CIN: what the National Identification Code is and how to request it

The CIN has become a mandatory step for anyone renting to tourists in Italy: without it, you cannot even publish a compliant listing. But what exactly is it, who must request it and where does it have to be displayed? In this guide we look at the National Identification Code in practical terms, with one caveat: timings and details have changed several times — always check on the official Ministry of Tourism portal.

What the CIN is

The CIN (Codice Identificativo Nazionale) is an alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies an accommodation facility or a property intended for tourist rental. It is assigned by the Ministry of Tourism through the BDSR, the National Database of Accommodation Facilities, and serves to make the hospitality offer traceable and transparent across Italy.

Who must have it

The obligation covers a broad range of accommodation activities and tourist rentals.

• Accommodation facilities: hotels, B&Bs, guest rooms, holiday homes and apartments.
• Tourist rentals and short lets, including single units.
• Anyone advertising the property on portals (Booking, Airbnb) or on their own site.

Where there are several units, a code is generally needed for each one. Particular cases (multi-unit buildings, mixed management) should be checked on the portal and, if needed, with a consultant.

How to request it from the BDSR

The request is made online, from the Ministry of Tourism’s National Database of Accommodation Facilities, logging in with a digital identity. Once the data is verified, the system generates the CIN for your property.

• Log in to the BDSR portal with SPID or CIE.
• Enter the property details and the cadastral references of the building.
• Complete the required information (ownership, type, units).
• The system assigns the CIN, which you can then use wherever it is required.

The database was activated gradually across the country and the procedure may be updated: before you start, check the exact steps and forms on the official Ministry of Tourism portal.

Where to display the CIN

Getting the code is not enough: the CIN must be made visible. In particular it must be shown in listings and, as a rule, displayed at the property.

• In every online listing, on portals and on your own site.
• In the promotional communications for the property.
• Displayed outside or at the entrance of the property, as indicated.

Safety requirements (for short lets)

Alongside the CIN, for short lets the rules introduced minimum safety requirements — for example fire extinguishers and devices to detect gas and carbon monoxide. What exactly applies to your case depends on how you operate (occasional or business) and on regional rules: check it before publishing.

The penalties

Operating or advertising a property without a CIN, or failing to display it where required, exposes you to financial penalties that can be significant; listings without the code also risk removal from portals. It is one of the obligations where checks are now most concrete: for amounts and specific cases, refer to the applicable law.

How to keep it under control

Once obtained, you need the CIN constantly: in listings, in documents and in communications with guests. The risk is no longer requesting it, but forgetting it where it has to appear.

HotelOnlineAI stores your property’s CIN and reports it where needed — for example in the documents issued at check-out — so it is always at hand and you don’t lose it between one portal and another. Requesting it from the BDSR remains a step to complete on the Ministry’s portal; we help you manage it day to day. Want to see it on your property? Request a free demo.

In summary

The CIN is the unique code that identifies your property: it is requested from the Ministry of Tourism’s BDSR with SPID/CIE, it must be shown in listings and at the property, and it comes with safety requirements for short lets. The penalties for not having it are real. Since timing, procedure and details have changed and keep evolving, always check on the official portal before proceeding.