Residenza & Bank Account in Italy: What It Is and How to Get It
The Residenza & Bank Account is an essential part of settling in Italy as a foreigner. Whether you are a student, worker, or relocating with family, understanding this step will save you time and frustration. It is a moderately involved process that requires 4 documents. It typically costs Free (residenza) + varies (bank account).
What is Residenza & Bank Account?
Register your residence (residenza) at the Comune/Anagrafe and open an Italian bank account. Both require your codice fiscale and permesso receipt.
To complete this step, you will need to gather 4 documents and follow a specific procedure. The process involves several steps but is manageable with proper preparation. The associated cost is Free (residenza) + varies (bank account).
Based on the experience of thousands of foreigners who have gone through this process, there are several practical tips that can make your experience smoother. Being well-prepared before your appointment and having all documents in order are consistently the most important factors for success.
Who needs it?
The Residenza & Bank Account is required for virtually all foreigners settling in Italy, regardless of visa type or nationality. Both EU and non-EU citizens need to complete this step, though the exact process and timeline may differ.
EU citizens generally have a simpler process and more flexible deadlines. Non-EU (Extra-EU) citizens often need to complete this step as part of their residence permit application process and may face stricter deadlines.
Applicable visa and permit types
- Students (Type D visa)
- Workers (employed and self-employed)
- Digital Nomads
- EU Blue Card holders
- Family reunification
- Retirees and investors
- EU citizens (after 3 months)
What you'll need
You will need 4 documents to complete this step. Below is an overview of each one.
Codice fiscale
Your Italian tax code, obtained in the previous step.
Permesso receipt
The receipt proving you have applied for your permesso di soggiorno.
Registered rental contract
A rental contract registered with Agenzia delle Entrate. Unregistered contracts are not valid for residenza.
Passport copy
A photocopy of your passport.
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Sign up freeThe process
Here is a high-level overview of the steps involved in completing this process.
- 1
Gather all required documents (listed below).
- 2
Check if the process can be done online — some options may be available depending on your situation.
- 3
Visit the relevant office. Common offices involved: Agenzia delle Entrate (previous step), Post Office (from kit postale submission), Landlord.
- 4
Submit your application and any required fees.
- 5
Wait for processing. Times vary by region (see estimated wait times below).
How long does it take?
Processing times vary significantly depending on your region. Here are the estimated wait times:
North
20-45 days for residenza confirmation
Center
30-60 days for residenza confirmation
South
45-90 days for residenza confirmation
The vigile visit is mandatory. If they visit and you are not home, it delays the process significantly.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many foreigners run into the same issues when completing this step. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Rental contract not registered with Agenzia delle Entrate
- Not bringing all required documents to the Anagrafe
- Expecting same-day residenza — a vigile (municipal police) will visit to verify your address within 30-60 days
Frequently asked questions
How long does the residenza process take?
You submit the request at the Comune/Anagrafe, then a vigile (municipal police officer) visits your address to verify you actually live there. The whole process takes 30-60 days. You receive a certificate once confirmed.
Can I open a bank account with just the permesso receipt?
Yes. Italian banks are required to open accounts for foreign residents with a valid permesso receipt and codice fiscale. Some banks (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) are more experienced with foreign clients.
What if my landlord refuses to register the contract?
An unregistered contract is illegal in Italy and cannot be used for residenza. Insist that the landlord register it, or consider reporting the situation. You may need to find a different landlord.
Official sources
All information on this page has been verified against official Italian government sources. Always double-check with the relevant office for the most current requirements.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always verify with official sources.