Buying Real Estate in Italy
as a Foreign Citizen
Sworn interpreter at the notary · Russian · Italian · English
Foreign citizens can legally buy property in Italy, but all official transactions are conducted in Italian. Below you will find everything you need to know: documents, professionals, preliminary contract, final deed (rogito) and the role of the sworn interpreter at the notary.
Can foreigners buy property in Italy?
Yes. Italian law allows foreign citizens to buy real estate in Italy, whether they are EU or non-EU residents or non-residents. EU citizens enjoy the same property rights as Italian citizens. For non-EU citizens, purchases are usually permitted under the reciprocity principle, meaning their home country grants the same right to Italian citizens (which is the case for most countries).
All property transactions in Italy are conducted in Italian, and all the related documents, including the deed, are drafted and signed in Italian. If the buyer does not have sufficient knowledge of the language, a sworn interpreter must assist throughout the transaction.
How the purchase works
Documents and Codice Fiscale
Obtain the Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale) and gather your ID, proof of funds or mortgage approval. Plan a budget for taxes, notary fees, agent fees and translation.
Hire the right professionals
A notary is legally required for any property purchase. The notary is typically chosen by the buyer who also pays the related fees. A sworn interpreter is essential if you do not speak Italian fluently. It is also a good idea to hire an architect for technical checks, especially if buying independently rather than through a real estate agency.
Preliminary contract (Compromesso)
A binding agreement that fixes price, conditions and timeline, typically with a 10–30% deposit. The full text must be translated before signing.
Final deed (Rogito) at the notary
The notary reads the deed in Italian, while the sworn interpreter reads the translated English version to the buyer in the presence of two independent witnesses. Once the deed is signed, the notary registers the transfer, and ownership is formally recorded in the buyer's name.
Before you start: what you'll need
Make sure the following documents and arrangements are in place well before the signing of the deed:
- Valid passport or national ID (for EU citizens)
- Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale)
- Proof of funds or written mortgage approval
- Budget for taxes, notary fees, agent fees and translation costs
Professionals you'll need
A property purchase in Italy normally involves the following figures:
- Notary — legally required; a neutral public official who guarantees compliance and registers ownership
- Sworn interpreter — required by law if the buyer does not fluently understand Italian
- Licensed real estate agent — when you are not buying directly from the owner
- Architect or technical surveyor (recommended) — to verify cadastral and technical documentation
The preliminary contract (Compromesso)
The preliminary contract — Contratto Preliminare or Compromesso — is optional but very common in Italy. It is a binding private agreement signed between buyer and seller that secures the transaction before the final deed.
- Typically includes a deposit of 10–30% of the purchase price
- Fixes the price, timeline and conditions of the sale
- Should be fully translated for the foreign buyer before signing
- Verify that all stated prices already include VAT, where applicable
The final deed (Rogito) at the notary
The Rogito is the public deed of sale, signed before a notary, that transfers ownership and is registered in the public records. When a foreign buyer is involved, the signing of the deed also involves the following participants in addition to the buyer and seller:
Sworn interpreter
- Translates the deed in full from Italian into English
- Confirms before the notary that you understand every clause
- Signs the deed together with the parties
Two witnesses (legally required when an interpreter is used)
- Must be adults and legally competent
- Both must understand Italian; at least one of them must also understand English
- Must be independent — not the buyer, the seller, or close relatives
- The notary often arranges the witnesses — confirm this in advance
Notary
- Reads the deed aloud in Italian
- Ensures full legal compliance of the transaction
- Registers ownership in your name in the public records
Final checklist for the notary appointment
Bring the following to the notary on the day of the deed:
- Passport / ID
- Codice Fiscale
- Proof of payment funds
- Sworn interpreter confirmed
- Two witnesses confirmed
- Final deed reviewed and understood
- Bank transfer details ready
Optional: Power of Attorney
If you cannot attend the deed in person, you may appoint a lawyer or trusted person to sign on your behalf through a Power of Attorney (Procura).
- Useful when you cannot be physically present at the notary
- Must be notarized in your country of residence
- Must be properly translated into Italian by a sworn translator
- Must be apostilled or legalised, depending on the country
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ANASTASIA TUMANOVA
Sworn translator and interpreter
Russian · Italian · English
If you are buying property in Italy and need a sworn interpreter at the notary, or a sworn translation of your deed or Power of Attorney, contact me by phone or email. I respond in Italian, Russian and English.
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Frequently asked questions
Can foreign citizens buy property in Italy?
Yes. Italian law allows foreign citizens — both EU and non-EU — to buy real estate in Italy, provided they hold the necessary documentation (valid passport and Codice Fiscale). For citizens of some non-EU countries the reciprocity principle applies: Italy permits purchases by citizens of countries that grant Italian citizens the same right.
Do I need to speak Italian to sign the deed?
No. However, all official documents, including the deed, are drafted and read in Italian. If you do not have sufficient knowledge of the language, the assistance of a sworn interpreter and two independent witnesses is required. Both witnesses must understand Italian, and at least one of them must also understand English.
What is the Codice Fiscale and how do I get one?
The Codice Fiscale is the Italian tax identification code, required for any official transaction in Italy (real estate, utilities, banking). You can obtain it at the Italian consulate in your country of residence, or directly in Italy at the Agenzia delle Entrate, with help from an interpreter or agent. Do this in advance.
What is the difference between Preliminary Contract and Final Deed?
The Preliminary Contract (Contratto Preliminare / Compromesso) is a binding agreement that fixes price, deadlines and conditions, usually with a 10–30% deposit. The Final Deed (Rogito) is signed before a notary. Once executed and registered, it transfers legal ownership of the property to the buyer.
Why are two witnesses required at the deed?
When a sworn interpreter is involved in the signing of the deed, the law also requires the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old, legally competent, and not related to or otherwise connected with the buyer or seller. Both witnesses must understand Italian, and at least one of them must also understand English. The notary often arranges their participation, but it is recommended to confirm this in advance.
Can someone sign the deed for me by Power of Attorney?
Yes. You can appoint a trusted person (lawyer, friend, relative) to sign on your behalf. The Power of Attorney (POA) must be notarized in your country, translated into Italian by a sworn translator and apostilled or legalised, depending on the country where it is issued.