Settling in Rome: Practical Details for Expatriates

Essential Paperwork: Permesso, Codice Fiscale, Residency & More.

Moving to a new and vast city like Rome as an expat isn’t always all roses. Before you know, you’ll be immersed in an intertwined bureaucracy that will eventually allow you to live the Dolce Vita. That’s why we want to accompany you through six main practices that need your full attention during this “onboarding period” in Italy, and specifically Rome:

• getting a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
• obtaining a tax ID (codice fiscale)
• enroll SSN (health card)
• confirming your local residence (certificato di residenza)
• acquiring a local driver’s license (patente di guida)
• finding a tax accountant if you’re a freelance (commercialista)
• buying a SIM card (scheda SIM)

Let’s dive into this step by step guide below.

Residence permit (the “Permesso di Soggiorno”)

Non-EU nationals planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must apply for a permesso di soggiorno within eight days of arrival. Head to the nearest post office displaying the sportello amico logo to pick up the application kit, fill it in, and submit it there with your passport, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and documents showing your reason for staying (work, study, family). You’ll receive a receipt (ricevuta) confirming your application, which allows you to remain legally while it’s being processed. Next comes an appointment at the Questura for fingerprints and document checks; after that the permit typically takes a few months to be issued. 

Tax ID (the “Codice Fiscale”)

The following step is to apply for your codice fiscale, Italy’s tax ID. All expats, whatever their nationality, will need it not just for tax returns but for everyday admin like buying property or signing a mobile contract. Contact the Agenzia delle Entrate (the Italian tax office), which operates nationwide and across Lazio. In Rome, three provincial directorates manage several local branches; find the ufficio territoriale nearest to your address and fill your request for the tax number there.

Local residence (the “Certificato di Residenza”)

Registering the residency applies to all foreign residents in Rome, EU and non-EU, staying for three months or more. The certificato di residenza is not the same as a residence permit: the permit lets non-EU nationals live and work in Italy, while the certificate simply records your registration with the local authorities. Rome is divided into 15 municipi (for instance, Municipio I is the centro storico and Municipio X is Ostia). Contact your municipality’s ufficio anagrafico (registry office) and ask which documents you need to bring to complete your registration.

Health card (the “Servizio Sanitario Nazionale)

Registration with the SSN in Rome is a fundamental step to access public healthcare services. To do so, the foreign citizen must go to the local ASL authorized for their area, bringing the necessary documents: a residence permit or receipt of the renewal request, tax code (codice fiscale), and a valid identity document. In the case of voluntary registration, an annual fee must be paid. Registration also allows you to choose your family doctor or pediatrician, ensuring access to primary care. The registration must be renewed annually by presenting updated documents. For every detail, the local ASL provides assistance and precise instructions on the procedures to follow and the documents to be submitted.

Local driver’s license (the “Patente di guida”)

Sorting the driving licence in Rome if you’re an EU resident with a valid home-country licence is pretty simple: you can keep using it in Rome. Non-EU residents should contact the Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile (Rome’s transport office) to check recognition of foreign licences. Some permits can be exchanged for an Italian patente di guida (such as those from Argentina, Japan, Switzerland, or Taiwan). If your licence is from another country (for example Australia or the US), you’ll need to obtain an Italian one; the Motorizzazione can explain how to kick-off the process.

Tax accountant (the “Commercialista”)

Finding a CAF centre (Centro di Assistenza Fiscale) with an in-house accountant near you is possible by using an online search or asking locally. A CAF is a government-authorised hub offering basic tax advice for freelancers and citizens, including filing income taxes (forms 730 or Redditi), ISEE declarations for student aid, housing and social benefits, and INPS contributions. Also, most CAFs operate in Italian, but some have bilingual staff. We suggest visiting them in person or booking by phone or email;  bring a valid ID, and explain your tax needs as an expat. The accountant can support tax management, income tax returns, fiscal paperwork, opening a Partita IVA, and other accounting needs. Remember to keep in touch for updates on your filings and any future requirements.

SIM card (the “scheda SIM”)

You can buy a SIM at the airport (e.g., Fiumicino), in mobile operator stores (Iliad, TIM, Vodafone, WINDTRE), electronics shops, tabaccherie, or some supermarkets. Bring a valid ID (preferably your passport) as it’s required at purchase of a SIM card.  Head to one of these retailers and choose a plan: you can opt for a prepaid SIM or a contract, though prepaid is simpler for short stays. You can top up easily at tabaccherie, supermarkets, ATMs, or online. In short, the crucial step is having a valid ID for the required registration; purchase is immediate across Rome on arrival, with in-store assistance available.

Now that you’re done dealing with Italian bureaucracy, it’s high time for a treat! Just browse the many suggestions for leisure activities on Romeing and enjoy life in the Eternal City to your heart’s content. Buon divertimento!