When purchasing property, it is essential to maintain close communication with all parties involved — especially lawyers and estate agents. Buying Italian real estate while living abroad can present challenges. This is where Italian Real Estate Lawyers step in to guide and support international clients throughout the process.
Our firm specializes in assisting overseas clients who wish to purchase property in Italy and require experienced lawyers to represent them — sometimes even through Power of Attorney.
Obtaining an Italian Tax Code
Before starting the property purchase process, clients must obtain an Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): an alphanumeric code assigned to all Italian citizens at birth and to non-Italians who live or work in Italy. Requesting and obtaining an Italian Tax Code is relatively simple for non-residents. Foreign citizens can apply for an Italian Tax Code free of charge at:
- Any Italian diplomatic or consular office (although processing may take slightly longer)
- Any Italian Revenue Agency office, directly by the applicant
In both cases, our firm assists clients throughout the process to ensure everything is completed smoothly.
Property Purchasing Process
The process of purchasing Italian real estate is structured into three main stages:
- Purchase Offer / Reservation Offer
- Preliminary Contract of Sale
- Final Agreement(You can find a detailed description of each phase in the section “Property Purchase Guide”.)
The entire process typically involves several individuals, each playing an important role:
- The Seller
- The Buyer
- The Real Estate Agent (if applicable)
- The Notary
- The Real Estate Attorney
Our Role and Legal Assistance
Our assistance covers every legal aspect required to complete the transaction efficiently — particularly valuable for clients unfamiliar with Italian property law. We handle all legal documentation, including:
- Powers of Attorney
- Preliminary Contracts of Sale
- Final Contracts of Sale
To bridge any language barriers, we also translate and certify legal documents such as contracts, deeds, vital records, divorce decrees, dual citizenship papers, and technical reports. Additionally, we manage the legalization of foreign documents, assisting with consular legalizations or obtaining Apostille Seals for international use.
A Seamless Experience
Our clients benefit from a streamlined, professional experience that allows them to finalize their purchase efficiently and enjoy their new Italian property without unnecessary delays. Typically, transactions can progress from the formal offer to the final agreement within three months. However, certain cases — such as high-value properties requiring additional due diligence or those co-owned by multiple parties — may take longer.
