Buying a house in Italy from abroad is exciting, but it comes with Italian paperwork. The very first document you need is a codice fiscale, the Italian tax code. This guide explains why it comes first, how to get it, and how the buying process works from offer to final deed. If you want the code without travelling, Fiscalino can get your codice fiscale for you from abroad.

Why the codice fiscale comes first

A codice fiscale is required to buy property in Italy. You need it already at the offer and contract stage, not just at the end, so getting it early is the first step of any purchase. Without it you can lose time just when you've found the right house.

You will also need it to open an Italian bank account, which is useful for mortgages and for making payments. The bank account itself requires a codice fiscale, which is another reason to sort it out first.

How to get a codice fiscale

The codice fiscale is issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate, the Italian tax agency. If you go to one of its offices in person, it is usually issued immediately. An appointed professional can also request it on your behalf. From abroad you can also apply through the Italian consulate, or use a private assistance service.

With Fiscalino you fill in a 5-minute online form, upload your passport, pay €89 online, and sign the request and delegation form we send you. We file it at the tax office and email you the official certificate (PDF) within 15 working days, with a full refund if we can't obtain it. For all the official routes, see how to get an Italian codice fiscale from abroad, or compare them side by side in Consulate vs. online service.

Who can buy property in Italy?

EU and EFTA citizens face no restrictions on buying property in Italy. For non-EU citizens, the rules depend on reciprocity between Italy and your country and on your residence status. If you are not an EU/EFTA citizen, check with a notary before you make an offer.

The buying process, step by step

A typical Italian property purchase has three main stages.

1. Proposta (purchase offer)

The proposta is your written offer to buy the property. Be careful: it becomes binding once it is accepted by the seller. You need your codice fiscale at this stage.

2. Compromesso (preliminary contract)

The compromesso is the preliminary contract between buyer and seller. It sets out the terms of the sale, and the buyer usually pays a deposit of 5-20% of the price. Again, your codice fiscale is needed.

3. Rogito (final deed)

The rogito is the final deed of sale. It is drawn up by a notary, as required by law. If the buyer does not speak Italian well, the deed must be accompanied by a translation, so make sure this is arranged in advance.

Can't be there? Use a power of attorney

If you can't attend the signing in person, you can sign a power of attorney (procura) so that someone else signs on your behalf. This is common for buyers who live abroad. Discuss the details with your notary.

Opening an Italian bank account

An Italian bank account is not strictly part of the purchase, but it helps with mortgages and with payments connected to the house. As mentioned, the bank will ask for your codice fiscale, so once again it is the first thing to have. See our guide on opening a bank account in Italy as a non-resident.

A practical checklist

  1. Get your codice fiscale: in person in Italy, through the consulate, via an appointed professional, or online with Fiscalino.
  2. If you are a non-EU citizen, check with a notary that you can buy.
  3. Consider opening an Italian bank account.
  4. Make your offer (proposta), remembering it is binding once accepted.
  5. Sign the preliminary contract (compromesso) and pay the deposit.
  6. Arrange a translation of the deed if you don't speak Italian well, or a procura if you can't attend.
  7. Sign the final deed (rogito) before the notary.

Summary

Buying a house in Italy from abroad is very doable, but the paperwork starts earlier than many people expect. The codice fiscale is needed from the offer stage onwards and also for the bank account, so getting it early keeps everything else moving.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change - check with the competent consulate or Agenzia delle Entrate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a codice fiscale to buy property in Italy?

Yes. A codice fiscale is required to buy property, and you need it already at the offer and contract stage.

Can foreigners buy property in Italy?

EU/EFTA citizens face no restrictions. For non-EU citizens the rules depend on reciprocity and residence status, so check with a notary.

Do I have to be in Italy to sign the deed?

No. If you can't attend, you can sign a power of attorney (procura) so someone else signs on your behalf.

What if I don't speak Italian?

If the buyer doesn't speak Italian well, the final deed (rogito) must be accompanied by a translation.