What is the CIR?
The CIR i(codice Identificativo Regionale) is a mandatory regional identification code, a unique alphanumeric code assigned by each Region for any property being offered as a short‑term tourist rental in Italy.
It applies to both private hosts and professional operators, and most regions require it before advertising or accepting guests.
The obligation varies by Italian Region, but in general it applies to:
Private individuals who rent:
- Entire apartments for tourist rents, (locazioni turistiche)
- Short‑term rentals (Airbnb, Booking, etc.)
- Rooms or portions of a property
Professional operators providing services as :
- B&Bs
- Guesthouses / affittacamere (rent a room)
- Case vacanza (Holiday Homes)
- CAV (Case e Appartamenti per Vacanze)
- Hotels and all other accommodation structures
Regions such as Lombardy, Lazio, Sicily, Campania, Molise explicitly require the CIR for all tourist rentals. the issue of a CIR is generally a prerequisite to the issue of a CIN (see below).
- You Need the CIR:
Before advertising the property online (Airbnb, Booking, social media, websites). - Before hosting the first guest.
- Some regions require it within a fixed number of days from starting the activity (e.g., Lazio: 60 days).
Failure to display the CIR can lead to administrative fines, often significant.
How do I apply for a CIR
Procedures differ by Region, but the typical steps are:
Ensure the property meets safety and hygiene requirements
Regions may require:
- Gas and CO detectors
- Fire extinguisher
- Safety compliance declarations
File the required notice with the local municipality
This is usually via:
- SUAP (Sportello Unico Attività Produttive)
- Impresa in un Giorno portal
- A regional tourism portal
- Depending on the type of activity:
- SCIA (Segnalazione Certificata di Inizio Attività) for structured accommodation
- CIA or simple communication for private tourist rentals
3. The Region assigns the CIR
The Region or Province generates the code in its tourism database (e.g., ROSS1000 in Lombardy).
Display the CIR everywhere
- On all online listings
- On promotional materials
- Physically inside or outside the property as required.
What is the CIN?
The CIN (Codice Identificativo Nazionale) for short-term rentals is a requirement introduced by Article 13 of Decree Law No. 145 of December 18, 2023 (known as the “Decreto Anticipi”). This law mandates the assignment of a National Identification Code (CIN) for all residential units used for tourist rental contracts, including short-term rentals under Article 4 of Decree Law No. 50 of April 24, 2017 (which includes rentals through platforms like Airbnb etc.). The CIN also applies to hotel and non-hotel tourist accommodation.
The CIN represents a significant change for Italy’s short-term rental and tourism industry, as it will replace the existing regional identification codes. The CIN and related property data will be entered into a national database of all tourist accommodations in Italy. This national database is designed to improve data integration at both local and national levels, facilitate synergies between authorities, and enhance monitoring and enforcement against illegal rentals.
Before applying for the CIN you will need to obtain the CIR. The CIN application can generally be made online but requires insertion of the CIN along with the owner/landlords details.
Once obtained, the CIN must be displayed at every rental property and on all publicity for the letting of the same. Registered operators will be able to use the CIN to view information about the properties they manage, update information, and report any issues.
The obligation to obtain and display the CIN will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines ranging from €800 to €8,000 for not having a CIN and €500 to €5,000 for failing to display it on the premises.
Further Information/Assistance/Support
As mentioned in order to obtain the CIN, it is necessary to already be in possession of a CIR, (the Regional Code). if you need support with CIR, rather than using attorneys like us in Milan, the best approach here is to seek assistance from a local “geometra” (surveyor) or cpa (“commercialista”)
Alternatively, we are seeing many “co-host” services starting to be offered. The Italian Airbnb website has listing of co-hosts and a google search for your “Comune + cohost” may also show some providers. Co-hosts are on the whole landlords of their own properties, and having gone through the bureaucratic procedures, are willing to help others (for a fee). They can also help with other aspects of renting an Italian property, such a reporting guest details to the Police Service, support with check in, check out, cleaning, tourist taxes and other bureaucratic obligations involved with renting a property in Italy, involving a local cpa that can help with property ownership (IMU), income and refuse taxes as necessary.
If you have purchased recently, your real estate agent may also provide these services or point to someone who can.
Whilst we would be happy to quote for these services and for support with annual local property tax and income tax filings/payments, a local provider might prove a more cost effective solution.
If you are interested in this service or need more information, please contact us, and we will provide you with all the details you need to obtain your CIN. This blog post has more information on the tax and other obligations for landlords renting Italian property.