What Paperwork Is Required for Foreigners Buying a Home in Italy?

Let’s be real. The word “paperwork” doesn’t exactly scream excitement. But when it comes to buying a home in Italy, especially in beautiful, sun-soaked Puglia. It’s part of the adventure. And trust me, once you’re sipping espresso under your own olive tree, all those signatures will feel totally worth it.

So, if you’re a foreigner dreaming of owning your little piece of la dolce vita, here’s what you actually need to know about the paperwork. It’s not as bad as it sounds, promise!

The Magical Codice Fiscale

This is the golden ticket to doing basically anything in Italy. The Codice Fiscale is your personal tax ID number, but really it’s your “key to Italian life.” You’ll need it to buy property, open a bank account, sign up for utilities, or even get a SIM card.

You can apply for one at the Agenzia delle Entrate (that’s the tax office) once you’re in Italy, or through your local Italian consulate if you want to get ahead. It’s free and quick to get, though it might come with a few confused looks and some extra paperwork if your Italian is still a work in progress.

Once you have it, guard it like your favorite gelato flavor, you’ll be using it a lot.

Do You Really Need an Italian Bank Account?

Here’s where things get interesting because technically, you don’t always need one. My parents actually bought their home in Puglia using a Wise account, which made everything so much easier. Wise (formerly TransferWise) gives you a European IBAN, so you can send and receive money in euros without dealing with traditional bank drama or crazy exchange fees.

It worked perfectly for them, and it’s something I recommend looking into if you’re buying from abroad. I even have a referral link you can use if you’re curious (I’ll pop it in below). It’s simple, fast, and saves you a few headaches — very un-Italian, in the best way possible.

Of course, if you do end up living in Italy full-time, it’s nice to have a local account, but still not mandatory. We also still use Wise for everything.

Keep That Passport Handy

Your passport is your best friend here. If you’re from an EU country, it’s smooth sailing. If you’re from outside the EU, the notary might ask for an official translation or an extra certification, just to be sure everything is clear and legal.

Pro tip: check your passport’s expiration date before you start the process. You’d be surprised how many people realize too late that it’s about to expire mid-house-hunt (because i made the same mistake oops).

Thinking of Staying Long-Term?

Owning property doesn’t automatically make you a resident, but it can definitely be your first step in that direction.

If you’re just buying a holiday home, you don’t need to worry about visas or residency. But if you want to actually live in Puglia (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), you’ll eventually need to register at your local Comune and get a visa or residency permit if you’re from outside the EU.

This sometimes can be a pain in the ***, but there are legal people who can help you with that if you get stuck in the process.

The Fun Part: The House-Buying Documents

Once you’ve found the one (and by that I mean the charming trullo or seaside villa of your dreams), it’s time for the real action. You’ll first sign a Compromesso, which is a preliminary contract that locks in your agreement with the seller. Then comes the Rogito, which is the official deed signed in front of a notary.

The notary is like the superhero of the Italian property world. They make sure everything is legal, check that the property doesn’t have hidden issues, and confirm that both parties understand what they’re signing.

If you don’t speak Italian, there will be a translator or bilingual notary there to help. It’s one of those moments where you’ll probably smile a lot, nod, and try not to panic when the legal Italian sounds like a symphony of words you’ve never heard before. Totally normal.

Taxes and the Paper Chase

Yep, taxes come into play too. There are a few — like registration tax, cadastral tax, and mortgage tax — but the notary and your agent will walk you through them step by step. It’s one of those moments where it pays to have someone patient and experienced by your side.

Once everything is signed, stamped, and paid, you officially own a home in Italy! Cue the prosecco and the happy tears.

My Best Advice

Don’t let the paperwork scare you. Everyone who has bought property in Italy will tell you that the process looks a bit wild on paper but makes sense once you’re in it. Get help from a good notary or lawyer, ask a million questions (seriously, Italians don’t mind), and keep your sense of humor handy.

Because yes, there will be moments when you’re waiting in line at a government office wondering what on earth you’re doing and then you’ll step outside, see the sunshine over the olive trees, and remember exactly why you’re doing it.

Welcome to Puglia. Your new Italian life starts right here, one document at a time.