Italy is a country that has a reputation for lagging behind in modernizing and simplifying its bureaucracy. Slow, complicated, unreliable: feedback from experience makes it normal to be apprehensive about having to deal with it. Nevertheless, for a few years now, the situation has been evolving and there is the SPID, an online identification system that allows certain administrative procedures to be carried out remotely. The Public Digital Identity System (SPID) is becoming more and more widespread and is even mandatory for certain procedures. How do you ask for it and what is it for? I’m Lisbob, your expat assistant, and I’m going to tell you all about how to get your SPID in Italy.
What is the purpose of the Italian SPID
The Public Digital Identity System (SPID) allows you to carry out administrative procedures online, without having to go anywhere. The pandemic has facilitated its use and it is now possible to do many things such as pay fines, fill out a tax return, request a civil status certificate or register a child at school. Pensioners are even required to use the SPID as it is mandatory to access the services of the Italian pension fund, the INPS.
In short, the SPID is an essential element for your daily life and as an expatriate you have every right to obtain one. This will save you time and travel.
You will know how and why to apply for and obtain the SPID in Italy
How to get the SPID
The first good news is that the SPID is a free process (in most cases) and can be done throughout Italy for people over 18 years old. This requires only one trip to validate your identity, but it is also possible to do it entirely online in some cases. The first step is to gather the complete file.
The following is a list of documents and items required to apply for the SPID:
·Valid identification;
Tessera sanitaria;
Codice Fiscale;
E-mail address;
Italian cell phone.
Once all the elements have been gathered, you must go to a recognized institution officially authorized to recognize your identity and provide the SPID. These establishments are usually public places such as town halls or post offices.
You can consult all the authorized establishments at this address https://www.spid.gov.it/en/what-is-spid/how-to-activate-spid/the-pas-obtain-spid/
Then, you have to register on the website of the chosen SPID provider, following the steps below:
Fill in your personal data;
Create a SPID;
Perform identity recognition, choosing between free or paid methods offered by recognized institutions. It can be done in person (which requires travel) or online (via webcam).
The Italian SPID is issued almost instantly for applications made entirely online. Requests made in person are processed within 5 business days. Once obtained, the Italian SPID can be used immediately and is final. This will be valid for life and it is therefore advisable to keep your identifiers.
