Italian identity card for foreign nationals

How to apply for the Italian identity card for foreigners? Foreign citizens, both EU and non-EU, can obtain this document if they are staying in our country for work, study or other needs. The ID card for foreigners is useful for accessing health services, opening a bank account in Italy and obtaining SPID. In this short guide we look at the requirements and steps needed to apply for it.

Italian ID card, who can apply for it?

Before going through the process of applying for this ID, it is important to know if you have the right requirements. They can apply for it:

• citizens in possession of a regular residence permit and registered residence in the Italian territory;
• Those who have the C.I. for EU citizens, issued by their own country and registered residence in the territory of Italy.

For all resident non-EU citizens, the Italian identity card has only the value of an identification document and is not valid for expatriation. Therefore, a non-EU citizen residing in Italy cannot use it to travel abroad.

Conditions for the issuance of a foreigner's identity card

Foreigners may apply for such an identity document at any time by appearing in person at theRegistry Office of their municipality of residence. If the applicant is a minor, he or she must be accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian with a valid document.

ID card for foreigners without residence: is it possible?

In order to apply for an identity card for foreigners, it is imperative to have completed the residency process in Italy. If you are not registered as a resident on Italian soil, you cannot apply for the ID card.

In contrast, non-EU citizens registered as residents can obtain an ID card even if they are still waiting for a residence permit (by showing the receipt from the post office).

How to apply for an Italian identity card for EU and non-EU foreigners?

European Union citizens must report to the Registry Office of their municipality of residence with a valid identification document. Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, must bring their valid passport and residence permit. In case the latter has expired, an application for its renewal will be valid.

What it takes to make a foreigner's identity card

To obtain an ID card, it is necessary to present:

• Expired ID card (if possessed);
• A valid identification document (passport or ID card from your country for EU citizens);
• three recent photographs with white background, half-length, bareheaded (with the exception of veil or turban for religious reasons, as long as the face is clearly visible).

In addition to the above documents, non-EU citizens must also provide a residence permit.

Italian identity card for foreigners, cost and issuance time

The cost varies, but is usually set at €5.42 . Application for renewal of the identity card must be made 180 days before the expiration date. Issuance is immediate, except in special cases.

What is the CIE (electronic identity card)

The CIE is the Italian identity document replaces the old paper ID card.

It is an electronic identity card that allows access to online services of the enabled public administrations.

Many public administrations, following the widespread use of digital identity, have integrated the "Enter with CIE" identification system within the services they offer online. This enables users to log in quickly and securely.

Validity of electronic identity card for foreigners

Validity is:

• 3 years old for children under the age of 3;
• 5 years in the age group of 3 to 18 years;
• Of 10 years from the date of issuance for adults.

In any case, the electronic ID card has a duration that cannot exceed that of the residence permit. Once the latter expires, the CIE automatically loses its validity.