Picture this: you’ve just landed in Trentino, surrounded by stunning mountains and excited about your new adventure. You find the perfect apartment, rush to sign the contract, and then… the landlord asks for your Codice Fiscale. Your what now? Welcome to Italy, where this mysterious 16-character code is virtually ubiquitous. Need to rent? Codice Fiscale. Want internet? Codice Fiscale. Buying a gym membership? Probably, Codice Fiscale.
The good news? Getting your Codice Fiscale in Trentino is surprisingly painless if you know exactly what to bring, where to go, and which mistakes to avoid. This guide contains everything you need to know before embarking on this little Agenzia delle Entrate adventure.
Reading time: 8 minutes | Last updated: December 2025
What Exactly Is a Codice Fiscale? And Why Does Everyone Keep Asking For It?
Think of the Codice Fiscale as Italy’s version of a Social Security Number (US), National Insurance Number (UK), or Tax File Number (Australia). It’s your personal tax identification number, and Italians are obsessed with it.
Here’s what makes it interesting: your Codice Fiscale isn’t random. It’s a 16-character code automatically generated from your surname, first name, birth date, birth location, and gender. In general, it looks something like this: RSSMRA85M01H501Z
Yes, it looks like someone smashed their keyboard, but there’s actually logic behind it. The first six letters come from your name, then your birth year, month, day, birthplace code, and a control character. Fascinating dinner party conversation? Now you know.
Where to Get Your Codice Fiscale
The path to getting this code depends on whether you’re from the EU or not.
For Non-EU Citizens: Two Routes to Freedom
Option 1: The Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione)
If you’re applying for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), you might receive your Codice Fiscale during that process. It’s convenient because you’re killing two bureaucratic birds with one stone, but it’s not always guaranteed.
Option 2: The Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency)
This is where most people go, and honestly, it’s the most reliable option. The process is straightforward, free, and you walk out with your certificate in hand the same day. Let’s dive into the process below.
What is the process?
You can request a tax code by submitting the completed and signed AA4/8 form.
Together with the form, you will be asked to submit the photocopy of a valid identity document. These documents are accepted:
- EU citizens must attach a valid identity document to the form. However, if the form is sent via certified email and is digitally signed, it is not necessary to attach the document.
- Citizens from a non-EU country must attach to the application, alternatively, one of the following:
- a valid passport, with the relevant visa (when required), or another document recognized by the Italian authorities
- a certificate of identity issued by the diplomatic or consular representation of the applicant’s country of origin in Italy (with a photo of the applicant)
- a valid residence permit
- an identity card issued by the municipality of residence.
- In the case that the applicant is a minor, the request is submitted by the parent, who must attach his/her identity document.
The form, together with the applicant’s document, can be sent either via certified email (what is PEC?) to the correct offices or can be submitted at local offices of the Agency by scheduling an appointment.
Once your tax code has been assigned, you will be issued a tax code assignment certificate, which can be used while waiting to receive your Health Card (if you wish to register with the National Health System) or Tax Code Card.
Agenzia delle Entrate offices in Trentino are fairly easy to reach. All these offices follow morning working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 to 13.00. Here is the complete list:
- Trento – Via Brennero 133. See on Google Maps
- Rovereto – Corso Angelo Bettini 39. See on Google Maps
- Riva del Garda – Viale della Liberazione 7. See on Google Maps
- Borgo Valsugana – Piazza Peruzzo Bordignong 1. See on Google Maps
- Cavalese – Piazza Giuseppe Verdi 5. See on Google Maps
- Cles – Piazza Municipio 3. See on Google Maps
- Tione di Trento – Piazza Cesare Battisti 3. See on Google Maps
Within minutes, they’ll print your official Codice Fiscale certificate. Mamma mia, that wasn’t so bad after all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, completely free. Always. If someone tries to charge you, something’s wrong.
Usually yes. Since the pandemic Most Agenzia delle Entrate offices do not accept walk-ins for Codice Fiscale requests. In order not to waste time, we would recommend scheduling an appointment in advance.
Yes, through your nearest Italian Consulate in your home country. However, processing times vary (some people wait weeks or months), and you’ll still need to visit in person. If you’re already in Trentino, doing it here is much faster and easier.
No need to panic. You can request a duplicate (duplicato) at any Agenzia delle Entrate office at no charge. Your Codice Fiscale number never changes: it’s permanently linked to you.
Yes, you can. Parents or legal guardians can apply for minors: you’ll need the child’s birth certificate, your ID, and documentation proving your guardianship. You can also apply for other family members. In these cases, you will need to fill out the “delega” section of the module.
Nope, your Codice Fiscale is forever. Once assigned, it’s yours for life.