Picture this: you finds your dream apartment in Florence. Two bedrooms, terrace overlooking the Duomo, €320,000. You view it, falls in love, and is ready to make an offer.
The agent says: “Perfect! Send me your offer in writing with your codice fiscale.”
“My what?”
“Your Italian tax code. I need it to draft your purchase proposal.”
“Can I send it tomorrow?”
“Sure, but I have three other viewings scheduled this weekend. If someone else makes an offer first…”
Three weeks later, you finally get your fiscal code. The apartment? Sold to someone else who had their paperwork ready.
Here’s the thing: in Italy, you can VIEW properties freely. But the moment you want to make an offer? You need a fiscal code. Can’t submit a proposal. Can’t sign a preliminary contract. Can’t open a bank account. Can’t get a mortgage. Nothing moves forward without it.
And yet, almost nobody tells you this upfront.
Why is this such a trap for foreigners right now? Two reasons. First, post-pandemic, international interest in Italian property is at an all-time high – the Italian Notary Council reported that foreign buyers represented 8.7% of all residential transactions in 2024, up from 6.2% in 2019. That’s a 40% increase in five years. Second, Italy’s bureaucracy hasn’t gotten any faster. You’re competing against local buyers who already have everything set up.
I’m Jacopo Tartaglia, founder of Valente Italian Properties. I explain the Italian real estate market in plain English for international buyers. In this guide, I’m walking you through exactly how to get your Italian fiscal code and open an Italian bank account – what you need, how long it takes, what mistakes to avoid, and why this matters whether you’re relocating to Italy, buying a vacation home, or investing in rental property.
Stay until the end because I’ll show you a strategy to get both done in a single trip to Italy, even if you’re only here for 48 hours.
Let’s go.
CONTEXT: Why You MUST Have These Before You Start Looking
The Codice Fiscale: Italy’s Version of a Social Security Number (But More Powerful)
In the US, your Social Security Number is primarily for taxes and employment. In the UK, it’s your National Insurance Number. In Italy, the codice fiscale is all of that, plus your passport to basically existing in the Italian system.
Think of it like this: the codice fiscale is your Italian digital fingerprint. Without it, you don’t exist in the eyes of Italian bureaucracy.
Here’s what you CANNOT do without a codice fiscale:
- Make a purchase offer (proposta d’acquisto)
- Sign a preliminary contract (compromesso)
- Sign the final deed (rogito) at the notary
- Open a bank account
- Get a mortgage from an Italian bank
- Sign up for utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet)
- Register a rental contract
- Pay property taxes
- Buy a car
- Get Italian health insurance
In other words: everything.
And here’s what shocks most Americans and British buyers: Italian real estate agents require your fiscal code BEFORE you can submit a formal offer. This isn’t to be difficult. It’s because any written purchase proposal (proposta d’acquisto) must include your tax identification. Without it, you cannot register the document at the italian fiscal agency.
In the US or UK, you can tour homes, make verbal offers, and negotiate before providing any tax documentation. In Italy, you can tour freely – but the moment you want to put anything in writing, you need that fiscal code.
Why You Also Need an Italian Bank Account (Even Though It’s Not Mandatory)
Technically, you can buy Italian property without an Italian bank account. You can wire money from your home country, pay the notary from abroad, and handle everything remotely.
But here’s the reality: it’s expensive, slow, and risky.
Here’s why 95% of our international clients open an Italian bank account during the purchase process:
1. Wire transfer costs add up fast
International wire transfers from the US to Italy typically cost $40-60 per transfer, plus a 1-3% currency conversion fee. On a €300,000 property purchase, you might need to send:
- €30,000 deposit (compromesso stage)
- €270,000 final payment (rogito stage)
- Plus smaller payments for taxes, notary, surveys, insurance
Total wire transfer costs: €5,000-9,000 just in fees. That’s money you’re burning for no reason.
2. Mortgage requirements
If you’re getting a mortgage from an Italian bank, they’ll require you to have an Italian bank account. Non-negotiable. The loan disbursement goes into your Italian account, and your monthly payments automatically debit from it.
According to a 2024 Banca d’Italia report, 67% of non-resident buyers who purchase property over €200,000 obtain at least partial financing from Italian banks. So statistically, you’ll probably need this anyway.
