This article is part of the cluster “First Steps in Italy”
Codice Fiscale 2026: how to get it
Permesso di soggiorno 2026
INPS and pensions 2026
ISEE and benefits 2026
Healthcare SSN 2026
Impatriati 2026
Contents
- Why digital identification is needed in Italy 2026
- CIE: electronic identity card
- SPID: digital login for public services
- CNS: alternative via tessera sanitaria
- What you can do with SPID and CIE in 2026
- IO app: the state on your phone
- PEC: certified electronic mail
- Step-by-step guide for an immigrant
- Common problems and solutions
- Conclusions
Why digital identification is needed in Italy: SPID and CIE in 2026
Main article on the topic: Moving to Italy: plan
Navigation to all guides - knowledge base.
Why is it impossible to do almost anything in Italy without SPID or CIE — from booking a doctor’s appointment to viewing your pension contributions?
SPID Italy and CIE Italy are the two main ways of digital identification, without which an immigrant’s life in Italy becomes endless queues and paperwork. Digital identification in Italy in 2026 is not an option but a necessity. Without it you are literally cut off from all public services.
Without SPID or CIE you cannot:
- Log in to the INPS site — view your pension contributions, apply for NASPI, check your work record
- Log in to Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) — 730 tax return, electronic invoices, CU
- Book a doctor through ASL or the regional platform
- Apply for ISEE — without it there are no benefits, discounts, bonuses
- Download certificates from ANPR (national registry)
- Receive notifications from the state via the IO app
- Submit documents for university admission via Universitaly
Until 2020 you could get a PIN code at an INPS office and log in that way. Since then the system has fully moved to SPID, CIE and CNS. Old PIN codes stopped working, although some offices still issue something similar out of inertia.
Community experience
“I went to INPS to get a PIN at the office. The guard said – codes stopped working 2 years ago. But acquaintances did it that way. He went to check — it turned out it’s possible. The procedure took 10 minutes.”
Member of the immigration community, 2025
This case is an exception. In 2026 the standard login to all public portals is only via SPID or CIE. How to get SPID as a foreigner is one of the most common questions in the Russian-speaking community in Italy — unsurprising: the procedure is non-obvious, and without digital access you can’t even check whether your employer is paying contributions for you correctly.
SPID and CIE are not the same thing
SPID is a digital account (login and password + confirmation). CIE is a physical plastic card with a chip (Carta d’Identità Elettronica). Both provide access to the same services but work differently. Many people have both — for reliability.
CIE in Italy 2026: electronic identity card
What is CIE, how can a foreigner obtain it and how does it differ from a regular identity card?
CIE (Carta d’Identità Elettronica) is an electronic identity card issued by the comune. For foreigners, the CIE in Italy is both an identity document within the country and a key to accessing public portals via the CieID app.
What you need to get a CIE
-
✓Valid permesso di soggiorno (residence permit)
Or the receipt of application/extension (ricevuta). Without legal status the CIE will not be issued.
-
✓Residenza (registration) in the comune
You need to be registered. If you just moved — register your residenza first.
-
✓Codice Fiscale (tax code)
The tax code is required for all document operations.
-
✓Photo 35x45
Standard ID photo. Sometimes they take the photo at the comune.
-
✓Payment ~17 EUR
The cost includes card issuance. Payment by revenue stamp (marca da bollo) or via PagoPA.
How the issuance proceeds
The procedure is simple: book an appointment at the Ufficio Anagrafe of your comune (often via the comune website or by phone), come with documents, provide fingerprints, have your photo taken. The card is mailed to you within 7–15 working days. Along with the card you receive an envelope with PIN and PUK codes — do not throw it away, you need these to activate CieID.
CIE for a foreigner is NOT valid for travel abroad
Unlike a CIE for an Italian citizen, a foreigner’s CIE does not give the right to cross borders. To leave Italy you need a passport and a valid permesso di soggiorno (residence permit). A foreigner’s CIE carries the note “non valida per l’espatrio”.
