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Daily life in Italy
Daily life in Italy becomes much easier once you have your local ID or tax number, address registration, health cover and a safe way to ask official questions.
Everyday offices in Italy
Agenzia delle Entrate: Codice fiscale, tax. Phone: 800 909 696. INPS: Social security, pensions, family benefits. Phone: 803 164. CGIL / CISL / UIL Patronato: Free help with permits, INPS, taxes.
Numbers, banking and benefits
Permesso di soggiorno: Apply within 8 days of arrival at the post-office 'Sportello Amico' with the yellow kit. Collect the kit — Free at any Poste Italiane with Sportello Amico. Fill in with passport data + visa reason. Send by registered mail — Cost ~76 € + 30 € permit + 16 € stamp. You get a receipt — keep it, it legalizes your stay. Questura appointment — Bring passport, photos, receipt, insurance/contract. Fingerprints taken. Card arrives in 1–3 months. Codice fiscale: Free tax ID needed for a SIM, contract, rent, healthcare. Book at Agenzia delle Entrate — Bring passport + visa/permit receipt. Issued the same day. Non-residents — Italian consulates abroad can issue it before you arrive. Residenza & carta d'identità: Register at the Comune where you actually live. Book at Anagrafe — Bring permesso, codice fiscale, rental contract or host declaration. Police check — Vigili urbani visit to confirm you live there — be reachable. Carta d'identità elettronica — €22, valid EU-wide as ID. Book on agendacie.interno.gov.it.
Safety, legal help and discrimination
Emergency number: 112. Support line: 1522 (anti-violenza). If you face discrimination, domestic violence, wage theft or housing abuse, ask a legal-aid office, equality body or migrant NGO for free confidential help.
Settling into local routines
Learn the waste-sorting rules, transport pass options, quiet-hour customs, school contact habits and basic phrases in Italian. Small local routines reduce stress and make neighbours, teachers and offices more helpful.
Frequently asked questions
What should I organise first after arriving in Italy?
Start with address registration, residence or ID paperwork, health cover, a bank account if possible, and the key numbers used for tax or social security.
Which office should I contact first in Italy?
Start with Agenzia delle Entrate. For broader newcomer help, also check Questura — Ufficio Immigrazione, Agenzia delle Entrate, Comune (Anagrafe).
What language will offices use in Italy?
The main administrative language is Italian. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Can I use my home country driving licence?
EU licences are valid across the EU. Non-EU licences are usually valid for 6–12 months, after which you must exchange or retake the test.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, tap water is safe and highly regulated across the EU.