3. Ongoing property management
After you buy, you’ll have Italian expenses:
- Condominium fees (€50-300/month)
- Utilities (€100-200/month)
- Property taxes (IMU, TARI)
- Maintenance and repairs
- Property management fees (if you’re renting it out)
Paying these from a US or UK account means you’re paying international transfer fees every single time. With an Italian account, these are domestic transfers – free or €1-2 max.
4. Rental income deposits (if you’re an investor)
If you’re buying to rent on Airbnb or long-term, your rental income needs somewhere to go. Airbnb can deposit into Italian bank accounts with zero fees. Depositing into foreign accounts costs 2-3% per transaction.
On a property generating €24,000/year in rental income, that’s €480-720 lost annually just in transfer fees. Over 10 years, that’s €4,800-7,200 you’re giving away.
Bottom line: You CAN buy without an Italian bank account. But you’ll pay thousands in unnecessary fees, create delays, and make your life harder. Don’t do it.
THE CODICE FISCALE: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
What Exactly Is a Codice Fiscale?
The codice fiscale is a 16-character alphanumeric code that looks like this:
TRTJCP85D15L219X
Here’s how it breaks down (This is not my real Codice FIscale):
- TRT = First three letters of your last name (Tartaglia → TRT)
- JCP = First three letters of your first name (Jacopo → JCP)
- 85 = Year of birth (1985 → 85)
- D = Month of birth (April → D; each month has a letter)
- 15 = Day of birth
- L219 = Municipality code of birth (foreign countries have codes too)
- X = Check digit (algorithm-generated)
It’s designed so that no two people have the same code – like a Social Security Number, but readable.
How to Get Your Codice Fiscale: Three Methods
Method 1: At an Italian Consulate in Your Home Country (Slowest)
If you’re in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or most other countries, you can request your fiscal code at the nearest Italian Consulate.
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form (available on consulate website)
- Sometimes: proof of address in your home country
Timeline: 2-6 weeks (varies by consulate)
Cost: Usually free, sometimes €10-20 administrative fee
How it works:
- Book an appointment on the consulate website (this alone can take 2-4 weeks in busy cities)
- Bring your documents
- They process it and mail you a paper certificate with your codice fiscale
Pros:
- You have it before you arrive in Italy
- Can start property search remotely
Cons:
- Slow (appointments are often 3-4 weeks out)
- Requires traveling to the consulate (if you don’t live near one)
- Some consulates are notoriously disorganized
Real example: Michael, 52, from Austin, Texas, wanted to buy in Tuscany. Nearest consulate: Houston (3 hours away). Appointment availability: 5 weeks out. He drove to Houston, submitted documents, received his fiscal code by mail 3 weeks later. Total time: 8 weeks.
Method 2: At an Agenzia delle Entrate Office in Italy (Fast)
If you’re already in Italy (or planning a trip), you can get your fiscal code in person at any Agenzia delle Entrate office – the Italian tax agency.
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form (form ANR/01, available at the office or online)
Timeline: 30 minutes to 2 hours (same-day)
Cost: Free
How it works:
- Find the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate office (Google Maps: “Agenzia delle Entrate” + city name)
- Go during business hours (usually Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm; some offices reopen 2:30pm-4:30pm)
- Take a number (like at the DMV)
- Submit your documents
- They print your codice fiscale certificate immediately
Pros:
- Same-day service
- Free
- Official certificate you can use immediately
Cons:
- Must be physically in Italy
- Offices can be crowded (especially in tourist cities like Rome, Florence, Venice)
- Staff may not speak English (bring a translator app or Italian-speaking friend)
Pro tip: Go early (arrive at 8:15am before doors open). By 10am, wait times can be 2+ hours in major cities.
Method 3: Through a Commercialista or CAF (Easiest for Foreigners)
A commercialista is an Italian accountant/tax advisor. A CAF (Centro di Assistenza Fiscale) is a licensed tax assistance center – think H&R Block, but for all personal bureaucracy, not just taxes.
Both can obtain your codice fiscale on your behalf with a power of attorney.
Required documents:
- Copy of passport
- Completed application form
- Power of attorney (if done remotely)
Timeline: 1-3 days
Cost: €30-100 depending on the service
How it works:
- Contact a commercialista or CAF (many now work with foreigners remotely)
- Send them your documents via email
- They process it at the Agenzia delle Entrate
- They send you the certificate by email (PDF) and mail (original)
Pros:
- No travel required
- No waiting in line
- Professional assistance
- They can also help with other bureaucracy (bank account, residency, utilities)
Cons:
- Costs money (but saves time)
- Requires trusting a third party with your documents
Where to find them:
- Ask your real estate agent for recommendations
- Search “commercialista for foreigners” + city name
- Check expat Facebook groups for recommendations
Method 4: Apply remotely to Valente Italian Properties
For our clients we can do the job for them.
