Do you live outside Italy and need to obtain or recover SPID? Start with the documents you have and choose a process that supports your location and contact details. This guide is for adult Italian citizens. See the general SPID guide for an overview of the system and information about minors.
SPID from abroad at a glance
- Who it is for
- Adult Italian citizens living abroad
- Documents
- A valid Italian identity document and proof of your tax code
- Contact details
- A personal email and mobile phone; the number may be foreign
- Method
- A process available for Europe or worldwide
Section 1
Before you start
You can apply for SPID from abroad.
Check the methods available for Europe or worldwide, then read the chosen provider’s conditions. Aim to find a process you can complete with the documents and equipment you already have.
| Your situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| You need SPID for the first time | Documents and identity verification |
| You need proof of your Italian tax code | Tax code and Fast It |
| You already have SPID but cannot sign in | Your provider’s recovery and support options |
Section 2
Documents and contact details
Prepare a valid Italian identity card, passport or driving licence; proof of your Italian tax code; and an email address and mobile phone you can use personally.
An Italian health card is not the only accepted proof: the SPID website also lists the tax code card or an official certificate of allocation.
Check that your details match. For expired documents, consult your Italian consulate.
- Documents needed to activate SPIDSPID / AgID. Accepted identity documents and alternative forms of proof of the Italian tax code for starting activation.
- Requirements for Italian citizens abroadSPID / AgID. Official requirements for Italian documents, foreign mobile numbers and identity-verification routes available from abroad.
Section 3
Tax code and Fast It
An Italian tax code already assigned to you does not expire.
If you need its certificate, adult Italian citizens registered with AIRE should check the Fast It service under “Anagrafe Consolare e AIRE”, then “Attribuzione Codice Fiscale”. Downloading it may require the application to be processed or your account to be linked to your consular record. Check your consulate’s instructions: the document is not immediately available to every applicant.
Fast It and SPID are separate accounts. Consular instructions also describe signing in to Fast It with an email address and password: check this option on the portal if you are still preparing your SPID application.
- Consular guidance on Italian tax codesConsolato Generale d’Italia a Stoccarda. Consular guidance on the Italian tax code, the Fast It service and the processing or record-linking steps that may precede download.
- Fast It sign-in and account recoveryConsolato Generale d’Italia a Porto Alegre. Consular guidance on signing in with Fast It credentials and on the distinction between a Fast It account and SPID.
Section 4
Choosing a provider and identity check
Open the official comparison page.
Check geographical coverage, available methods, required equipment and security level.
| Method offered by the provider | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Video call | Availability, appointment, time zone and fee |
| Electronic identity card or passport through an app | Supported document and compatible device |
| CNS or digital signature | Required equipment, codes and certificates |
| Recorded audio-video identification with a bank transfer | Bank account and IBAN requirements |
Providers do not all offer every method. For bank-transfer verification, do not assume that any foreign account will be accepted.
Section 5
Foreign mobile numbers and sign-in codes
You can use a foreign number.
Before registering, check whether the provider supports your country and dialling code.
Also check how you will confirm sign-ins when using the service. Level 2 requires a second factor, such as a temporary code or the provider’s app: set up the method actually offered.
Use personal contact details and keep access to them. Different people must use different email addresses and mobile numbers.
- SPID and foreign mobile numbersSPID / AgID. Official requirements for Italian documents, foreign mobile numbers and identity-verification routes available from abroad.
- SPID security levelsHelp Desk SPID. Official explanation of the second factor required at level 2 and the methods offered by providers.
- Personal use of SPID and contact detailsHelp Desk SPID. Official guidance on personal use of the identity and separate email addresses and mobile numbers for different people.
Section 6
Fees to check
Separate the identity-verification fee from any recurring service charges.
Before confirming, read the conditions for both your chosen method and the service. A service without a subscription fee does not automatically offer every verification method for free.
PosteID’s costs page includes residents abroad among those exempt from its annual contribution. This is a condition offered by that provider: check your own position with Poste and do not assume other providers offer the same exemption.
- Example: PosteID methods and chargesPoste Italiane. Provider page covering identity-verification methods and charges that must be distinguished from recurring service fees.
- PosteID annual contribution conditionsPoste Italiane. PosteID annual-contribution terms and the provider-specific exemption listed for residents abroad.
Section 7
Identity checks at a consulate
Some Italian consulates can verify your identity through a RAO office.
Before booking, check that the office offers the service and read its local instructions.
An identity check at a public office is one stage of the process. The official page explains how to choose a participating provider to complete activation.
Any activation package received by email contains protected personal information and is used by an eligible provider to complete verification. Follow the supplied instructions and do not upload it to unrelated websites.