CieID app: logging into sites without SPID
CieID is a free smartphone app (iOS and Android) that lets you use the CIE to log into public portals. It is an alternative to SPID and for many people is more convenient.
Tip from a community member
“Download CieID and activate it. When you need to log in to official sites — INPS, to check data, or to book a doctor — click to log in with CIE; the app will show a pop-up on your phone, press OK and you’re in.”
From a discussion in the immigration chat, 2025
To activate CieID you need to:
- Download the CieID app from the App Store or Google Play
- Tap the CIE to your phone (NFC) and enter the PIN code
- Set your own quick access code
After activation — when logging into any public site choose “Entra con CIE”, the app will automatically show a confirmation request, press OK — and you’re inside.
CIE level 3 — higher than SPID level 2
Logging in with CIE automatically provides authentication level 3 (maximum). SPID by default works at level 2. For most services there is no difference, but some operations (electronic signing of documents) require level 3.
SPID in Italy 2026: how a foreigner can get digital identification
How to get SPID as a foreigner in Italy: which providers, how much it costs, what documents are required?
SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) is the digital identification system that works as a single login for all public services in Italy. SPID is one of the most common ways to access INPS, the revenue agency, ASL and hundreds of other bodies.
SPID providers in 2026
SPID is issued by accredited Identity Providers. Here are the main ones:
| Provider | Cost | Identification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poste Italiane (PosteID) | Free | In-person at an office | Most popular. Accepts passports |
| Aruba | From 0 EUR | CIE / webcam / in-person | Free if identified via CIE |
| Infocert | ~29.90 EUR | Webcam | Convenient without leaving home |
| Namirial | ~29.90 EUR | Webcam | Accepts foreign passports |
| Sielte | Free | Webcam / CIE | Free video identification |
| TIM id | Free | In-person in TIM store | Only for TIM customers |
| Lepida | Free | CIE / CNS | Regional provider for Emilia-Romagna |
| SpidItalia (Register) | ~29.90 EUR | Webcam | Fast procedure |
| Etna Hitech | ~29.90 EUR | Webcam | Less known, but works |
The simplest free way is PosteID with in-branch identification at Poste Italiane. The fastest way without leaving home is via CIE online with any provider.
Three SPID levels
Login and password. Basic level. Suitable for informational services without personal data. Rarely used.
Login + password + OTP code (SMS or app). Standard level for 99% of services: INPS, revenue agency, ASL, IO, ANPR. This is the one you will use daily.
Maximum protection — requires a physical token or special app. Needed for electronic signature, access to judicial documents and some banking operations. Not all providers offer it.
How to get SPID as a foreigner: two ways
Path 1: free via Poste Italiane (in person)
Start registration online at posteid.poste.it
Fill in details: name, surname, codice fiscale (tax code), email, Italian phone number. Choose identification “in branch”.
Go to a Poste Italiane branch with documents
Bring: passport, codice fiscale (card or printout), permesso di soggiorno (residence permit). The operator will check documents and complete identification.
Activate SPID
An email will arrive to complete activation. Download the PosteID app to receive OTP codes. Done — you can log into any public sites.
Path 2: online via CIE (~30 EUR with paid providers, free with some providers)
If you already have a CIE and a phone with NFC — you can obtain SPID fully online without leaving home. Choose a provider, identify via CIE, and get SPID in 15–30 minutes.
Question from the community
“You can get SPID for 29.90 euros via webcam. It says you need carta d’identità or passaporto. Will they accept a NON-Italian passport?”
From a discussion in the immigration chat
Answer: yes, most providers accept a foreign passport for webcam identification. But each provider may have specific requirements — better check in advance. The most reliable option for a foreigner is Poste Italiane in person — they definitely accept passports.
You cannot get SPID without an Italian phone number
All providers require an Italian mobile number to send OTP codes. If you don’t yet have an Italian SIM — buy one before applying for SPID. The cheapest plans cost about 5–7 EUR/month from Iliad, ho. Mobile, Very Mobile.
