PEC stands for Posta Elettronica Certificata, or certified electronic mail. It’s Italy’s digital version of sending a registered letter (raccomandata). When you use PEC, the message has legal value: it is proof of both sending and delivery.
Introduced in 2005, PEC was designed to modernize communication between citizens, businesses, and public administration. Today, it is widely used by companies, freelancers, and even private individuals who need to send official documents or requests.
Why PEC Exists
In a country where bureaucracy still relies heavily on paperwork, PEC helps reduce queues and paperwork at the Comune or the Prefettura. It’s particularly useful for:
- Communicating with the Agenzia delle Entrate for tax matters
- Submitting documents to the Questura for permits or renewals
- Sending contracts, invoices, or legal notices
How It Works
- You sign up for a PEC account with a certified provider (Aruba, Poste Italiane, Legalmail, etc.).
- Each account has a special PEC address (for example, [email protected]).
- When you send an email via PEC, you automatically receive a receipt proving it was sent and another when it was delivered.
These receipts are digitally signed and timestamped, so they cannot be disputed.
Do You Need PEC?
- Companies and freelancers in Italy must have one.
- Foreign buyers and residents may need PEC for property transactions, communication with authorities, or dealing with utility providers.
- For private citizens, it’s optional, but increasingly useful.
If you’re planning to buy property in Italy, setting up a PEC is often one of the first steps your notaio (notary) or lawyer will suggest.
🌍 Useful link:
Italian Ministry of Economic Development – PEC overview (in Italian)