- Options for Italian citizens abroadSPID / AgID. Official requirements for Italian documents, foreign mobile numbers and identity-verification routes available from abroad.
- Public offices and SPID identity verificationSPID / AgID. Official instructions on identity checks at a public authority and completion of activation with a participating provider.
- What the activation package is forHelp Desk SPID. Purpose of the activation package received after identification and safeguards for the personal information it contains.
Section 8
Existing SPID and sign-in problems
If you already have SPID, start by checking its account management options.
Before replacing your phone or giving up a SIM, consult the provider’s instructions for updating contact details and setting up access on a new device.
For forgotten credentials, use your provider’s recovery process. If you cannot complete it, contact its support team.
| Where you get stuck | First check |
|---|---|
| Your password, app or codes do not work | Your identity provider’s recovery and support options |
| The provider requests a profile update | Instructions in the provider’s account area |
| You can sign in, but the application or portal information is wrong | The organisation operating that service |
| Fast It cannot link your consular record | Your consulate’s instructions and support |
This table provides practical pointers: a single error does not establish its cause. Use official channels to contact your provider. Describe the problem without sharing passwords or temporary codes.
Section 9
Frequently asked questions
Answers about applying from abroad, foreign numbers, consulates, help from relatives and recovery.
Do I need to return to Italy to apply for SPID?
There are processes available from abroad. Check which one you can complete with your documents and equipment before planning a trip.
Do I need to buy an Italian SIM?
A foreign number is allowed; check whether your chosen provider supports it.
Will the consulate give me an active SPID identity?
Under the RAO process, identity verification and completion with a provider are separate stages. Check the instructions for your chosen service.
Can a relative help me?
They can help you understand the steps, but the identity and contact details must remain personal. Do not share passwords or sign-in approvals.
I have lost my password. Do I need to apply again?
Start with your provider’s credentials recovery process. If it does not work, ask for support before beginning another application.
- Applying for SPID from abroadHelp Desk SPID. Official confirmation that SPID can be requested from abroad, with reference to methods available by geographic area.
- SPID requirements for people abroadSPID / AgID. Official requirements for Italian documents, foreign mobile numbers and identity-verification routes available from abroad.
- Identity checks at public officesSPID / AgID. Official instructions on identity checks at a public authority and completion of activation with a participating provider.
- Help from relatives and personal identitiesHelp Desk SPID. Official guidance on personal use of the identity and separate email addresses and mobile numbers for different people.
- Recovering credentialsHelp Desk SPID. Official guidance on using the provider’s recovery process and contacting support when it cannot be completed.
Section 11
Official sources
Consult the cited official pages and recheck current conditions before starting.
- SPID for Italian citizens abroad (Italian)SPID / AgID. Official requirements for Italian documents, foreign mobile numbers and identity-verification routes available from abroad.
- How to activate SPID: required documents (Italian)SPID / AgID. Accepted identity documents and alternative forms of proof of the Italian tax code for starting activation.
- Compare SPID providers and verification methods (Italian)SPID / AgID. Official comparison of geographic coverage, identity-verification methods, required equipment and security levels.
- Italian tax-code certificate for citizens abroad (Italian)Consolato Generale d’Italia a Stoccarda. Consular guidance on the Italian tax code, the Fast It service and the processing or record-linking steps that may precede download.
- FAST IT sign-in and account recovery (Italian)Consolato Generale d’Italia a Porto Alegre. Consular guidance on signing in with Fast It credentials and on the distinction between a Fast It account and SPID.
- Public offices and SPID identity verification (Italian)SPID / AgID. Official instructions on identity checks at a public authority and completion of activation with a participating provider.
- PosteID verification methods and charges (Italian)Poste Italiane. Provider page covering identity-verification methods and charges that must be distinguished from recurring service fees.
- PosteID service fees and exemptions (Italian)Poste Italiane. PosteID annual-contribution terms and the provider-specific exemption listed for residents abroad.
- Purpose of the RAO activation package (Italian)Help Desk SPID. Purpose of the activation package received after identification and safeguards for the personal information it contains.
- Recovering SPID credentials (Italian)Help Desk SPID. Official guidance on using the provider’s recovery process and contacting support when it cannot be completed.
- Personal use of SPID and contact details (Italian)Help Desk SPID. Official guidance on personal use of the identity and separate email addresses and mobile numbers for different people.
- SPID security levels (Italian)Help Desk SPID. Official explanation of the second factor required at level 2 and the methods offered by providers.
- Applying for SPID from abroad (Italian)Help Desk SPID. Official confirmation that SPID can be requested from abroad, with reference to methods available by geographic area.
- Identity Provider support contacts (Italian)SPID / AgID. Official directory of provider channels for registration, credential recovery and sign-in problems.