Why is the certificate of housing suitability needed?
Non-EU nationals who want to apply for the following residence permits must obtain a housing suitability certificate before lodging their application:
residence permit for employment
residence permit for domestic workers and caregivers
EU long-term residence permits including family members of the main applicant
residence permit for family reasons (both through family reunification and family cohesion processes)
long-term visa for accompanying family members
Who can request the housing suitability certificate?
In relation to a specific accommodation the application for the obtainment of the housing suitability certificate can be filed by the owner, the lessee who signed a registered lease agreement or the person who is in any case residing at that address.
How the request might be filed?
The housing suitability certificate is issued by the Municipality that has jurisdiction based on the location of the accommodation.
The application is either filed in person or online, depending on the specific procedures implemented by each Municipality but in any case, it will always be necessary to file the technical documentation related to the accommodation i.e. cadastral map, declarations of conformity of electric, water and gas systems and, a part from the application filed for residence permit for work reasons, in all the other cases it will be required also an assessment of the health & hygienic legal standards subject to an on-site inspection of qualified professional.
How long is the housing suitability certificate valid?
The certificate of housing suitability has a validity of 6 months or 1 year, depending on the Municipality which issues it.
Your Way to Italy: our assistance
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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.
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Article updated as of 22/05/2026
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