If we have a mandate to help the client buy in Italy we can also apply for the codice fiscale while you are in your home country. So if you are serious about buying a property (or more) in Italy send an email to info@valenteit.com
At Valente Italian Properties, we include fiscal code assistance as part of our buyer advisory service.
What If You’re Buying as a Couple or with a Business Partner?
Each person needs their own fiscal code. If you’re married and buying together, that’s two fiscal codes. If you’re buying through a company, the company also needs an Italian tax code (different process, but similar concept).
Common mistake: Couples assume they can share one fiscal code. Wrong. Each buyer = one fiscal code.
What If You Lose Your Fiscal Code?
Your codice fiscale never expires and never changes (unless you legally change your name). It’s yours for life.
If you lose the physical certificate, you can:
- Request a duplicate from any Agenzia delle Entrate office (free, same-day)
- Request it from the Italian Consulate (slower)
- Ask a commercialista to retrieve it (they can look it up in the system)
Pro tip: Once you have it, save a digital copy in Google Drive, Dropbox, or email it to yourself. You’ll need to show it dozens of times during the buying process.
OPENING AN ITALIAN BANK ACCOUNT: STEP-BY-STEP
Why Italian Banks Are Different (And Often More Difficult for Foreigners)
Italian banking is… let’s say, old-fashioned compared to the US or UK.
In the US, you can open a bank account online in 10 minutes from your couch. In the UK, it might take 30 minutes at a branch.
In Italy, opening a bank account as a non-resident foreigner typically requires:
- Physical presence at a branch
- 1-2 hours of paperwork
- Multiple documents
- Sometimes, an appointment booked weeks in advance
Why? Italian banks are heavily regulated by the Banca d’Italia (Italy’s central bank) and must comply with strict anti-money-laundering (AML) laws. Non-residents trigger extra scrutiny.
Two Types of Italian Bank Accounts (And Which One You Need)
1. Conto Corrente per Residenti (Resident Account)
This is a standard Italian bank account for people who live in Italy.
Requirements:
- Italian residency (registered at municipal office)
- Codice fiscale
- Proof of Italian address
- Proof of income in Italy
Benefits:
- Lower fees (often €3-10/month)
- Full access to all services
- Easier to get mortgages, credit cards, overdrafts
Who it’s for: Expats who are relocating to Italy permanently or for 6+ months/year
2. Conto Corrente per Non Residenti (Non-Resident Account)
This is for foreigners who don’t live in Italy full-time but need an Italian bank account.
Requirements:
- Codice fiscale
- Valid passport
- Proof of address in your home country
- Proof of income (sometimes)
Benefits:
- Can open without Italian residency
- Can use for property purchase and management
- Can receive mortgage disbursements
Drawbacks:
- Higher fees (€10-25/month)
- May have transaction limits
- Harder to get credit products
Who it’s for: Vacation home buyers, investors, people buying before relocating
Most foreign buyers start with a non-resident account, then convert to a resident account once they establish Italian residency.
Which Banks Work Best for Foreign Buyers?
Not all Italian banks are equally friendly to non-residents. At Valente Italian Properties, we’ve personally tested and successfully opened accounts for our international clients with these banks:
Best for Non-Residents (Tested by Us):
1. Hello Bank (BNP Paribas Group)
- Digital bank owned by BNP Paribas
- Excellent online platform in English
- Specifically designed for non-residents
- Monthly fee: €8-12
- Pros: Modern digital banking, easy account opening process, responsive customer service in English, accepts international clients smoothly
- Cons: Fewer physical branches (mainly major cities), but strong digital support compensates
2. Mediobanca Premiere
- Private banking division of Mediobanca
- Premium service focused on international clients
- Dedicated account managers
- Monthly fee: €15-25 (or waived with minimum balance €25,000-50,000)
- Pros: White-glove service, English-speaking relationship managers, excellent for high-net-worth buyers, seamless non-resident account opening, strong mortgage integration
- Cons: Higher fees (unless you maintain balance), minimum relationship requirements
3. Fideuram (Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking)
- Private banking arm of Intesa Sanpaolo Group
- Wealth management focus
- Personalized advisory
- Monthly fee: €20-30 (often waived with investment relationship)
- Pros: Full-service wealth management, excellent for buyers who want banking + investment services, very experienced with foreign clients, smooth mortgage process
- Cons: Requires larger relationship (typically €50,000+ in assets), premium pricing
5. N26, Revolut, Wise (Digital Banks)
- Not technically Italian banks, but have Italian IBANs
- Can open remotely in 10 minutes
- Very low fees (€0-5/month)
- Pros: Fast, modern, easy to use
- Cons: Not always accepted by notaries or mortgage banks; limited support for complex transactions
Our recommendation at Valente: For property purchase, start with Intesa Sanpaolo or UniCredit (traditional banks that all notaries accept). Once you own property, add a digital bank like Wise for day-to-day utility payments to save on fees.
