FAQs

What is a Permesso Di Soggiorno and how do I apply for one?

• The Permesso di Soggiorno is a "permit to stay" in Italy and is required if you are a non-EU resident who intends to stay for more than 90 days. Once your 90 day "tourist visa" has expired, you must register for your Permesso within 8 days.

• Application kits can be found at the local Post Offices.

• Click here for more information.

What is a Codice Fiscale and how do I get one?

• A Codice Fiscale is an Italian Tax code, also translated as "fiscal code" or "tax number".

• It's mandatory to perform certain activities in Italy, such as opening an Italian bank account, buying or inheriting property, getting a mortgage, getting a mobile phone number, getting paid, renting property for more than 30 days and other many other actitivties.

• You can apply for one at any office of the Agenzie delle Entrate (tax office) or in your home country at an Italian consulate or Embassy.

• Specific requirements can be found here.

What is the Carta D'Identita (Italian ID) and how do I get one?

• This is your Italian ID card and it is necessary to have one for getting a driver's license and for other administartive tasks in Italy. Click here for information on how to get your Carta D'Identita. 

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Tessera Sanitaria, also known as a Health Card, is issued to individuals who are eligible for the benefits of the Italian National Health Service.

• Citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a Health Card.

• To get one you must have a Codice Fiscale and be registered with AUSL, the local health authority.

• You must also have a work contract (or a spouse with a work contract) that shows that your employer pays the medical cover charges to the government. 

• Click here for more information on getting your health card.

• Local AUSL offices can be found on their website.

Do I need to convert my driver's license?  

• Yes! But the process depends on where you come from.  If you are from the EU, you can trade in your license for an Italian one. If you come from outside the EU, you will probably have to take the written and practical exams along with Italian teenagers and other foreigners. It's time consuming, expensive and is entirely in Italian. But, if you get caught without one after your 1st year of residency, you will face steep fines and your car will not be allowed on the road for 6 months or more. 

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Do I need to learn Italian? 

• You can "get by" in Parma without learning Italian, but Parma is much less touristy than other cities and learning the language is useful. 

• Free Italian lessons (or nearly free - only 15 euros for 4 months of lessons) are offered through CPIA, and adult learning center. 

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How do I get parking and transit permits to drive in ZTL (limited traffic zones)?

• Once you have proof of residency in Parma, you can apply for transit permits at the DUC.

• You need to live within the ZTL to qualify for the right to drive through that zone. 

• If your child's school is within a ZTL that's different from your home, you can ask the school for a specific permit. 

How do recycling and garbage collection services work in Parma?

• You must have an active garbage account with the comune

• Blue container - Paper. YES. Sheets of paper, cardboard, magazines, pamphlets, books, notebooks, paper bags, paper packaging and tetrapaks. ...

• Brown container – Organic waste. YES. Food waste and, in general, anything biodegradable and compostable. ...

• Grey/Black container – General domestic waste. YES.

• Yellow container – Plastic

• Green – cut flowers, weeds, leaves, grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, twigs. You can find these bins along roadsides around the commune.

• Green located on various point on the street – Glass

• If you are not sure about it, put them into the grey bin (secco)

• Large items need to be scheduled with IREN, the company that handles all utilities in Parma. You can make an appointment by phone (800.212607) or go in person. You must put out the bulk items the night before your scheduled pick up and put a sign on it that says "IREN". 

But how do I get a garbage account?

• First you must have an active electric or gas account. 

• You must have proof of residency 

• You must have a lease or deed for a property you have purchased

• Go to or call IREN for an appointment and they will help you. (They are very friendly and helpful!)

• Contact Parma Relocation for assistance in getting settled in Parma!

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