Italy and the CIN code: what changed in tourist rentals

One code for each accommodation

Italy introduced the Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN) through an amendment to the so-called Anticipi Decree, Decree Law 145 of December 18, 2023. The goal is to uniquely identify each property rented for short periods to tourists, combat informality, and improve tax control.

The code replaces regional codes that some regions had already created and unifies the system nationwide.

How to obtain it

The CIN is assigned by the Ministry of Tourism through a national database of lodging structures. The owner or manager submits an online application, which for individuals requires declaring the cadastral data of the property. The mandatory dates were staggered between late 2024 and early 2025, depending on the region and the platform's launch time.

Once assigned, the code must be displayed on the exterior of the building where the apartment is located and appear in every listing published on platforms or websites.

Penalties

The regulation provides fines for those renting without a code and for those who do not display it. According to legal analyses published during the discussion of the text, fines for operating without a CIN could range from 800 to 8,000 euros, depending on the size of the structure, and fines for not displaying it from 500 to 5,000 euros. As legal texts are adjusted, it is advisable to confirm current amounts with a local advisor.

Why Italy tightened the rules

Italy experienced its best tourist year in 2024: ISTAT recorded 139.6 million arrivals and 466.2 million overnight stays. In highly visited cities and destinations, the growth of short-term rentals caused tensions over housing access and competition with hotels. The CIN is the State's response to understand the real size of the supply and control its taxation.

It's the same trend seen in Spain with the unique registry and in Colombia with the National Tourism Registry: more data, more control, and more formality.

Capri, a special case

On an island like Capri, the accommodation supply is limited by geography and strict urban and landscape regulations. This means existing accommodations have high demand in season, but also that any regulatory change has significant effects. An asset in Capri must have all its permits in order: CIN, municipal authorizations, and tax compliance.

• Verify that the accommodation has its assigned and visible CIN.
• Check municipal and regional authorizations.
• Consider seasonality: the high season runs from spring to September.
• Keep in mind the euro and fixed costs throughout the year.

Risks

Regulatory risk is real across Europe. New rules may limit activity, raise taxes, or require additional investments. Professional management and diversification across countries help mitigate it, but do not eliminate it.

Conclusion

The CIN does not prohibit short-term rentals: it makes them traceable. For investors, the message is to choose formal assets with managers who understand local regulations. Always check the regulatory status on each CityFraction asset's profile.

• See assets in Capri