Housing suitability certificate: what it is and when it is required for foreigners

When a foreign citizen decides to move to Italy, one of the key aspects they must demonstrate to the authorities is the availability of adequate housing. Having accommodation that meets legal requirements is, in fact, one of the main conditions both for entry into the country and for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, and in some cases also for obtaining a national visa for Italy.

Housing can be provided by a family member, an employer, or obtained through a rental contract or the purchase of a property. In every situation, when a foreigner is hosted in a private home, the person providing accommodation is required to notify the public security authorities through a declaration of hospitality. This requirement is separate from the housing suitability certificate, but it falls within the same framework of controls regarding accommodation.

What is meant by housing suitability

The term “housing suitability” refers to the compliance of a dwelling with the requirements established by law to ensure adequate conditions of safety, health, and habitability. The accommodation indicated for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit must therefore meet specific hygienic, sanitary, and structural standards.

A recent legal amendment clarified that these requirements must no longer be assessed according to the minimum parameters set by individual regional laws for public housing, but rather according to the provisions of the Ministerial Decree of July 5, 1975, which regulates minimum heights and hygienic-sanitary conditions for residential premises.

In practical terms, this means that the suitability of the accommodation does not depend only on its size, but also on factors such as ceiling height, proper ventilation and lighting, the absence of dampness, the availability of heating, and the compliance of the installations.

Characteristics of suitable accommodation

The law sets certain minimum parameters that must be respected. For example, the internal height of rooms must be at least 2.70 meters, and the size of the dwelling must be proportionate to the number of people who will live there. As a general rule, at least 14 square meters are required for one person, 28 for two people, 42 for three, and 56 for four, with an additional 10 square meters for each extra occupant.

Bedrooms must also meet minimum size requirements: a single bedroom cannot be smaller than 9 square meters, while a room for two people must be at least 14 square meters. In addition, every dwelling must include a living area of at least 14 square meters.

Beyond these parameters, municipal building and health regulations may establish further requirements. For this reason, it is always advisable to check the specific rules with the local authority where the property is located.

When the housing suitability certificate is required

The housing suitability certificate is required in several situations related to a foreigner’s stay in Italy. In particular, it is necessary for those applying for a residence permit for employed or self-employed work, for those starting a family reunification or family cohesion procedure, and for those seeking the EU long-term residence permit. Holders of international protection are exempt, as they are not required to demonstrate suitable housing for family reunification.

In the case of first entry for work purposes, the availability of accommodation is a preliminary requirement. The employer must indicate, in the work authorization application, the housing arrangements for the foreign worker. If the accommodation consists of permanent construction-site dormitories, a self-certification from the employer confirming compliance with safety regulations is permitted. If the accommodation is in a hotel or other hospitality facility, it is sufficient to indicate the hosting structure.

When hiring a foreign worker who is already legally residing in Italy, the procedure is simpler. The employer must complete the mandatory communication form, which also includes the indication of the worker’s housing. After the first entry, the employer’s obligation to guarantee accommodation becomes only a subsidiary guarantee, which applies if the worker does not have their own housing.

Where to apply and required documents

The housing suitability certification is issued by the Technical Office of the municipality where the property is located or, alternatively, by the public health office of the local health authority. The application can be submitted by the property owner, the tenant, or anyone residing or staying in the dwelling.

To obtain the certificate, it is normally necessary to submit a formal application along with documents relating to both the property and the applicant. These usually include proof of ownership or a registered lease agreement, the cadastral floor plan, a declaration regarding the installations, a valid identity document, and proof of payment of administrative fees. However, the specific documentation may vary from one municipality to another, so it is always advisable to check the instructions on the official website of the relevant authority.

Validity and processing times

The housing suitability certificate is considered a technical certification and cannot be replaced by a self-declaration. In general, it does not have a fixed expiration date if the housing conditions remain unchanged. In practice, however, many Immigration One-Stop Shops require a certificate issued within the previous six months, especially for procedures other than family reunification.

As for processing times, these may vary depending on the municipality, but when the documentation is complete and correct, the certificate is generally issued within three to four weeks.

A key requirement for entry and residence

The housing suitability certificate is therefore an essential element in the administrative process for foreigners in Italy. Demonstrating the availability of adequate accommodation is not only a formal requirement, but also a concrete guarantee of living conditions and integration in the country. Whether applying for a residence permit, family reunification, or a visa for Italy, the regularity of the accommodation remains one of the fundamental conditions established by current legislation.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.