Documents You’ll Need to Open an Account
Here’s the standard document checklist for a non-resident account:
1. Valid passport
Must be current (not expired). Some banks require 6+ months validity remaining.
2. Codice fiscale
The certificate or card from Agenzia delle Entrate. A digital copy is usually fine, but bring the original if you have it.
3. Proof of address in your home country
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water) from last 3 months
- Bank statement from last 3 months
- Government-issued document with your address
Must show your full name and address. Credit card statements typically don’t work.
4. Proof of income
Not always required, but many banks ask for:
- Last 2-3 months of pay stubs
- Tax return from last year
- Employment letter stating your salary
- Pension statement (if retired)
5. Reason for opening the account
You’ll need to explain why you need an Italian bank account. Best answer: “I’m purchasing property in Italy.” Bring your preliminary contract (compromesso) if you have it, or a property listing.
6. Initial deposit
Most banks require €100-500 to open the account. This stays in your account; you’re not paying it as a fee.
Pro tip: Make copies of everything. Italian banks love paperwork. Having duplicates speeds things up.
The Step-by-Step Process (What to Expect at the Branch)
Step 1: Book an appointment (1-3 weeks before)
Call the bank or visit their website to book an appointment. In major cities (Rome, Milan, Florence), walk-ins are often not possible.
Ask specifically for: “Apertura conto corrente per non residente” (Opening a non-resident account).
Request an English-speaking employee if available. Not all branches have this, but it’s worth asking.
Step 2: Arrive 10 minutes early
Italian banks are punctual. If your appointment is 10:00am, arrive at 9:50am. Bring all documents (see above list).
Step 3: Meet with the account manager (30-90 minutes)
The employee will:
- Review your documents
- Ask why you need the account
- Explain account types and fees
- Have you sign multiple forms (usually in Italian with English translations)
- Set up online banking credentials
- Issue a temporary debit card or ATM card
This takes 30 minutes if everything goes smoothly, 90+ minutes if there are document issues or language barriers.
Step 4: Wait for account activation (1-7 days)
Your account is not immediately active. The bank submits your application to their compliance department for anti-money-laundering checks.
Timeline:
- Best case: 24 hours
- Average: 3-5 days
- Worst case: 7-10 days (if they request additional documents)
You’ll receive confirmation via email or SMS when your account is active.
Step 5: Receive your debit card and checkbook (1-2 weeks)
Your permanent debit card and checkbook (if requested) arrive by registered mail to your Italian address. If you don’t have an Italian address yet, they can mail to your home country address (slower, 3-4 weeks).
Fees to Expect (And How to Minimize Them)
Italian bank accounts have monthly fees. Here’s what to expect:
Monthly account fee: €10-25
Covers account maintenance, online banking, customer service.
Debit card fee: €10-20/year
Some banks include this in monthly fee; others charge separately.
Wire transfer fees:
- Domestic (within Italy): Free to €2
- SEPA (within Europe): €0-5
- International (US, UK, etc.): €15-35
ATM withdrawal fees:
- At your bank’s ATMs: Free
- At other Italian banks: €1-3
- International ATMs: €3-5 + foreign bank’s fee
How to minimize fees:
- Negotiate package deals: If you’re getting a mortgage with the same bank, ask them to waive or reduce account fees. Many banks offer “mortgage + account” packages.
- Maintain minimum balance: Some accounts waive monthly fees if you keep €5,000-10,000 in the account. If you’re parking property-related funds anyway, this makes sense.
