians residing abroad (AIRE)

If you are an Italian citizen and have never had a tax code, or have lost it, you can request it through the Consulate.

It can be done online here:
Consular Services – Tax Code Assignment

The Consulate sends the request to the Revenue Agency, which generates the tax code.

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2) Foreigners with a residence permit

If you are a foreigner and request a residence permit, the tax code is created automatically.
You can find it written on your electronic residence permit (PSE).

If it does not appear or you only have the request receipt, you can go directly to the Revenue Agency with:

• passport,

• residence permit or receipt.

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3) Foreigners with a long-term entry visa (over 90 days)

If you have a work, study, or family reunification visa or similar, the Italian Consulate that issued the visa often communicates your data to the Revenue Agency and the tax code is generated automatically.

If this does not happen, you can request it in Italy at the Revenue Agency, bringing:

• passport with visa,

• document explaining the reason for your stay (e.g., work contract, school/university enrollment).

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4) Foreigners with a short-term visa (tourism, Schengen ≤ 90 days)

For short stays it is not automatically issued.
But if you need it (for example for a phone SIM, urgent medical care, a contract), you can request it at the Revenue Agency bringing:

• valid passport,

• statement explaining why you need it.

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Conclusion

The tax code is the first document to request as soon as you arrive in Italy.

• AIRE Italians: online via Consulate.

• Foreigners with a permit: you receive it automatically or at the Revenue Agency.

• Foreigners with a long-term visa: it may come from the Consulate or you can request it in Italy.

• Short-term visa: only if needed, at the Revenue Agency.

Without a tax code you practically cannot do anything: it is advisable to obtain it immediately.