Working in Italy: How to Get a Codice Fiscale, Permesso di Soggiorno and Start a Job Legally

Landing a job in Italy is only half the battle. To be paid, taxed and protected correctly, you need a handful of documents, and the order you get them in matters. This guide is for foreigners starting work in Italy in 2026, both non-EU nationals arriving on a work visa and EU citizens moving freely. You will learn what a codice fiscale is and how to get one, how to apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), what it costs, and what else you need to register for so that your job is fully legal.

The Documents You Will Need

Step 1: Get Your Codice Fiscale

The codice fiscale is a 16-character alphanumeric code based on your name, date and place of birth. It is free and you will need it for almost everything: an employment contract, a rental agreement, a phone contract, a bank account and your health card.

• Non-EU workers under the Decreto Flussi: A codice fiscale is usually assigned during the nulla osta process and confirmed when you complete the formalities at the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione.
• Before you travel: You can often request one through the Italian consulate in your country.
• In Italy: Visit any Agenzia delle Entrate office with your passport (and visa or permit if non-EU) and fill in the request form. Some offices require an appointment.
• EU citizens: Your national ID card or passport is enough to request one at the Agenzia delle Entrate.

You first receive a paper certificate with the code. The plastic card arrives later, often combined with the health card once you register with the SSN.

Step 2: Sign the Contratto di Soggiorno (Non-EU)

If you entered on a work visa issued under the Decreto Flussi, the residence contract must be signed within eight days of arrival. Since recent reforms this is largely done online between the employer and the immigration desk, and in many cases you can start work once your entry documents have been issued. Keep copies of everything your employer sends you.

Step 3: Apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno

Non-EU nationals staying longer than three months must apply for a residence permit within eight working days of entering Italy. For work permits, the application is usually made using the postal kit (kit postale), a yellow-striped envelope available free at enabled post offices (Sportello Amico).

1. Collect the kit from a post office and fill in the forms (Module 1, and Module 2 where applicable) in block capitals. Patronati and some town halls help with this free or for a small fee.
2. Attach copies of your passport (all pages), visa, contract of employment or contratto di soggiorno, codice fiscale and any other documents listed for your permit type.
3. Buy a €16 revenue stamp (marca da bollo) from a tobacconist and stick it on Module 1.
4. Submit the open envelope at the post office counter with your passport, and pay the fees.
5. Keep the receipt (ricevuta). It contains your login details to track the application on the Polizia di Stato or immigration portal.
6. Attend your Questura appointment, given on the receipt, for fingerprints and photos.
7. Collect the electronic permit card when notified, usually some weeks or months later.

Permesso di Soggiorno Fees (as of 2026)

Long-term EU residence permits have a higher contribution. Fees are paid at the post office with the kit. Figures are those commonly published for 2026, but always check the official instructions included in the kit or on poste.it before paying.

Can You Work While Waiting?

Waiting times for the physical card can be long, especially in big cities. In general, if you applied on time for a work-related permit, the post office receipt plus your visa and passport allows you to work legally while the application is processed. Carry copies with you and give them to your employer. Travelling outside Italy on just the receipt is more restricted, so check before booking trips.

Step 4: Register Residence and Healthcare

• Residence (residenza): Register at your comune's registry office (anagrafe) with your address. Police may check that you live there. Residence lets you get an Italian identity card.
• Health service (SSN): Employees registered in Italy have the right to enrol with the national health service. Visit your local ASL with your permit or receipt, codice fiscale, contract and proof of address, then choose a family doctor (medico di base).
• EU citizens: You do not need a permesso di soggiorno, but after three months you should register residence at the comune and show you are working.
• Bank account: Most employers pay by bank transfer to an IBAN. Banks and online banks generally require your codice fiscale and ID.

Starting Your Job Legally: What to Check

Your employer must notify the authorities of your hiring through the official online system (comunicazione obbligatoria) before your first day. Make sure you receive a written contract or letter stating the CCNL, job level, hours and pay, and that you get a monthly payslip showing your INPS contributions. You can check your contribution history online with INPS once you have digital credentials.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the eight-day deadline: Late permit applications can create serious problems. Apply as soon as you arrive.
• Paying fixers for the postal kit: The kit is free, and patronati offer help at low or no cost. Be wary of people outside post offices or Questure offering to "speed up" your permit for cash.
• Fake codice fiscale websites: Online generators can calculate a code, but only one issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate is valid. Never pay a website for a "certified" code.
• Working without a contract: Undeclared work can jeopardise your permit renewal, since renewals usually require proof of regular work and income.
• Letting your permit expire: Start the renewal process before the expiry date, typically up to 60 days in advance.

Final Thoughts

Italian bureaucracy has a reputation for being slow, but the steps follow a clear sequence: codice fiscale, contract, residence permit, residence registration and health card. Keep a folder with copies of every document and receipt, meet each deadline, and use official offices or recognised patronati rather than paid middlemen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Procedures, fees and deadlines can change and may vary by Questura or comune. Always check official sources such as the Agenzia delle Entrate, Polizia di Stato, Poste Italiane and integrazionemigranti.gov.it before you apply.