Red-tape dictionary
The words you'll meet in letters, contracts and offices, explained simply.
16-character code that identifies you for tax, work, healthcare and contracts.
Close- You need it to work, rent, see a doctor, open an account and buy a SIM.
- It's free: nobody should charge you.
- It's also printed on your health card.
Where to go
Document allowing a non-EU citizen to stay in Italy. Requested and renewed through the Questura.
Close- You apply with the post office kit; then the Questura calls you for fingerprints and collection.
- Apply to renew before it expires.
- The application receipt matters: always keep it.
Where to go
State Police office that also handles residence permits.
Close- It's the main police office in each province.
- The immigration office handles residence permits.
- You often go only by appointment or when called.
Where to go
Your town hall. Handles residence registration, ID cards and certificates.
Close- The Anagrafe registers who lives in the town.
- This is where you get residence and an ID card.
- Many town halls have a foreigners' desk with mediators.
Where to go
Being registered at the town hall where you usually live. Needed for many services.
Close- You need an address where you really live.
- After applying, a local officer may visit to check.
- You need it for an ID card, a doctor and lots of paperwork.
Where to go
Your national health service card. It also shows your codice fiscale.
Close- It arrives after you register with the health service.
- Show it at the doctor and the pharmacy.
- It also shows your codice fiscale.
Where to go
The family doctor (GP) you choose when you register with the health service. Visits are free.
Close- You choose one from a list at the ASL.
- Visits are free; specialists and tests may need a co-payment (ticket).
- For urgent care at night there's the guardia medica; for emergencies call 112.
Where to go
Centre that helps with tax returns, ISEE and other tax paperwork.
Close- Many services are cheap, some are free (like the ISEE).
- They're often linked to trade unions.
Where to go
Office that helps for free with lots of paperwork: work, pensions, residence permits, unemployment.
Close- Services are free.
- They help with the permit kit, unemployment and pensions.
- Examples: INCA (CGIL), INAS (CISL), ITAL (UIL), ACLI.
Where to go
Measure of a household's financial situation. Needed to apply for benefits and discounts.
Close- It's calculated from the household's income and assets.
- It's used for child allowance, bonuses, school meals and nurseries.
- It's renewed every year.
Where to go
Your digital identity: a login for public services online.
Close- You activate it with a provider (e.g. Poste Italiane), online or in person.
- You need valid ID, a health card, an email and a phone number.
- With SPID you log in to INPS, Agenzia delle Entrate and town hall sites.
Where to go
Certified email: an email with the legal value of a registered letter.
Close- It has the same value as a registered letter with return receipt.
- Offices and companies use it for official communication.
Registered letter: proves you sent it (and, with return receipt, that it arrived).
Close- You send it at the post office and get a receipt.
- With «ricevuta di ritorno» you also know when it arrived.
- Used for cancellations, complaints and important notices.
Where to go
Your monthly payslip: shows your pay, taxes and contributions.
Close- It shows gross pay, taxes, contributions and net pay.
- Your employer must give it to you every month.
- Keep them all: you need them for permits, renting and your pension.
Where to go
Fixed-term employment contract, with an end date.
Close- It has an end date written in the contract.
- It can be renewed or extended.
- You have the same basic rights (holidays, sick leave, contributions).
Where to go
Permanent employment contract, with no end date: the most stable.
Close- It has no end date: it's the most stable contract.
- It helps with renting, mortgages and permit renewals.
Where to go
Regular fixed payment, e.g. the monthly rent.
Close- In a rental it's the fixed monthly amount, usually without building charges.
- It's usually paid in the first days of the month.
Security deposit paid at the start of a rental and returned at the end.
Close- Usually 1 to 3 months' rent.
- You get it back at the end if the flat is in good condition.
- Take photos when you move in and out.
Deadline, e.g. the date by which you must pay.
Close- On bills and letters it's the last valid day.
- Paying late can cost interest or penalties.
Adjustment that corrects estimated amounts with real ones.
Close- On bills it corrects estimated usage with real usage.
- It can go in your favour or against you.
- Sending a meter self-reading helps avoid it.
General information, updated October 2026. For your case, always check with the relevant office.