Italy short-term rentals: what is the new CIN code?

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What exactly is the CIN code for short-term rentals in Italy?

The CIN (Codice Identificativo Nazionale) is a unique national identification code that every short-term rental property in Italy must obtain and display.

This code serves as a digital fingerprint for your rental property, allowing Italian authorities to track and regulate the short-term rental market more effectively. The CIN replaces the previous system of regional codes that varied across different Italian regions and municipalities.

The code consists of a standardized format that identifies your specific property in the national database managed by the Ministry of Tourism. Unlike hotel registration numbers or business licenses, the CIN is specifically designed for properties that rent to tourists for short periods, typically less than 30 days.

Property owners who want to list their apartments, villas, or rooms on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com must have this code before accepting any bookings. The system creates transparency in Italy's growing short-term rental sector, which has become increasingly important for tourism revenue.

It's something we develop in our Italy property pack.

When did the Italian government introduce the CIN code requirement?

The Italian government officially introduced the CIN code requirement through Decree Law No. 145, which was published on December 18, 2023.

The implementation began on September 1, 2024, when property owners could start registering for their CIN codes through the official Ministry of Tourism portal. However, the government provided a transition period to allow existing short-term rental operators to comply with the new regulations.

Full compliance became mandatory on January 1, 2025, meaning that as of September 2025, all short-term rental properties in Italy have been required to display their CIN codes for over eight months. Properties operating without a CIN code since January 2025 face significant penalties and cannot legally advertise their rentals.

The introduction of this system represents Italy's effort to modernize its tourism regulation framework and bring consistency to a sector that had previously been governed by a complex mix of regional and local rules.

Which types of rentals in Italy are required to register for a CIN code?

The CIN code requirement applies to all properties used for short-term or tourist accommodations in Italy, regardless of their size or commercial status.

Residential properties that require CIN registration include:

1. Holiday apartments and vacation homes rented to tourists
2. Private rooms rented within residential properties (like Airbnb room rentals)
3. Entire apartments or houses rented for stays under 30 days
4. Bed and breakfast establishments operating in residential buildings
5. Farm stays (agriturismi) that offer accommodation to tourists

The regulation covers both entrepreneurial activities (where rental income is treated as business revenue) and non-entrepreneurial activities (occasional rentals by private property owners). Whether you rent out your property once a year or operate a full-time short-term rental business, you need a CIN code.

Commercial accommodations such as hotels, hostels, and camping sites also require CIN codes, but these fall outside the residential property investment scope that most individual investors focus on.

How do you apply for a CIN code step by step, and where do you submit the request?

The CIN code application process takes place entirely online through the official Ministry of Tourism portal called BDSR (Banca Dati Strutture Ricettive).

Here's the complete step-by-step process:

1. Access the Ministry of Tourism portal at bdsr.ministeroturismo.gov.it using your web browser
2. Authenticate your identity using either SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) or CIE (Carta d'Identità Elettronica) credentials
3. Select the option to register a new accommodation facility from the main dashboard
4. Fill out the detailed property information form, including exact address, property size, and number of guests it can accommodate
5. Complete the owner information section with your personal or business details
6. Upload all required documents in PDF format (ownership proof, cadastral data, safety compliance certificates)
7. Submit the safety compliance self-certification confirming your property meets fire safety and other regulatory standards
8. Review all information for accuracy and submit the formal application

The entire process must be completed through this official government portal - no alternative submission methods are accepted. You cannot apply through third-party services or local municipality offices for the CIN code.

What documents or information do you need to provide when applying for a CIN code?

The CIN application requires specific documentation to verify property ownership and compliance with Italian safety regulations.

Document Type	Purpose	Format Required
Property Ownership Proof	Verify legal right to rent the property	Notarized deed or rental agreement (PDF)
Owner Identification	Confirm identity of property owner/manager	Valid passport or Italian ID card scan
Cadastral Property Details	Official property registration information	Visura catastale or equivalent document
Safety Compliance Certificate	Confirm fire safety and emergency equipment	Self-certification form (provided on portal)
Property Capacity Information	Maximum occupancy and room configuration	Detailed floor plan or room description
ATECO Code (if applicable)	Business classification for commercial operators	Official business registration certificate
Contact Information	Emergency contact and property management details	Complete contact form on portal

All documents must be current and in Italian or officially translated into Italian. The safety compliance self-certification includes confirming that your property has proper fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and meets local building safety standards.

How much does it cost to obtain a CIN code in Italy?

As of September 2025, the Italian government has not imposed any official registration fee for obtaining a CIN code.

The registration process through the Ministry of Tourism portal is currently free of charge, making it accessible to all property owners regardless of whether they operate large rental businesses or occasionally rent out a single apartment. This policy encourages compliance by removing financial barriers to registration.

However, property owners should budget for indirect costs associated with obtaining the required documentation. These may include fees for obtaining updated cadastral documents, notarization of ownership papers, or professional assistance with the safety compliance certification.

Some property owners choose to hire legal or administrative professionals to help with the application process, which can cost between €100-€300 depending on the complexity of the property situation and local service rates.

It's something we develop in our Italy property pack.

How long does it usually take to receive the CIN code after applying?

The processing time for CIN code applications typically ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness of your documentation and current administrative workload.

Properties with complete documentation and clear ownership status generally receive their CIN codes within 5-10 business days. However, applications requiring additional verification or those submitted with incomplete documents can take 3-4 weeks to process.