You also need a personal email
SPID requires an email address that is not already linked to another SPID. If you have several family members, each person needs their own email and phone number.
CNS in Italy: alternative to SPID via tessera sanitaria (health card)
What is CNS, when can it be useful and why is it a less convenient option?
CNS (Carta Nazionale dei Servizi) is a third way to log into public portals in Italy, alongside SPID and CIE. CNS works via the tessera sanitaria (health card) if the chip on it has been activated.
How it works
A tessera sanitaria with an activated CNS chip is inserted into a lettore di smart card (card reader) — a USB device for reading smart cards. The reader connects to a computer, drivers are installed, and you can log in to sites that support CNS.
CNS works, but it’s inconvenient
You need a physical card reader (~15–25 EUR on Amazon), driver installation, chip activation at the ASL or regional agency. And it works only from a computer — you cannot log in from a phone. For most people it’s easier to get SPID or activate CieID.
When CNS can be useful
- You don’t have a CIE (for example, you are waiting for it) and you don’t have SPID
- You need access to regional medical services that work better via CNS
- Your phone does not support NFC for CieID
- You prefer to work from a computer
How to activate CNS
Get the tessera sanitaria (health card)
If you are registered with the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), you already have a tessera sanitaria. If not — register at the ASL.
Activate the CNS chip
Contact your regional ASL or agency (depends on the region). They will activate the chip and provide a PIN code. In Lombardy this can be done at pharmacies with a card reader.
Buy a card reader
On Amazon or electronics stores — a USB smart card reader. Price 15–25 EUR. Any reader compatible with Italian smart cards will work.
Install drivers and software
Download the middleware for your OS from the regional agency website. After installation — insert the card, enter the PIN, and you can log in to public sites.
Community opinion
“Do pensioners need to bother with this or is it easier to get SPID? I have CIE and I log in to INPS with it, but to book a doctor you need SPID.”
From a discussion on digital services in the community
In practice: if you have a CIE — use CieID. If you don’t have a CIE but need access right now — get SPID. CNS is a backup option that can help in specific situations.
What you can do with SPID and CIE in Italy 2026: full list of services
Which specific sites can you access via SPID and CIE, and what can you do there?
Digital identification in Italy opens access to thousands of public services. Here are the most important for an immigrant:
INPS — pensions, contributions, benefits
- Estratto conto contributivo — full statement of pension contributions for all years worked in Italy
- NASPI — submit unemployment benefit claims online
- CU (Certificazione Unica) — download annual income certificate
- Simulazione pensione — pension forecast calculator
- Bonus e indennità — apply for various bonuses and allowances
- ISEE precompilato — pre-filled ISEE declaration
Agenzia delle Entrate — taxes
- 730 precompilato — pre-filled tax return
- Fatture e Corrispettivi — electronic invoicing system for VAT numbers (P.IVA)
- Cassetto fiscale — personal tax drawer, all your tax data
- Visura catastale — cadastral extract for property
- Certificati — tax certificates and attestations
Healthcare
- Fascicolo Sanitario Elettronico — electronic medical record, all test results and examinations
- Prenotazione visite — book specialist appointments via regional platform
- Ricette elettroniche — electronic prescriptions from doctors
- Scelta del medico — choose or change your general practitioner online
Other important services
Registry of residence. Download certificates of residence, family status, stato civile — all online and free.
The government app. Fines, benefits, notifications, payments via PagoPA.
Portal for applying to Italian universities. Submit documents and track status.
Portal for public employees. Payslips, certificates, tax data.
Participant experience
“Having apps like CIE, INPS, IO is a necessity. Without them you’re as if you don’t exist for the state. All certificates, bookings, notifications — only through them.”
From discussion in the Russian-speaking community in Italy
ANPR — free certificates without going to the comune
Since 2023 you can download 14 types of certificates for free via ANPR (anagrafenazionale.interno.it): residence, family status, stato civile and others. Previously you had to go to the comune and pay a marca da bollo for each certificate. Login is via SPID or CIE.
