How To Obtain A Certificate of Residency in Italy
A certificate of residency in Italy is a crucial document that verifies your residence in the country. You will likely need it for various purposes, such as opening a bank account, renewing your permesso, or applying for loans.
For this reason, it is advisable to register your residency as soon as you receive your permesso di soggiorno. I understand that after all the waiting for fingerprints, post office trips, and visits to the Questura, you may just want to relax for a bit.
But wait—there’s more to do.
I get it; Italians are known for their love of quick espresso, but when it comes to other things, they are patient. Be prepared for long queues, waiting times, and a lengthy list of requirements.
Many expats, residents, and even Italian citizens dread visiting their Comune. Fortunately, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian government introduced a law that allows residents to download some certified documents online for free.
It’s important to note that a residence certificate differs from a residence permit. While the residence certificate confirms your residence in Italy, the residence permit grants you the legal right to stay in the country.
I have provided detailed information on relocating to Italy, obtaining your permesso, and registering at your local Comune. Be sure to check those articles to complete your registration.
Once you are registered, let me guide you through the steps to obtain your certificate of residency in Italy.
What is the Cost of a Certificate of Residency in Italy?
The cost of the residency certificate in Italy varies depending on its intended use. For most common purposes, you can obtain the certificate at no charge, without needing to pay for a bollo (stamp duty). If you’re uncertain, always check with the requesting party. If they require a bollo, the fee will be 16 euros.
What is the Easiest Way to Obtain a Certificate of Residency in Italy?
Thanks to recent legislation from the Italian government, all residents can now apply for certificates online from the comfort of their homes.
You can download not only the certificate of residency but also many other documents such as the stato di famiglia, civile, matrimonio, and birth certificates—often free of charge.
Are you curious about how to obtain your SPID?
Check out our article on what SPID is and how to get one.
How to Request a Certificate of Residency in Italy for Free?
You can request the Certificate of Residency from the Anagrafe department of your Comune, and it can also be done online at no cost.
The only requirement is that you must have a SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale). Simply access the Anagrafe portal in Italy.
Log in using your SPID credentials.
Navigate to the “Certificate” section to submit your request. Here, you can specify if the certificate is for you or for a family member.
You will then receive a list of possible certificates available for download. Select the certificate you need along with the purpose for which you need it.
The purpose will define whether you need to pay a fee or not. A common reason for downloading could be for a Societa/Sportiva, which is free of charge.
Once you select the usage for the certificate, you will have the option to preview it before downloading it directly to your computer.
And there you go!
Now you know how easy it is to obtain a Certificate of Residency in Italy, along with other Anagrafe-related certificates. Hopefully, this will give you a more positive view of the Italian public office system. One can only wish for similar improvements at the Questura!
How was your experience obtaining your certificate from the Anagrafe at your Comune? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
