Lombardo Larosi

How to Get SPID in Italy for Foreigners: What Is SPID and Why It Matters in Italy

SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) is the official digital identity system used in Italy to access Public Administration services online.

It allows users to securely log into government platforms and manage administrative, tax, and legal procedures from a computer, tablet, or smartphone—without the need to visit physical offices.

In recent years, Italy has significantly accelerated the digitalization of public services. As a result, SPID has become the primary authentication method for interacting with government institutions.

For foreign entrepreneurs operating in Italy, SPID is not optional—it is a mandatory tool for managing daily business activities efficiently and in full compliance with Italian regulations. Without SPID, access to many essential services is either limited or completely unavailable.

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How to Get SPID in Italy for Foreigners: Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Need SPID

Foreign business owners often face challenges navigating Italian bureaucracy due to language barriers, complex procedures, and administrative requirements. SPID simplifies and centralizes access to key services.

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Access to Government Platforms

With SPID, entrepreneurs can access:

• Tax Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) for tax filings and fiscal data
• Social security institutions (INPS, INAIL) for employee and contribution management
• Business Register (Registro delle Imprese) for official company documents

This centralized access eliminates the need for multiple credentials and reduces administrative complexity.

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Business Operations

SPID is essential for managing core business activities, including:

• Electronic invoicing (mandatory in Italy)
• Submission of tax declarations
• Access to the fiscal drawer (Cassetto Fiscale)
• Company filings, balance sheets, and official reports

Without SPID, many of these operations cannot be completed independently.

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Public Tenders and Funding

Entrepreneurs who want to grow their business in Italy often rely on public funding and tenders.

SPID is required to:

• Access MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace)
• Apply for grants, incentives, and vouchers
• Participate in public procurement processes

This makes SPID a strategic tool not only for compliance but also for business development.

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How to Get SPID in Italy for Foreigners: Additional Benefits of SPID for Foreigners

Beyond basic administrative access, SPID offers several advantages:

• Time efficiency – no need to visit offices physically
• 24/7 access to services from anywhere in the world
• Secure authentication through two-factor verification
• Centralized identity for multiple platforms

For international entrepreneurs managing operations remotely, these benefits are particularly valuable.

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How to Get SPID in Italy for Foreigners – Step-by-Step

The process of obtaining SPID is relatively simple but requires proper preparation and identity verification.

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Step 1 – Choose an Identity Provider

SPID is issued by authorized identity providers. The main providers include:

• Poste Italiane
• Aruba
• Infocert
• Namirial

Each provider offers different verification methods. For foreigners, it is recommended to choose providers that support remote identification and English-language assistance.

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Step 2 – Prepare Required Documents

Before starting the process, make sure you have the following:

• Valid ID (passport, ID card, or residence permit)
• Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale)
• Health card (if available)
• Email address
• Italian mobile phone number
• Smartphone with internet access

📌 Important: All documents must be valid, clearly readable, and consistent with your personal data.

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Step 3 – Identity Verification

To activate SPID, your identity must be verified. You can choose one of the following methods:

• In-person verification at an authorized office
• Online verification via webcam/video call
• Using an existing digital identity (if available)

For foreigners, video identification is often the fastest and most practical solution, especially if you are not physically present in Italy.

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Step 4 – Activation

After successful verification, you will receive:

• A username
• A password
• Access to a mobile app that generates one-time security codes

These credentials allow you to securely access all SPID-enabled platforms.

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Costs and Timing

SPID activation is generally not free when done through private providers.

• Cost: approximately €20–€50
• In-person activation: often completed within minutes
• Online activation: typically within 24–48 hours

Some providers may offer free options, but they are often less accessible for foreigners.

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Common Challenges for Foreigners

Despite being a straightforward process, foreign entrepreneurs may encounter several challenges:

• Language barriers during registration or verification
• Difficulty booking appointments with certain providers
• Requirement of an Italian phone number
• Limited support from some providers

💡 Based on our experience, choosing the right provider significantly reduces these difficulties. Providers offering remote verification and international support are generally the best option.

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Professional SPID vs Personal SPID

There are two types of SPID:

• Personal SPID – used for individual access
• Professional SPID – used when acting on behalf of a company

Professional SPID allows entrepreneurs to:

• Separate personal and business activities
• Delegate access to employees
• Operate officially as company representatives

For business owners, Professional SPID is strongly recommended.

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Why SPID Is Essential for Compliance in Italy

SPID is not just a convenience—it is a compliance requirement.

It is necessary for:

• Filing taxes and accessing fiscal data
• Communicating with public authorities
• Managing employee contributions
• Meeting regulatory obligations

Without SPID, many procedures become time-consuming, require intermediaries, or cannot be completed at all.

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Why We Talk About SPID at Studio Lombardo Larosi

At Studio Lombardo Larosi, we frequently assist international entrepreneurs who are setting up or managing businesses in Italy.

One of the most common questions we receive is how to get SPID in Italy for foreigners and how to use it effectively for business operations.

Many clients are unaware of how central SPID is to interacting with Italian authorities. Without proper guidance, they often experience delays, missed deadlines, or administrative complications.

For this reason, we actively support our clients in understanding, obtaining, and using SPID correctly—ensuring smooth operations and full compliance with Italian regulations.

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Practical Tips for Foreign Entrepreneurs

To make the process easier, we recommend:

• Choose a provider that offers video identification
• Prepare all documents in advance
• Ensure your phone number and email are active
• Follow instructions carefully during verification
• Seek professional assistance if needed

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Conclusion

Getting SPID in Italy is a fundamental step for foreign entrepreneurs.

It simplifies bureaucracy, ensures compliance, and provides full access to digital public services.

In an increasingly digital administrative environment, SPID is not just useful—it is essential for operating successfully in Italy