Obtaining a tourist licence - Italy

Introduction

Staying compliant with Italian hospitality regulations is essential for operating legally and building guest trust. A crucial step in this process is obtaining the Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN) — a unique identifier required for all vacation rental properties. This guide will walk you through the process of securing your CIN and updating your Travelnest account to ensure full compliance.

What is the CIN?

The Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN) is a national code introduced to standardise the identification of short-term and tourist rental properties across Italy. Issued by the Ministry of Tourism, the CIN:

• Ensures transparency for guests and authorities.
• Helps combat unregistered and irregular rentals.
• Supports data coordination between regional and national tourism databases.

The deadline for all properties to display their CIN is January 1, 2025.

Steps to obtain your CIN

1. Gather your documents

Before applying, collect the necessary documentation:

• Proof of property ownership or management rights.
• Personal identification (passport or Italian ID card).
• Certificate of Occupancy (Certificato di agibilità) for the property.
• Regional or local identification code (e.g., CIR if applicable).
• Compliance certifications (e.g., fire extinguisher, gas detector, where applicable).

2. Access the Ministry of Tourism’s online portal

The CIN is applied for through the Banca Dati delle Strutture Ricettive (BDSR) portal. To begin:

1. Visit the portal on the Ministry of Tourism’s website.
2. Log in using your SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) credentials. If you don’t have SPID access, you can register at spid.gov.it.

3. Complete your property registration

Once logged in, provide key details about your rental property:

• Property type (e.g., holiday home, B&B, agriturismo).
• Address and location.
• Guest capacity (number of beds).
• Regional or local codes, such as the CIR.

4. Declare safety compliance

To finalise your application, you must confirm:

1. Fire safety compliance: Ensure your property has a fire extinguisher.
2. Gas safety compliance: Confirm the presence of gas and carbon monoxide detectors or declare "Not Applicable" if your property has no gas systems.

5. Receive your CIN

After completing the registration, your CIN is issued immediately. You’ll receive:

• A confirmation email with a downloadable PDF containing your CIN.
• Access to the CIN through the portal for future reference.

Updating your Travelnest account with your CIN

Once you’ve obtained your CIN, it’s crucial to update your Travelnest account to maintain compliance across booking platforms. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Travelnest account.
2. Go to the Local Licence and Tourist Tax section.
   
3. Enter your CIN and any other required local licensing details.
   
4. Double-check your entries and save the changes.

This ensures your CIN is displayed across all platforms, including Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, keeping your property compliant and visible.

Where to display your CIN

Italian law requires the CIN to be displayed:

1. In your online listings: We'll handle this for booking sites, but you'll need to ensure you put it on your personal website if you have one.
2. At your property: Place the CIN in a visible location outside your property. While there’s no official design template, you can create and print your own signage.

Who needs a CIN?

The CIN is mandatory for all properties rented for tourism purposes, including:

• Short-term rentals (stays of up to 30 days).
• Long-term rentals explicitly for tourism purposes.
• Property types such as holiday homes, B&Bs, agriturismi, hostels, and camping sites.

Properties used for non-tourism purposes (e.g., work or study-related rentals) are exempt.

Potential penalties

• €800–€8,000: For renting or advertising a property without a CIN.
• €500–€5,000: For not displaying the CIN on promotional materials or at the property.

Need help?

If you need assistance with the CIN process, the following resources are available:

• Ministry of Tourism Contact Centre: Call 06.164169910 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:00).
• Email Support: Send inquiries to [email protected] or [email protected].
• FAQs: Visit the Ministry of Tourism’s website for detailed FAQs on CIN compliance.

For additional support, feel free to contact Travelnest Customer Support — we’re here to help you navigate the process.