IO app in Italy 2026: the state on your phone
What is the IO app, why do you need it and how do you receive notifications from the state through it?
IO is the official app of the Italian government that acts as a single point of contact between you and the state. It is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. Login requires SPID or CIE.
What arrives in IO
- Fines — notifications about traffic fines (multe) with the ability to pay directly in the app
- Benefits — information on Assegno Unico, bonuses and payments
- Tax notifications — reminders about tax filing deadlines
- Messages from the comune — notifications about appointments, documents, decisions
- Messages from INPS — status of applications, decisions on benefits
- Messages from ASL — vaccination reminders, test results (in some regions)
PagoPA: payments via IO
PagoPA is the unified payment system for all public payments in Italy. Through IO you can pay:
- Fines (multe stradali)
- School fees (mensa scolastica)
- Municipal taxes and fees (TARI, IMU)
- Medical fees (ticket sanitario)
- Revenue stamps (marca da bollo) for documents
Practical experience
“IO is very convenient — a parking fine arrived directly in the app, I tapped pay, it was charged to my card. Previously you had to go to the post office or tabaccheria with paper. Also Assegno Unico — you can see when and how much will be paid.”
From experiences of members of the immigration community
IT Wallet in IO — digital documents
Since 2024 IO includes the IT Wallet feature — a digital wallet for documents. You can add the tessera sanitaria, driver’s license and patente (and in the future — CIE). Documents are stored on your phone and have legal validity for presenting to police and medical facilities.
PEC in Italy 2026: certified electronic mail
What is PEC, who is it mandatory for and why pay for mail when there’s Gmail?
PEC (Posta Elettronica Certificata) is certified electronic mail that has the legal force of a registered letter with return receipt (raccomandata con ricevuta di ritorno). When you send a PEC message — the recipient cannot claim “I didn’t receive it.” The fact of sending and delivery is recorded and has legal validity in court.
Who must have PEC
Mandatory
- All legal entities (SRL, SPA)
- Sole proprietors with P.IVA (ditta individuale)
- Professionals with orders (avvocati, commercialisti, ingegneri)
- All those registered in the Registro Imprese
Not mandatory, but useful
- Employees
- Students (for correspondence with universities)
- Anyone who wants legally significant correspondence with public bodies
- For sending formal complaints and claims
PEC providers and cost
| Provider | Cost/year | Storage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aruba PEC | ~5 EUR | 1 GB | Cheapest, popular choice |
| Poste Italiane (PostaCertificat@) | ~5.50 EUR | 200 MB - 1 GB | Convenient for Poste customers |
| Legalmail (Infocert) | ~25 EUR | 5 GB | More space, for business |
| Register.it | ~6 EUR | 1 GB | Easy setup |
| PEC.it | ~8 EUR | 2 GB | Mid-range option |
For personal use the cheapest plan is sufficient. Aruba PEC for 5 EUR/year is the optimal choice for most immigrants.
PEC usage practice
“PEC is mandatory for those with P.IVA. For employees it’s not required, but I got one for 5 euros/year from Aruba just in case. It came in handy a couple of times — I sent a complaint to the internet provider via PEC and they resolved it within 2 days. Ordinary emails they ignored for a month.”
From community discussion, 2025
PEC can be used to communicate with any public body
All public institutions in Italy are required to have PEC and respond to PEC messages. This is sometimes faster than going in person: send the comune a PEC — they are obliged to respond. And you have legal proof of the request.
Step-by-step guide: digital identification for an immigrant in Italy 2026
In what order should you obtain digital documents after moving to Italy?
Here is the optimal sequence for an immigrant who has just arrived in Italy and wants access to all digital services:
Get your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit)
This is the foundation of everything. Without legal status you cannot obtain any document. Submit documents to the questura or via Poste Italiane depending on visa type.
Register your residenza at the comune
Go to the Ufficio Anagrafe of your comune with the lease, permesso di soggiorno (or ricevuta), passport. Submit the application for registration. A vigile (local officer) will come to verify the address.