- Use digital banks for daily expenses: Keep your traditional Italian bank for mortgage/property, but use Wise or Revolut for paying utilities and small transactions (much lower fees).
- Ask about non-resident promotions: Some banks offer first-year fee waivers for non-residents opening accounts for property purchase.
Can You Open an Account Before Traveling to Italy?
Short answer: Very rarely.
Most Italian banks require physical presence. However, a few options exist:
1. Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit international branches
If you live in a city with an Intesa or UniCredit branch (New York, London, Munich, etc.), you may be able to start the process there and complete it in Italy. Call ahead to confirm.
2. Remote account opening through a commercialista
Some commercialisti offer “remote account opening” services where they act as your representative. This costs €300-800 and still requires sending original documents to Italy. It’s rare and not all banks allow it.
3. Digital banks (N26, Revolut, Wise)
These can be opened remotely in 10 minutes. But as mentioned earlier, not all notaries accept them for property transactions. Use as a secondary account, not your primary one for buying property.
Our recommendation: Plan a trip to Italy, get your fiscal code and open your bank account in the same visit. It’s faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
THE 48-HOUR STRATEGY: FISCAL CODE + BANK ACCOUNT IN A SINGLE TRIP
Here’s how to do both in one short trip to Italy – perfect if you’re flying in for property viewings or just want to get the paperwork done efficiently.
Day 1 (Morning): Get Your Fiscal Code
8:30am: Arrive at Agenzia delle Entrate office (go to the one in the city where you’re planning to buy or the nearest major city)
9:00am: Receive your fiscal code certificate (plan for 30-90 min depending on wait time)
10:30am: Make copies of your fiscal code certificate (find a “copisteria” – copy shop – or ask your hotel)
Day 1 (Afternoon): Set Up Bank Account Appointment
2:00pm: Visit 2-3 bank branches in person (don’t rely on phone calls)
- Ask to speak with an account manager
- Explain you’re a non-resident buying property
- Ask about non-resident account options and fees
- Book an appointment (ideally for next morning)
Alternative: If you have a commercialista, they can book the appointment for you in advance.
Day 2 (Morning): Open Bank Account
9:00am-11:00am: Bank appointment (bring all documents: passport, fiscal code, proof of address, proof of income)
11:30am: Ask for temporary ATM card if available
Day 2 (Afternoon): Confirm Everything
2:00pm: Double-check you have:
- Original fiscal code certificate + 3 copies
- Bank account documents and temporary access
- Online banking credentials
- Bank’s contact info and your account manager’s email
Pro tip: You can schedule property viewings for Days 1-2 while getting your paperwork done, then continue viewings on Days 3-5. This way, when you find a property you love and want to make an offer, you already have your fiscal code ready. Agents respect buyers who are organized – and in competitive markets, being able to submit an offer immediately (instead of saying “I need 3 weeks to get my fiscal code”) can be the difference between getting the property or losing it.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Waiting until they’re ready to make an offer to get fiscal code
You can view properties without it, but the moment you find one you love and want to make an offer, you need that fiscal code. In competitive markets, properties receive multiple offers within 48-72 hours of listing. If you need to say “give me 3 weeks to get my paperwork,” the seller will accept someone else’s offer.
Solution: Get fiscal code 1-2 months before you start seriously looking. That way, when you find the right property, you can make an offer the same day or next day. Open bank account within 2-4 weeks of starting your search (you’ll need it for the deposit once your offer is accepted).
Mistake #2: Opening a digital bank account only
N26, Revolut, and Wise are great for everyday use, but many Italian notaries don’t trust them for €200,000+ property transactions. You need a traditional Italian bank for the purchase itself.
Solution: Traditional bank for property, digital bank for utilities and daily expenses.
Mistake #3: Not asking for better fees at the bank
If you tell the bank you’re just opening an account, you pay full fees. If you mention you’ll also be applying for a mortgage or move an investment suddenly they’re much more interested – and willing to waive fees.
Mistake #4: Assuming English will be widely spoken
Even in international banks, not all branches have English-speaking staff. Bring a translator app, an Italian-speaking friend, or hire a commercialista to accompany you.
Solution: Call ahead and specifically request English-speaking service. Or work with a buyer’s agent (like us at Valente) who can accompany you to appointments.