During peak application periods, particularly around the initial implementation in late 2024 and early 2025, processing times extended significantly due to the high volume of applications. As of September 2025, the system has stabilized and processing times have returned to normal ranges.

Property owners can track their application status through the Ministry of Tourism portal using their login credentials. The portal provides real-time updates on application progress and notifies applicants immediately when their CIN code is approved and ready for use.

To avoid delays, ensure all documents are properly formatted, current, and clearly legible before submitting your application.

Is the CIN code linked to just one property or can it cover multiple short-term rentals?

Each CIN code is linked exclusively to one specific rental unit, meaning property owners with multiple rentals must obtain separate CIN codes for each property.

This one-to-one relationship ensures precise tracking and regulation of individual rental properties across Italy. Even if you own multiple apartments in the same building or operate several vacation homes in the same city, each property requires its own unique CIN code.

The individual registration system allows authorities to monitor specific properties for compliance, safety standards, and tax obligations. It also enables more accurate tourism statistics and helps local governments manage the impact of short-term rentals on residential neighborhoods.

Property owners with extensive rental portfolios should plan for the administrative time required to register each unit separately. However, once you complete the first registration, subsequent applications become faster as you become familiar with the required documentation and process.

What penalties or fines can hosts face if they rent out without a CIN code?

Property owners who operate short-term rentals without a valid CIN code face substantial financial penalties under Italian law.

The Italian government has described these sanctions as "heavy" fines, though specific penalty amounts may vary depending on regional implementation and the scale of non-compliance. Penalties apply to both property owners who fail to register and platform managers who allow non-compliant listings.

Beyond direct fines, non-compliant properties face immediate removal from major booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, which now require valid CIN codes for all Italian listings. This effectively prevents non-compliant properties from generating any rental income.

Local authorities can also impose additional sanctions, including orders to cease rental operations until compliance is achieved. Repeat offenders or properties with serious safety violations may face more severe penalties, including potential legal action.

The enforcement mechanism includes both digital monitoring of online platforms and physical inspections of rental properties, making it difficult to avoid detection when operating without proper registration.

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How should hosts display or use the CIN code on booking platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com?

The CIN code must be prominently displayed both at the physical property and in all online advertisements and booking platform listings.

On booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, the CIN code should be included in the property description section where guests can easily find it. Many platforms now have dedicated fields specifically for Italian CIN codes, making compliance straightforward for property owners.

At the physical property, the CIN code must be visibly posted where guests can see it upon arrival. This is typically done through a sign or plaque near the main entrance or in the reception area for larger properties.

Major international booking platforms have updated their systems to require CIN codes for all Italian listings and automatically verify these codes against the national database. Properties without valid CIN codes cannot complete their listing setup or receive bookings through these platforms.

Property owners should also include the CIN code in booking confirmations, guest communications, and any printed materials provided to visitors to ensure full transparency and compliance.

Are there regional differences across Italy in how the CIN code is implemented or enforced?

While the CIN code itself is a national standard managed centrally by the Ministry of Tourism, regional and local authorities may impose additional requirements on top of the basic CIN registration.

Some regions maintain their existing local registration systems alongside the CIN requirement, meaning property owners may need both a CIN code and a regional tourism ID. Popular tourist destinations like Tuscany, Veneto, and Sicily often have supplementary safety requirements or local tax obligations.

Enforcement intensity varies significantly between regions, with major tourist cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice conducting more frequent inspections and imposing stricter compliance monitoring than smaller municipalities. Coastal regions with high summer tourism also tend to have more active enforcement during peak season.

Local fire safety requirements can differ between regions, affecting the safety compliance certification needed for CIN registration. Some areas require specific fire extinguisher types or additional emergency equipment beyond the national minimum standards.

Property owners should consult with local tourism offices or real estate professionals in their specific region to understand any additional requirements that apply beyond the basic CIN registration.

Where can hosts check the official government guidelines or updates about the CIN code?

The primary source for official CIN code information is the Ministry of Tourism's portal at bdsr.ministeroturismo.gov.it, which provides the most current guidelines and regulatory updates.

This portal contains comprehensive documentation about registration procedures, required documentation, compliance deadlines, and any changes to the CIN system. The website is available in Italian and includes detailed FAQ sections addressing common questions from property owners.

Local tourism offices in major Italian cities also provide guidance on CIN compliance and can assist with questions about regional requirements that supplement the national CIN system. These offices often have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas.

Professional legal and tax advisors specializing in Italian hospitality law can provide personalized guidance for complex property situations or business operations. Many international property investment firms now include CIN compliance services as part of their packages for foreign investors.

Property owners should bookmark the official portal and check it periodically, as the Italian government continues to refine the system and may introduce updates or clarifications based on implementation experience.

It's something we develop in our Italy property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Taxing.it - National Identification Code CIN for Short-Term Rentals
2. BedandBreakfast.eu - CIN Number for Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Italy
3. GuestKey.it - CIN National Identification Code New Rules for Short Rentals
4. TravelNest - How to Stay Compliant with Italy's New Vacation Rental Law
5. ItalyBnB.cz - A Scarecrow Named CIN What Is It Why Is It Mandatory
6. Agenzia Orizzonti - CIR and CIN for Short-Term Rentals What's Changing
7. TaxDry - Short Rentals How to Apply for the New National Identification Code CIN
8. Italian Business Lawyers - CIN Compliance for Italy's Tourist Accommodations