What you need to open an Italian bank account
To open a bank account in Italy, you need a valid passport or ID card, proof of address, and a tax identification number (codice fiscale). If you are an EU citizen, your passport or national ID is sufficient. Non-EU citizens need a residence permit or visa. The proof of address can be a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from your employer — it must show your name and current Italian address and be dated within the last three months.
The codice fiscale is a 16-character tax ID that Italy assigns to everyone who works, pays taxes, or opens a bank account. If you don't have one yet, you can request it at the Agenzia delle Entrate (the Italian tax authority) office in your city, or sometimes the bank will help you obtain it as part of the account opening process. You'll need your passport and proof of address for that application too.
Most banks also ask for proof of income or employment — a recent payslip, employment contract, or letter from your employer. Self-employed people should bring their business registration documents or tax returns. If you have no income, some banks will still open an account but may impose higher fees or minimum balance requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide a valid passport or ID, proof of address dated within three months, and a codice fiscale (Italian tax number) to open any bank account.
- Non-EU citizens need a residence permit or visa in addition to their passport; EU citizens need only their national ID or passport.
- If you don't have a codice fiscale, apply at the local Agenzia delle Entrate office or ask your bank whether they can help you obtain one.
- Banks typically ask for proof of income such as a payslip or employment contract, though some will open accounts without it at higher fees.
- The entire process usually takes one to three weeks from the day you submit your documents until your account is active and your debit card arrives.
Where to open an account: banks, post offices, and online options
Italy has three main routes: traditional banks, Poste Italiane (the national postal service, which also offers banking), and online-only banks. Traditional banks like Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banco BPM have branches in every city and town. They offer the widest range of services, but their fees tend to be higher and they may require a minimum balance. Walk into any branch with your documents and ask to speak to someone in the accounts department (sportello conti).
Poste Italiane is often cheaper for basic accounts and has more locations than any bank — there is a post office in nearly every village. Their basic account (Conto Corrente BancoPosta) has lower monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement. You open it at any post office counter, and the process is usually faster than at a traditional bank.
Online banks like Fintech, Widiba, and N26 operate entirely through apps and websites. They have the lowest fees and no branch visits required, but they may not accept non-residents or people without an Italian address. If you are moving to Italy, an online bank can be a good option once you have your codice fiscale and proof of address sorted.
Documents to bring and the step-by-step process
Gather these documents before you go to the bank or post office: your passport or national ID card, proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, or employer letter), your codice fiscale, and proof of income (payslip, employment contract, or business registration). Make photocopies of everything — most banks will ask for copies to keep on file.
The process works like this: (1) Go to the branch during business hours and tell the staff you want to open a current account. (2) They will give you an application form to fill out with your personal details, address, and employment information. (3) You hand over your original documents and the copies. (4) The bank verifies your identity and runs a background check through the Italian banking system. (5) You sign the account terms and conditions. (6) The bank issues you an account number and orders your debit card. (7) Your debit card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
Some banks will activate your account immediately so you can use online banking and transfers right away, even before your physical card arrives. Others wait until the card is in your hands. Ask the staff which applies to your account.
Codice fiscale: how to get it if you don't have one
If you arrived in Italy without a codice fiscale, you must obtain one before most banks will open an account. Go to the Agenzia delle Entrate office in your city (search "Agenzia delle Entrate" plus your city name online to find the nearest one). Bring your passport and proof of address. Fill out form AA7/10, which takes about five minutes. There is no fee.
The office will issue your codice fiscale on the spot — it is a 16-character code printed on a small card or receipt. Some offices also issue a plastic card, but the receipt is sufficient for opening a bank account. If you are in a small town without an Agenzia delle Entrate office, ask at the town hall (comune) — they can sometimes issue it or direct you to the nearest office.
Alternatively, some banks will help you obtain the codice fiscale as part of the account opening process. Ask when you arrive at the branch. This can save you a separate trip, though it may add a few days to the overall timeline.
Fees, minimum balances, and account types
Bank fees in Italy vary widely. Traditional banks typically charge a monthly maintenance fee (between €5 and €20), plus fees for each transaction, wire transfer, or ATM withdrawal outside their network. Poste Italiane's basic account often costs €2 to €5 per month with no transaction fees. Online banks usually charge nothing or a flat €2 to €3 per month.
Minimum balance requirements also differ. Some banks require you to keep a certain amount in the account at all times (often €500 to €1,000); others have no minimum. Read the account terms carefully before you sign. The terms will be in Italian, so bring a translation app or ask the staff to explain the key points.
Most banks offer a basic current account (conto corrente) for everyday use. Some also offer savings accounts (conto risparmio) with higher interest rates but restrictions on withdrawals. As a newcomer, a basic current account is usually the right choice — it gives you a debit card, online banking, and the ability to receive salary payments and pay bills.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is active, you will receive a debit card by mail within one to three weeks. The card comes with a PIN, which you set yourself at an ATM or through the bank's app. Your account number and IBAN (International Bank Account Number) will be provided immediately — you need the IBAN to receive salary payments or transfers from abroad.
Most banks offer online banking through a website or app. You can log in with your account number and a password you create. Online banking lets you check your balance, view transactions, transfer money to other accounts, and pay bills. Some banks require you to visit a branch to activate online access; others set it up automatically.
If you need to receive money from outside Italy, give the sender your IBAN and your name exactly as it appears on your account. Transfers from EU countries usually arrive within one to two business days. Transfers from outside the EU may take longer and may incur higher fees.
Common issues and how to solve them
The most common problem is not having a codice fiscale before you apply. If the bank rejects your application because of this, go to the Agenzia delle Entrate first, get your codice fiscale, and return to the bank with it. This adds one to two days to the process.
Another issue is proof of address. If your utility bill or rental contract is not in your name, the bank may not accept it. In that case, ask your employer for a letter on company letterhead confirming your address, or ask your landlord for a signed statement. Some banks will also accept a letter from the comune (town hall) confirming your residence.
If you are a non-EU citizen and your residence permit is expiring soon, some banks will refuse to open an account. If this happens, try Poste Italiane or an online bank — they are sometimes more flexible. You may also need to renew your permit before the bank will proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in Italy if I don't live there yet?
Most banks require proof of an Italian address, so you generally cannot open an account before you arrive. However, some online banks and Poste Italiane may accept applications from people who are moving to Italy if you provide a rental agreement or letter from your employer confirming your future address. Contact the bank directly to ask.
How long does it take to open an account from start to finish?
The account itself opens on the day you submit your documents, usually within an hour or two. Your debit card arrives by mail within one to three weeks. If you need to obtain a codice fiscale first, add one to two days for that step. Online banking access is usually available immediately or within one business day.
What if I don't have proof of income?
Some banks will open an account without proof of income, but they may charge higher monthly fees, require a higher minimum balance, or limit your transaction amounts. Poste Italiane is often more flexible on this point. If you are unemployed or retired, bring any documentation you have — pension statements, savings account statements, or a letter from a family member if they are supporting you.
Do I need to speak Italian to open a bank account?
It helps, but many bank staff in larger cities speak English. Bring a translation app on your phone for the account terms and conditions. If you are in a small town where English is rare, consider asking a friend or colleague to come with you as a translator, or contact the bank in advance to request an English-speaking staff member.
Can I open an account as a non-EU citizen?
Yes, but you need a valid residence permit or long-stay visa in addition to your passport. The permit must be valid for at least the duration of your account opening (usually a few weeks). If your permit is expiring, renew it before you apply for the account, or the bank may refuse.