Di The first and most important document is the tax ID number, known in Italian as Codice Fiscale. The Codice Fiscale represents your fiscal identity in Italy and is required for almost every dealing with the public administration, including signing a utility contract. It is a 16 character alphanumeric code, issued for free.
You will need this code to sign any kind of contract. You can apply for it through the official online form on the Agenzia delle Entrate website, or in person at any of their local offices.
Second, you need a valid ID document, your national ID card or passport.
Third, you should have your data regarding your residence and home. If you plan to live in Italy permanently, you should hold the certificate of residence, issued by the Municipality (Comune) where you live. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, you will also need to apply for a residence permit (more information on the Ministry of the Interior website).
Be aware that the residence permit can take a while to be processed, so start the procedure well in advance of your move.
Fourth, every contract requires your contact information: email address, personal phone number and the address of the property you are activating. Some suppliers will only accept an Italian mobile number to validate the activation, so it can be worth getting an Italian SIM as soon as you arrive.
Don't have an Italian phone number yet?
Our English-speaking Selectra advisors can help you choose a mobile plan and arrange for the SIM card to be delivered straight to your new home address.
Fifth, if you want to switch an existing energy supply rather than activate a brand-new one, you should also collect the personal data of the previous tenant or owner. All the information you need is printed on the last bill they received.
The bill also contains the meter codes that identify your supply point:
- the POD for electricity
- the PDR for gas
Both codes can be found on the bill and on the digital display of the meter itself. If in doubt, ask the landlord or the rental agency to confirm them, and take down the latest meter reading at the same time so the new contract starts on the right number.
Finally, prepare your bank details if you want to pay by direct debit (the EU SEPA standard). Some suppliers will also accept foreign IBANs, so it is worth asking if your bank account is not an Italian one.
In short, when you are ready to switch or activate your utilities, make sure you have the following documents to hand.
| Document | Why you need it | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Codice Fiscale | Mandatory for every contract in Italy | Agenzia delle Entrate (online or in person) |
| ID card or passport | Proves your identity to the supplier | Issued in your country of origin |
| Certificate of residence or residence permit | Confirms you live at the address | Municipality (Comune) or local Questura for non-EU residents |
| Contact information | Email, phone, supply address for the contract | Provided directly to the supplier |
| Previous tenant's bill | Required when switching an existing supply | Landlord or outgoing tenant |
| POD code (electricity) | Identifies the electricity supply point | Electricity bill or meter display |
| PDR code (gas) | Identifies the gas supply point | Gas bill or meter display |
| IBAN and bank details | Needed for SEPA direct debit payment | Your bank (Italian or foreign, with the supplier's confirmation) |
Want to subscribe to an Italian energy offer?
Our English-speaking Selectra advisors can walk you through every step and help you sign up in a few minutes. Foreign IBANs are accepted.