How to stay compliant with Italy’s new vacation rental law

What is the CIN? 

The Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN) is a unique identifier issued by Italy’s Ministry of Tourism. Think of it as a licence plate for your rental property. It makes your listing official, ensures you’re on the government's radar, and builds credibility with prospective guests. 

But it’s not just about legal compliance. Here’s why the Italian government has introduced the CIN: 

• Guest transparency: Helps guests confirm that the property is legitimate. 

• Simplified data coordination: Supports communication between regional and national tourism databases. 

• Unregistered rentals crackdown: Discourages illegal and unregistered properties from operating. 

All vacation rental properties in Italy must have had their CIN displayed since January 1, 2025. 

Steps to obtain your CIN 

Getting your CIN isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Follow these five steps, and you’ll breeze through the process. 

1. Gather your documents 

Before you start the application process, make sure you have these documents in hand:

• Proof of property ownership or management rights (e.g., title deeds or written authorisation). 

• Valid personal ID (passport or Italian ID card). 

• Certificate of Occupancy (Certificato di agibilità), which proves your property is habitable. 

• Regional or local identification codes, such as the CIR (if required for your area). 

• Compliance certifications, including fire safety and gas detector certificates (if applicable). 

Missing even one of these could delay the process, so double-check before moving forward. 

2. Log into the ministry of tourism’s portal 

The CIN lives on the Ministry of Tourism’s Banca Dati delle Strutture Ricettive (BDSR) portal. Access it online via their website ministeroturismo.gov.it. 

Here’s where it gets techy - you’ll need your SPID credentials to log in (this is Italy’s Public Digital Identity System). If you’re new to SPID, don’t worry. It’s easy to get started. Visit (http://spid.gov.it), register online, and choose your preferred identity provider. Once verified, you’re good to go. 

3. Register your property details 

Once logged into the portal, you’ll need to provide the following details about your property: 

• Property type: Whether it’s a holiday home, B&B, agriturismo, or other accommodation. 

• Address and location information. 

• Guest capacity: List the number of available beds. 

• Regional/local codes: Enter pre-existing codes like the CIR, where applicable. 

This step lays the groundwork for your application, and precision here will save you trouble later! 

4. Declare safety compliance 

Next up? Safety certifications. To complete your CIN application, you’ll need to confirm the following for your property: 

• Fire safety: Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher on-site. 

• Gas safety: Install gas and carbon monoxide detectors if your property uses gas systems. If you don’t have gas utilities, simply mark these as “Not Applicable.” 

Safety checked and sealed? You’re nearly there! 

5. Receive your CIN 

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the finish line! Once your application is submitted, your CIN will be immediately issued. 

Here’s what you’ll get as proof of your registration:

• An email confirmation (complete with a downloadable PDF of your CIN).

• Access to your CIN via the Ministry of Tourism’s portal for future reference. 

What to do next 

Once you’ve got your CIN, there’s one more critical step: list it everywhere. Make sure it’s visible in two important places: 

1. On your online listings: Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com require CINs for compliance. If you use a property management platform like Travelnest, just log in and update your Local Licence and Tourist Tax section. 

2. At the property itself: Italian law requires you to display your CIN at the rental property. While there’s no official template, a simple sign near the entrance works perfectly fine. 

What happens if you don’t comply? 

Spoiler alert: you don’t want to skip this. The penalties for non-compliance are steep, including fines ranging from €800 to €8,000. Additionally, failing to display your CIN correctly (on websites or at the property) could result in fines between €500 and €5,000. 

Who needs a CIN? 

Not sure if the CIN requirement applies to your property? Here’s a quick breakdown of who does (and doesn’t) need one. 

Properties that require a CIN: 

• Short-term rentals (stays of up to 30 days). 

• Long-term rentals used exclusively for tourism purposes. 

• Property types like holiday homes, B&Bs, agriturismi, hostels, and camping sites. 

Properties that are exempt: 

• Rentals used for non-tourism purposes (e.g., work or education housing). 

If your property qualifies, don’t delay. Start your CIN registration today. 

Need help? 

Feeling lost in the paperwork? You’re not alone; many hosts find the process confusing at first. Luckily, there are resources to help you out. 

• Ministry of Tourism Contact Centre: Call 06.164169910 Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) 

• Email Support: Reach out to info.bdsr@ministeroturismo.gov.it or urp@ministeroturismo.gov.it. 

• Travelnest Support Team: Our customer service team is happy to assist, so give us a shout! 

By following this guide, you’ll not only be meeting legal requirements but also reassuring your guests that your property is professional, trusted, and regulated. 

Start the process today 

Compliance doesn’t just protect your business, it builds trust. Register for your CIN today and display it everywhere your property is listed. Your guests (and your peace of mind) will thank you. 

Remember, Travelnest is here to make the process simple. Log in to your account today and keep your property compliant across platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.