Purpose and Necessity

Registration with the Anagrafe is not merely a formality; it is the prerequisite for accessing most public services and exercising civil rights in Italy. Once registered, a foreign resident can:

• Register with the National Health Service (SSN) and choose a family doctor.
• Obtain an Italian Identity Card (Carta d'Identità).
• Open a standard "resident" bank account (which typically has lower fees than non-resident accounts).
• Apply for local welfare benefits or municipal services (e.g., public school enrollment, parking permits).
• Buy a car or sign utility contracts at standard residential rates.

Note: Registration also triggers tax obligations, such as the waste tax (TARI), and generally implies tax residency in Italy for the fiscal year.

Residenza vs. Domicilio

Italian law distinguishes between two locations related to a person's life:

• Residenza (Residence): The place where a person has their habitual abode and lives permanently. This is the address registered with the Anagrafe.
• Domicilio (Domicile): The center of a person's business and interests (e.g., an office or a temporary study address). It does not necessarily require registration with the municipality.

For most long-term immigrants, the Residenza and Domicilio coincide. However, short-term students or temporary workers may sometimes retain a foreign residence while having an Italian domicile.

Requirements for EU/EFTA Citizens

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland have the right to reside in Italy without a visa. However, for stays exceeding 90 days, they must register with the Anagrafe. Requirements differ based on status:

1. Employees

• Valid Passport or National ID card.
• Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale).
• Proof of employment (e.g., current contract or a declaration from the employer).

2. Students

• Proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution.
• Health Insurance: A private policy covering all risks in Italy or a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) form S1.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself without relying on Italian social assistance (approx. €6,500 – €7,000 per year, roughly $7,020 – $7,560 USD).

3. Economically Self-Sufficient Persons

• Proof of sufficient financial resources.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

Citizens from outside the EU must typically hold a valid long-stay visa and a Residence Permit to be eligible for local registration. The application cannot proceed until the permit has been applied for.

Required Documents

• Valid Passport: With the relevant entry visa.
• Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): A valid card or the official receipt (ricevuta) proving that the application for the permit (or its renewal) has been submitted to the Questura/Post Office.
• Codice Fiscale: The tax identification code issued by the Revenue Agency.
• Civil Status Documents: Marriage or birth certificates (if registering family members). These must be translated into Italian and legalized (or apostilled) by the Italian consulate in the country of origin.

Proof of Accommodation

Regardless of nationality, all applicants must prove they legally occupy the property where they intend to register. Accepted documents include:

• Rental Contract (Contratto di Affitto): Must be registered with the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate).
• Property Deed (Rogito): If the applicant owns the apartment.
• Declaration of Hospitality: If living with a friend or relative, the host must sign a consent form permitting the applicant to register residency there.

Anti-Squatting Law: Under Article 5 of Decree Law 47/2014, it is illegal to grant residency to anyone occupying a property without a valid title. Squatters or those without a written contract cannot register.

The Registration Procedure

The process is handled by the Ufficio Anagrafe of the specific municipality where the property is located. Major cities like Rome, Milan, and Turin allow or require online applications via email or dedicated portals.

Step 1: Submission

The applicant submits the "Declaration of Residence" form along with copies of all required documents. The municipality is legally required to register the preliminary residency within 2 working days of receiving the application.

Step 2: The Police Check (Accertamento)

Following the preliminary registration, the municipality has 45 days to verify the declaration. A Municipal Police officer (Vigile Urbano) will visit the address—often unannounced—to confirm the applicant actually lives there.

• The name must appear on the doorbell and mailbox.
• If the applicant is not found after repeated visits, the application may be rejected.

Step 3: Silence-Consent (Silenzio-Assenso)

If the municipality does not communicate a rejection within 45 days, the residency is considered officially confirmed by the principle of "silence-consent."

The Electronic Identity Card (CIE)

Once the residency is registered (often even during the 45-day verification window), foreigners can apply for the Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE).

• Validity:
  • 3 years for children under 3.
  • 5 years for minors aged 3–18.
  • 10 years for adults.
  • Note for Non-EU: The validity of the CIE for non-EU citizens is strictly linked to the validity of their Residence Permit. If the permit expires, the CIE is technically no longer valid for identification until the permit is renewed.
• Cost: Approximately €22.00 ($23.75 USD) depending on municipal administrative fees.
• Travel: For non-EU citizens, the Italian ID card is not valid for travel abroad (Non valido per l'espatrio). It serves only as ID within Italy.

Changing or Cancelling Residence

Moving within Italy

If moving to a different Italian municipality, you do not need to "deregister" from the old one. You simply apply for residency in the new town. The new municipality will automatically notify the old one to transfer your records.

Moving Abroad

• EU Citizens: Should notify the Anagrafe of their departure to be removed from the registry.
• Non-EU Citizens: Generally lose their registered residency if they are absent from the municipality for an extended period (usually confirmed during census checks) or if their residence permit expires and is not renewed within 60 days.