In order to obtain a residence permit in Italy, a foreign citizen has to prove the availability of accommodation.
What is sufficient proof is not a simple question to answer and it is a headscratcher for many foreigners relocating to Italy for the first time. Let’s try to shed some clarity on the issue.
In general terms, there are several ways to prove the availability of dwelling for Italian Immigration Authorities. Let’s see the available options.
1. Hotel / Hostel / Residence Reservation in the name of the applicant for the residence permit
Note that the reservation should cover the day of the residence permit application up until the day of the appointments with the police to get fingerprinted (at least).
Between the day of the residence permit application and the day of the appointment with the police, the foreign citizen can change hotel/hostel/ residence, as long as they can show the new reservation.
Note that each reservation should be accompanied by
- related invoice or receipt of payment in Italian language;
- a letter of confirmation in Italian language issued by the hotel/ hostel on its letterhead, with the stamp and original signature of its legal representative and the identity details of the guest [verify with the hosting facility that this document can be provided before booking];
- Copy of the identity document of the legal representative of the facility signing the letter
We recommend verifying with the hosting facility that these documents can be provided to you before booking!
2. Lease agreement in the name of the applicant for the residence permit
If the applicant for the residence permit has rented a house in Italy, they can use the rental agreement to prove the availability of accommodation.
Please note that, in such a case, the rental agreement must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Copy of the Identity document of the landlord.
- Ergistration of the lease agreement before the Italian Revenue Agency. You should request this document (‘ricevuta di registrazione all’Agenzia delle Entrate’) to your landlord. Note that without this registration the agreement is void.
- Declaration of the landlord through a specific form so-called ‘dichiarazione di ospitalità’. [Click here to download the form and the instructions to fill that out].
These documents need to be notified to the police via certified email or validated by the municipality.
3. Purchase deed of the estate
If the applicant for the residence permit owns a house in Italy, they can use it to prove the availability of accommodation.
Please note that, in such a case, the purchase deed must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Public Certificate of the House (so-called “visura Immobiliare”), issued by the Italian Revenue Agency
- Copy of the Identity document of the landlord
- Declaration of the landlord through a specific form so-called ‘dichiarazione di ospitalità’. [Click here to download the form and the instructions to fill that out].
These documents need to be notified to the police via certified email or validated by the municipality.
4. A statement of hospitality made by someone legally residing in Italy, signed by the host
If the applicant for the residence permit has someone who can host him/her, they have to submit the following:
- Property deed or Lease Agreement of the apartment in favour of the host.
- (In case of a lease agreement, one must also submit its registration at the Italian Revenue Agency);
- Identity document of the host (+ his/her Italian residence permit, only in case of a non-European host);
- Declaration of the host through a specific form so-called ‘dichiarazione di ospitalità’. [Click here to download the form and the instructions to fill that out].
These documents need to be notified to the police via certified email or validated by the municipality.
Finally, please note that for all residence permits for family reasons (based on a family relationship) and for all residence permits based on a preceding certificate of no Impediment (so-called ‘Nulla Osta’) issued by the Immigration of Desk (so-called ‘Sportello Unico Immigraziona’) of the Provincial Office of the Ministry of Interior (so-called Prefettura), when the above options 2, 3 or 4 are applicable, it is always also required the certificate of house suitability (so-called ‘Certificato di Idoneità Abitativa’). This document is issued by the Municipality and it certifies the number of people who can live in the estate and its full compliance of the estate with applicable hygienic and safety rules.
If need help with your “Proof of available accommodation” for your residence permit application, don’t hesitate to contact us.. We can provide the guidance and support you need to successfully obtain your permit. Fill out the form on our website.
