What is SPID?
SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) is Italy's national digital identity system. It's a username and password pair — with strong identity verification behind it — that lets you securely log into any Italian government website or service using a single set of credentials.
Think of it as Italy's government-wide single sign-on. Instead of creating a separate account for the Agenzia delle Entrate, a different one for INPS, and another for healthcare bookings, you authenticate once with SPID and access all of them.
Since 2021, SPID has become the standard method for accessing Italian public services online. Many government portals no longer accept other login methods or are phasing them out.
Three Security Levels
SPID has three identity assurance levels:
Level 1 — Username and password only. Rarely required in practice.
Level 2 — Username, password, plus a one-time code (OTP) sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. This is what most government services require.
Level 3 — Requires a physical security device (smart card). Used only for the most sensitive government systems. Almost no one needs this for personal tax purposes.
How to Get SPID
SPID is issued by private "identity providers" (gestori di identità digitale) accredited by the Italian government. The main providers are:
- Poste Italiane (PosteID) — by far the most popular. Can register at a post office in person or remotely via video call
- Aruba — popular option for tech-savvy users, fully online registration
- Infocert — another widely used provider
- Namirial — additional accredited provider
- Lepida, TeamSystem — additional active providers
- TIM, Sielte — no longer accepting new SPID registrations
Registration requires your codice fiscale, a valid identity document (passport or Italian ID card), and a phone number and email address.
The challenge for non-residents: Most SPID registration paths were designed for Italian residents. Getting SPID from abroad is possible but can be cumbersome — some providers offer video call verification that works internationally, but you'll need a valid Italian document or a foreign identity document that the provider accepts. If you struggle to get SPID, an Italian consulate may assist.
What You Can Do With SPID
With a Level 2 SPID, you can access:
- Agenzia delle Entrate portal — view your tax file, access pre-filled returns, submit documents
- INPS website — check pension position, file benefit claims, view contribution history
- Healthcare bookings — book specialist appointments in your region's health portal
- Regional and municipal services — school enrollment, parking permits, residency certificates
- Fattura elettronica — manage electronic invoices through the Agenzia delle Entrate's free platform
- ANPR — consult your civil registration data
Alternatives to SPID
Two other authentication methods work on most Italian government platforms:
CIE (Carta d'Identità Elettronica) — Italy's electronic identity card. Italian residents issued a new-style ID card can use it with an NFC-enabled smartphone and the CieID app to authenticate to government services. Works similarly to SPID Level 2.
CNS (Carta Nazionale dei Servizi) — A smart card requiring a card reader. Used mainly by professionals and businesses.
For most expats and non-residents, getting SPID is the most practical path to online access to Italian government services.