Obtain the CIE at the comune
After registering your residenza book an appointment to get the CIE. Cost ~17 EUR. The card will be mailed to you in 7–15 days.
Get SPID
Two options: free at Poste Italiane with passport or online via CIE. If you already have CIE — get SPID via CIE, it takes 15 minutes. If not — go to Poste.
Activate CieID on your phone
When you receive the CIE — download CieID, tap the card to your phone (NFC), enter the PIN. Now you have two ways to log in to public sites.
Download IO and log in to INPS and the revenue agency
Install IO, log in via SPID or CIE. Log in to inps.it — check your contributions. Log in to agenziaentrate.gov.it — view your tax drawer.
Get PEC (if you have P.IVA)
PEC is mandatory for freelancers and businesses. For employees it’s optional. Aruba PEC for 5 EUR/year is the simplest option.
Community experience
“You can get the Codice not only by mail, but also go in person to ASL or INPS if you’re often not at home. It’s faster — you don’t have to wait for the letter.”
Tip from a Russian-speaking community member
The whole process takes 1–2 months
The longest stages are waiting for residenza and CIE. But you can do SPID in parallel via Poste Italiane with your passport, without waiting for CIE. This way you get access to public sites faster.
Common problems with SPID and CIE in Italy: solutions 2026
What to do if they won’t give SPID without CIE, CIE without residenza, and the comune is slow with registration?
Getting digital identification in Italy for an immigrant often turns into a vicious circle of dependencies. Here are the most typical problems and how to solve them:
Some providers require CIE for online identification. Solution: go to Poste Italiane in person — they accept passports. Or use a provider with webcam identification that accepts foreign passports (Namirial, Infocert).
The comune issues CIE only to registered residents. Solution: register your residenza first. While waiting — get SPID via Poste with your passport so you’re not left without access.
The vigile doesn’t come to check the address, the application lingers for weeks. Solution: after 45 days of silence the principle of “silenzio-assenso” applies — registration is considered approved. You can send a PEC (or regular letter) to the comune with a reminder and a link to the law.
Old or budget smartphones might lack NFC or not support the required chip. Solution: use SPID instead of CieID. Or borrow a friend’s NFC phone for one-time activation — after activation CieID only needs NFC when logging on a new device.
Some operators struggle with foreign document formats for webcam identification. Solution: if refused — try another provider. Poste Italiane in person is the most reliable option; they definitely accept passports.
PIN and PUK come in the envelope with the CIE. If lost — you can recover them via the comune (must go in person with documents). If you blocked the card by entering the wrong PIN 3 times — you need the PUK to unblock it.
Vicious circle: permesso — residenza — CIE — SPID
Each document depends on the previous one. The only way to break the circle is to get SPID at Poste Italiane using your passport, without waiting for CIE. This gives access to public services while you wait for other documents.
Community lifehack
“My advice to newcomers — don’t wait for all documents to be ready. Go to Poste to get SPID with your passport right away. It’s free and takes half an hour. Then get CIE later when residenza is ready. The main thing is to access INPS and the revenue agency as early as possible.”
Advice from an experienced community member, 2026
Conclusions: digital identification in Italy for an immigrant
In 2026 you cannot access INPS, the revenue agency, book a doctor, or get ISEE without digital identification. This is the first thing to do after obtaining residenza.
CIE gives authentication level 3 and works via phone NFC. SPID is convenient when you don’t have the card at hand. Together they cover all situations and serve as backups for one another.
Don’t wait for CIE. Go to Poste Italiane with your passport and codice fiscale — get SPID for free in 30 minutes. You need access to public services from day one.
The IO app is a single window for all state notifications. Fines, benefits, reminders — all in one place. PagoPA lets you pay public fees directly from your phone.
If you have a Partita IVA — PEC is legally required. For employees it’s worth getting for 5 EUR/year. The legal force of correspondence can be useful in disputes.
Follow this sequence, but SPID can be done in parallel with CIE via Poste. The full process from arrival to complete digital access takes 1–2 months.