Documents Required to Buy a House in Italy

Dreaming of buying a house in Italy? Before turning that dream into reality, it is essential to get your paperwork in order.
A successful property purchase often depends on how carefully the required documents are gathered. Having all the necessary documents to buy a house in Italy ready from the start helps you avoid delays, unnecessary steps, and last-minute surprises that could slow down the signing process.

It is important to know that a foreign national can only purchase property in Italy if a bilateral reciprocity agreement exists between their home country and Italy. This principle ensures that foreign nationals enjoy the same purchasing rights as Italian citizens abroad.
EU nationals may purchase freely, while for other nationalities, the notary will verify the existence of such an agreement before drafting the deed.

Italian procedures sometimes differ from those in other countries, and certain steps can take longer than expected. This is why thorough preparation in advance is essential: it will allow you to approach each stage — from obtaining your Italian tax code to the final signing — with confidence and peace of mind.

In the sections below, we explain in detail which documents you need to gather and why each one matters when buying a house in Italy.

The Italian Tax Code

The Codice Fiscale is the first document you need to obtain when buying a house in Italy, and it is also essential for any administrative process on Italian territory.
Similar to a social security number, it is a unique, lifelong personal identification number that identifies you in all dealings with Italian public authorities, banks, notaries, and government services.

Every buyer must have one, even when purchasing as a couple or as spouses. Indeed, the name of a spouse married under a community property regime is often included in the notarial deed, making it essential for each person involved in the transaction to hold their own tax code.

The Codice Fiscale is required to:

• sign the preliminary contract (compromesso) and the notarial deed (rogito),

• open an Italian bank account,

• pay the costs associated with the purchase,

• set up water, gas, electricity, or home insurance contracts.

The Italian consulate abroad is the authority responsible for issuing this code. However, procedures have been changing recently, with several consulates now reporting long waiting times or redirecting applicants directly to the Agenzia delle Entrate in Italy.

In that case, it is possible to book an appointment online at any Agenzia delle Entrate office (regardless of the region), bringing a valid ID and the application form. The code is then issued immediately on the spot.

If you encounter difficulties or are unable to travel to Italy, our team can handle the application on your behalf. We manage the entire process — from completing the form to receiving the document — to save you time and keep your property project on track.

A Valid Identity Document

When purchasing property in Italy, presenting a valid identity document is mandatory. Whether it is a passport or a national identity card, this document is used to confirm the buyer's identity and register it officially in the notarial deed (rogito).

Before starting the process, take the time to check that your identity document is valid and legible. An expired date or a poor-quality copy can cause delays in the signing process or in exchanges with the notary and the bank.

This document will be shared with several parties: the notary, the bank, and sometimes other Italian authorities if additional checks are required. It is therefore a key part of your purchase file.

Preparing a clear, valid copy of your identity document in advance will help you avoid any loss of time and ensure a smooth transaction.

An Italian Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Italy is not a legal requirement, but it is a strongly recommended step for anyone looking to buy property. This account makes it easier to pay the purchase price and notary fees, as well as to manage ongoing expenses such as water, gas, electricity bills, and local taxes.

Having an Italian bank account also helps you avoid additional fees associated with using the notary's escrow account and, in some cases, to take advantage of renovation incentives or tax benefits, which are often only accessible when payments are made from an Italian account.

It is worth knowing that not all banks accept non-residents as customers, and that this process cannot be completed remotely. The account must be opened in person, at a bank branch located in the area where the property is situated. Banks require the customer's physical presence to verify their identity and validate document signatures.

Another point to keep in mind: notaries do not always flag this requirement in time, which can create delays in the purchase process. Many buyers discover this step at the last moment, even though it can sometimes take several days to finalise the account opening.

Even if the process may seem complex, it becomes much more manageable with the right support. At Allerenitalie, we continuously expand our network of partner banks experienced in handling international cases, in order to simplify the process for international buyers. Our team can guide you towards the most suitable institutions and help you prepare the necessary documents before your trip to Italy.

Additional Documents

If you are married, you may need to provide a recent copy of your marriage certificate, particularly when purchasing jointly or when your matrimonial property regime (community property, separation of assets, etc.) may affect ownership of the property.

This requirement is especially important if you live in a country where the matrimonial regime has legal effects on property acquisitions. The Italian notary must ensure that the transaction complies with the legislation of the buyers' home country, as well as Italian obligations regarding land registry and taxation.

This document therefore allows the notary to verify the legal validity of the transaction and to clearly state in the deed the regime applicable to the couple, in order to avoid any ambiguity over property ownership.

In certain cases, the notary may also request additional documents depending on your personal situation and country of residence:

• a tax residence certificate,

• a certified translation of documents,

• or a proof of the origin of funds used for the purchase.

As every case is unique, the notary will always ensure that all necessary elements are in place to guarantee the regularity and transparency of the purchase deed.

Buying a house in Italy requires some preparation, but the process becomes straightforward once you know what to expect.
By gathering all the necessary documents in advance, you will feel more at ease, avoid delays, and be able to focus on what truly matters: making your life in Italy a reality.

If some steps seem complex — such as applying for the Codice Fiscale or dealing with Italian banks — our team can guide you through each one, in a language you are comfortable with, to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

FAQs

1 – Do I need to be a resident in Italy to buy a property?

No, residency is not required to purchase property in Italy. However, non-residents must hold a Codice Fiscale and comply with the reciprocity rules between their home country and Italy.

2 – Can I buy a house in Italy without speaking Italian?

Yes, it is possible, but you will need to be assisted by an interpreter or a bilingual adviser. Some notaries even require a certified translator to validate the deed. Our bilingual administrative team can assist you at every stage, from document translation to signing, so that the entire process goes smoothly and confidently.

3 – Is an Italian bank account mandatory to complete a purchase?

No, it is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Without an Italian account, the notary opens an escrow account, which costs between 700 and 800 euros. It is therefore better to plan ahead: our team can point you towards partner banks that accept foreign buyers.

4 – How long does it take to obtain a Codice Fiscale?

In Italy, the Codice Fiscale is issued immediately at any Agenzia delle Entrate office. From abroad, processing times vary by consulate and can take several weeks. Thanks to our remote service, the average turnaround is approximately 2 to 3 weeks, with no need to travel.