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ITALY RESIDENCY REGISTRATION: Step-by-step Guide on Becoming a Legal Resident in Italy

Moving to Italy as a foreigner necessitates prompt registration as a resident. Below is a summary of the processes and procedures to follow when interacting with Italy's registry office, often referred to as 'anagrafe'.

Upon settling in Italy as a foreigner, one of your initial tasks involves registering as a...
Upon settling in Italy as a foreigner, one of your initial tasks involves registering as a resident. Navigating the Italian registry office, or 'anagrafe', is what you'll be faced with. Here's a rundown of what you might encounter.

Residing in Italy: A Guide for ForeignersBy Elaine Allaby

Stepping foot in Italy? One of the first tasks you'll need to accomplish is registering as a resident. Let's walk you through the process of dealing with Italy's registry office, or 'anagrafe'.

Announcement

Whether you're planning a long-term stay or becoming an Italian expat, you'll have to register with your local 'anagrafe'—Italy's municipal registry office. This is a legal requirement to access various public and private services.

Registering with your local registry office also helps keep your address updated for tax purposes, especially if you're self-employed. Plus, it's essential if you want to apply for Italian citizenship via naturalization, marriage, or ancestry.

So, what does registering at the 'anagrafe' involve, and what documents do you need?

Announcement

In some cities, you may need to book an appointment weeks in advance to register. However, some municipalities also allow online or email applications. To find out what procedure you'll need to follow, check the website of your local town hall (Comune). Find information for the 'anagrafe' in Rome and Milan (in Italian).

INSIGHT: According to statistics, about 900,000 foreigners moved to Italy in 2020. That's an increase from an average of about 600,000 per year between 2015 and 2019. Registering as a resident helps facilitate their integration into Italian society.

Requirements for EU Citizens

While EU citizens have free movement within the European Union, they must still apply for a residency certificate ('certificato di residenza') if staying in Italy for longer than three months.

To register, you'll typically need:

  1. Copy of your passport or equivalent ID from your home country
  2. Your Italian tax code (codice fiscale), obtainable from the tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate)
  3. Valid health insurance policy (not eligible for the Italian National Health Service)
  4. Declaration of address in Italy
  5. Declaration of marital status and dependent family members
  6. Evidence of employment, studies, or sufficient financial means

Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

Registration requirements for non-EU citizens can vary depending on individual circumstances. Consult your local 'anagrafe' or Comune for more detailed information.

Typically, you'll need:

  1. Passport or equivalent ID from your home country
  2. Original copy of your residency permit or residency permit application receipt
  3. Proof of employment (if the permit was issued for work reasons) or certification of enrollment in education or a professional training course (for educational or training permits)
  4. Proof of sufficient monetary resources
  5. Your Italian tax code (codice fiscale)
  6. Valid health insurance policy (not eligible for the Italian National Health Service)
  7. Declaration of your address in Italy
  8. Declaration of your marital status and dependent family members

Note for non-EU citizens claiming citizenship via ancestry: Initial registration can be done without a residency permit (to begin the citizenship application process, resulting in a permit for stay while waiting for citizenship).

What Happens Next?

The 'anagrafe' has two working days to register your residency. After that, you can apply for your residency certificate and Italian ID card. However, they have 45 days to check your documents and verify your address. They may send someone to your home for confirmation; some municipalities will schedule this visit, while others won't provide notice. If you're not home, this may cause delays.

The 'anagrafe' can reject your application if your documents are invalid or your information is incorrect. If this happens, you can appeal the decision, but you'll likely need legal help.

Once approved, your registration is permanent and doesn't require renewal. However, it can be canceled if you move abroad and should be updated if you move within Italy.

It's essential to clarify that Our Website cannot provide individualized advice. For further information on the process and requirements in your area, visit your local 'anagrafe' office or check the official website of your town's Comune.

  1. For foreigners residing in Italy, registration as a resident is a legal requirement to access various public and private services.
  2. The process involves registering with Italy's municipal registry office, known as 'anagrafe', which helps keep your address updated for tax purposes, especially if you're self-employed.
  3. EU citizens need to apply for a residency certificate ('certificato di residenza') if staying in Italy for longer than three months, requiring a valid health insurance policy, Italian tax code, and proof of employment or sufficient funds.
  4. Non-EU citizens' registration requirements can vary, with necessary documents including a passport, residency permit, proof of employment or education, and valid health insurance policy.
  5. For non-EU citizens claiming citizenship via ancestry, initial registration can be done without a residency permit.
  6. After registering, the 'anagrafe' has two working days to register your residency, and you can apply for your residency certificate and Italian ID card.
  7. Following the registration process, living in Italy offers a unique lifestyle with home-and-garden experiences that are distinctively Italian.
  8. If your application is rejected due to invalid documents or incorrect information, you can appeal the decision but may need legal help.
  9. It's essential to clarify that this guide provides general information regarding residency in Italy; for further personalized advice, consult your local 'anagrafe' office or the official website of your town's Comune.

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