Documents you need to buy property in Italy

• Confirm you can legally buy

  Non-EU onlyReciprocity — non-EU buyers may need a reciprocity agreement between Italy and their home country before purchasing. Ask your notary to confirm this before you sign a binding preliminare.

• Passport or national ID

  UniversalMake sure it stays valid for the whole transaction window, plus a buffer in case of delays.

• Get your Italian tax number

  UniversalCodice fiscale — you'll need this before anything else proceeds. It's free to get, via the Agenzia delle Entrate or an Italian consulate before you travel.

• Prepare proof of funds

  UniversalBank statements in a format your notary, and any lender, will accept.

• Set up how you'll pay

  UniversalOpen an Italian bank account, or ask your notary about deposito prezzo — an escrow arrangement that holds your funds until completion.

• Choose your own notary

  UniversalNotaio — a neutral public official, but in Italy you choose and pay them yourself. Don't default to the seller's.

• Hire an independent surveyor

  RecommendedGeometra — especially worth it for older or rural property. Checks for structural issues and unpermitted work (abusi edilizi).

• Book a sworn translator

  If not fluentYou'll need one at the rogito if you don't read Italian fluently. Book ahead — not on the day of signing.

• Check the cadastral and mortgage records

  UniversalVisura catastale and ipotecaria — confirm the registry record matches reality and reveal any undisclosed liens.

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