WHAT TO DO BASED ON YOUR BUYER PROFILE
If You’re an Expat Relocating to Italy
Fiscal code priority: HIGH – Get it immediately
Bank account type: Start with non-resident, convert to resident after establishing residency
Timeline: Get fiscal code before arriving, open account within first 2 weeks
Additional steps:
- Register your residency at the local “Anagrafe” (municipal registry) within 90 days of arrival
- Convert to resident bank account (lower fees)
- Set up automatic payments for Italian bills (TARI, IMU, utilities)
- Get Italian health card (Tessera Sanitaria) – requires fiscal code
- Consider hiring a commercialista for ongoing tax filing
Example: Robert, 58, retired software engineer from Colorado, moved to Bologna. Got fiscal code at Italian Consulate in Denver 2 months before moving. Opened non-resident account with Intesa Sanpaolo during his house-hunting trip. After buying and registering residency, converted to resident account, saving €120/year in fees.
If You’re Buying a Vacation Home
Fiscal code priority: HIGH – Get it before making offers
Bank account type: Non-resident account
Timeline: Get both 1-2 months before purchase
Additional steps:
- Set up automatic payments for property taxes (IMU, TARI)
- Consider utilities payment via direct debit from Italian account
- If renting the property, use Italian account for rental income deposits (saves 2-3% in international transfer fees)
Example: Emma and David, London, bought a villa in Puglia for summer holidays. Got fiscal codes through Italian Consulate in London (6 weeks). Opened UniCredit non-resident accounts during their purchase trip. Now save £800/year by avoiding international wire fees for property expenses and rental income.
If You’re an Investor Buying for Rental Income
Fiscal code priority: CRITICAL – Required for everything
Bank account type: Non-resident account (or resident if you’ll spend significant time in Italy)
Timeline: Get both before making any offers
Additional steps:
- Open account at a bank that offers good online banking (you’ll be managing remotely)
- Set up Italian PayPal or Stripe for rental payments if using Airbnb/Vrbo
- Connect Italian bank account to property management software
- Consider hiring Italian accountant (commercialista) for tax filing on rental income – foreign landlords pay 26% capital gains tax on Italian rental income if non-resident
Key tax consideration: Italian rental income is taxed differently for residents vs. non-residents:
- Residents: Progressive tax rate (23-43% depending on total income)
- Non-residents: Flat 26% on rental income (cannot offset with deductions)
Example: Thomas, Singapore-based investor, bought 3 apartments in Milan for Airbnb rental. Opened Intesa Sanpaolo account + Wise account. Uses Intesa for mortgage payments and tax obligations, Wise for daily property expenses (saves 70% on transaction fees). Gross rental income: €72,000/year. Italian tax obligation: €18,720/year (26%). Pays commercialista €1,200/year to handle filings.
FINAL THOUGHTS: DON’T LET BUREAUCRACY SLOW YOU DOWN
Here’s the bottom line.
Italy has incredible property opportunities right now. Prices in secondary cities are still 15-25% below pre-2008 peaks. Interest rates dropped from 4.5% in 2023 to 2.8% in early 2025. Foreign buyer interest is surging.
But Italian bureaucracy hasn’t changed. If you find your dream property and don’t have your fiscal code ready, you’ll watch it get sold to buyers who did their homework.
Your fiscal code takes 30 minutes to get if you do it in Italy, or 6-8 weeks if you do it through a consulate. Your bank account takes 2-3 hours at a branch. That’s it.
But without them, you can’t make an offer or move forward with the purchase.
So here’s what I want you to do:
Step 1: Decide when you’re seriously starting your property search (even if it’s 6 months from now).
Step 2: Get your fiscal code 1-2 months before that date. (You can view properties without it, but you’ll need it the moment you want to make an offer.)
Step 3: Plan a trip to Italy 1-2 months before making offers. Use that trip to open your bank account AND tour properties. Kill two birds with one stone.
Step 4: Now you’re ready. When you find the right property, you can move immediately – while other foreign buyers are still figuring out their paperwork.
And if you want help with any of this – fiscal code assistance, bank account setup, full buyer advisory from property search to closing – that’s exactly what we do at Valente Italian Properties. We work exclusively with international clients. We speak your language (literally and figuratively). And we make sure you don’t get burned by Italian bureaucracy or market dynamics.
Go to valenteit.com, book a strategy call, and tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll map out the whole process and handle the annoying parts for you.
If this was helpful, hit the like button, share it with anyone planning to buy in Italy, and drop a comment telling me: where in Italy are you looking to buy?
See you next time. Ciao!
