Codice Fiscale for Italian Citizenship by Descent (Iure Sanguinis)

If you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis), you will quickly discover that a codice fiscale comes up again and again. This guide explains why you need one, how to get it before and after your citizenship is recognised, and a few practical tips to avoid problems later. If you just want it sorted, Fiscalino can request your codice fiscale from abroad.

Important: check your eligibility first

In 2025 Italy significantly restricted citizenship by descent with Law 74/2025. Many people who would have qualified under the previous rules may no longer be eligible. Before you start collecting documents, booking appointments or paying for anything, check your eligibility with your Italian consulate or with a qualified lawyer. Getting a codice fiscale does not make you eligible for citizenship and does not change your status in any way.

Why you need a codice fiscale for citizenship by descent

The codice fiscale is the Italian tax code, a personal 16-character code issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate. It is needed for many functions in Italy, and citizenship paperwork is no exception. Two common examples:

• Registering a lease. If you apply for recognition from Italy, you usually need to establish residency, and to do that you need a registered lease, which requires a codice fiscale.
• Court cases. If your case goes through an Italian court, a codice fiscale is required for the proceedings.

It is also needed for everyday things such as opening a bank account (see our bank account guide), signing contracts or getting a phone plan. To prepare your application, use our documents checklist. For a general overview, read our guide on how to get an Italian codice fiscale from abroad.

You don't need to be an Italian citizen to get one

A common misconception is that the codice fiscale is only for Italian citizens. It isn't: foreigners can obtain one too. That means you can get your codice fiscale before your citizenship is recognised, using your current passport and personal details.

Getting a codice fiscale before recognition

Before your citizenship is recognised, you have three main options.

1. Through your Italian consulate

Some consulates issue codici fiscali to applicants, but practices differ. Some consulates require an appointment, and some have stopped issuing codici fiscali to people who are not yet registered as Italian citizens. Always check your consulate's website before you apply, so you know whether this route is available to you.

2. In person at an Agenzia delle Entrate office in Italy

If you are already in Italy, or are planning to go, you can request the codice fiscale at an Agenzia delle Entrate office. Bring your passport and be ready to explain why you need the code.

3. Through a paid service provider before you arrive

If you want the code before you travel, without consulate appointments, you can use a private service provider. 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. If we can't obtain it, you get a full refund. The code itself is issued free of charge by the state; the fee pays for the assistance. You can compare all the options in our guide Consulate vs. online service.

Getting a codice fiscale after recognition and AIRE registration

Once your citizenship has been recognised and you are registered with AIRE (the registry of Italians living abroad), the process changes. Italians abroad can request a codice fiscale through the consulate's Fast It portal, under "Consular Register and AIRE" > "Attribuzione Codice Fiscale".

If you already obtained a codice fiscale before recognition, keep a note of it: it identifies you, so you should have it to hand for your later dealings with the Italian administration.

The citizenship application itself, briefly

The codice fiscale is only a small part of the process. Consulate citizenship applications require many documents, for example:

• your Italian ancestor's birth certificate;
• long-form birth and marriage certificates for each generation in the line;
• legalisation and translation of foreign documents;
• proof concerning your ancestor's naturalisation.

Requirements vary, so follow the list published by your consulate or the advice of a qualified lawyer. This guide doesn't cover the citizenship procedure in detail.

Tip: make sure your names match

The codice fiscale is generated from your surname, first name, date and place of birth and sex. In citizenship cases, documents across generations often show different spellings. Check that the codice fiscale matches the name on your birth certificate. A mismatch between the code and the name used in your citizenship file can cause delays and extra paperwork later on.

A simple order of steps

1. Check your eligibility under the current rules with your consulate or a qualified lawyer.
2. Check whether your consulate issues codici fiscali to people not yet registered as citizens.
3. Get your codice fiscale: at the consulate if available, in person in Italy, or through Fiscalino before you arrive.
4. Use it for the lease, court case, bank account or other steps your application requires.
5. After recognition and AIRE registration, use the Fast It portal for any consular codice fiscale requests.

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