Sampaoli & Pellacchia provides comprehensive legal assistance for hospitality and short-term rental projects in Italy, supporting both private individuals and companies investing in the tourism and accommodation sector.
In this context, our legal advice covers every stage of the project. It starts from the initial investment and feasibility analysis and continues through operational launch and ongoing compliance. As a result, clients operate in full alignment with Italian law, local regulations and tax requirements.

We advise clients involved in a wide range of hospitality projects, including hotels, serviced apartments, agriturismi, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses and short-term rental activities (Airbnb and similar platforms), offering an integrated legal approach tailored to the specific characteristics of each investment.

How we assist private clients

We assist private individuals who wish to invest in or manage hospitality and short-term rental activities in Italy, whether as a primary business project or as an ancillary activity connected to privately owned real estate.

Our legal assistance includes support for individuals who intend to:

• start a short-term rental activity (Airbnb or similar platforms) using their own property;
• purchase a property in Italy for hospitality or tourist use;
• convert an existing residential property into a lawful accommodation facility.

We advise private clients on zoning rules, local regulations, contractual matters, administrative requirements, tax implications and compliance obligations, ensuring that the activity is legally permitted and properly structured under Italian law. Particular attention is paid to local municipal regulations, condominium rules and regional tourism legislation, which often impose specific limitations or authorisation requirements.

How we assist corporate clients

We provide legal assistance to Italian and foreign companies investing in the Italian hospitality sector, including hotel chains, real estate investors, tourism operators and international groups entering the Italian market.

Our firm supports corporate clients in:

• establishing hospitality businesses in Italy, including subsidiaries, branches or special purpose vehicles;
• acquiring existing hotels or tourism facilities;
• structuring joint ventures and commercial agreements related to hospitality projects;
• managing regulatory, contractual and tax aspects connected with large-scale tourism investments.

We regularly assist companies operating in sectors such as hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, agriturismi, hospitality real estate portfolios and professional short-term rental management.

Comprehensive legal support for hospitality projects in Italy

Our assistance covers the entire lifecycle of a hospitality project, from conception to operation.

Feasibility analysis and regulatory compliance

Before any investment or acquisition, we conduct a legal feasibility analysis to verify whether the intended hospitality activity is permitted under applicable zoning plans, regional tourism laws and municipal regulations. This step is essential, as Italian legislation may restrict or prohibit certain types of accommodation activities depending on location and property characteristics.

Property acquisition and contractual assistance

We assist clients in the legal aspects of acquiring real estate intended for hospitality use, including due diligence, contract drafting and coordination with notaries. Our analysis focuses on identifying legal risks, regulatory constraints and future compliance obligations connected with tourism activities.

Renovation and adaptation of hospitality properties

Where renovation or conversion works are required, we coordinate with trusted technical professionals to ensure that the property complies with Italian building regulations, safety standards and hospitality-specific requirements. Legal compliance is assessed in parallel with technical and administrative aspects.

Company formation and administrative authorisations

We provide assistance in setting up the appropriate legal structure for hospitality activities, including VAT registration, company incorporation and selection of the most suitable operational model.
We also assist with administrative procedures, including filings with local municipalities, SCIA submissions and other authorisations required to lawfully start hospitality operations in Italy.

Tax planning and ongoing compliance

We advise clients on the tax implications of hospitality activities in Italy, including income taxation, VAT and local taxes. Tax planning is addressed in advance, with simulations and strategic analysis to identify the most efficient structure based on the client’s objectives and the type of hospitality activity involved.

Our work is carried out in close collaboration with trusted accountants and tax professionals, ensuring an integrated and reliable approach.

FAQ – Hospitality and short-term rentals in Italy

Do you assist with Airbnb and short-term rentals in Italy?
Yes. We provide legal assistance for short-term rental activities, including Airbnb, ensuring compliance with Italian law and local regulations.

Can you assist with hotel and agriturismo investments?
Yes. We assist clients investing in hotels, agriturismi and other hospitality facilities, from acquisition to operational compliance.

Do you support both private individuals and companies?
Yes. Our services are tailored to both private clients and corporate investors, including foreign companies.

Do you work with technical professionals and accountants?
Yes. We collaborate closely with trusted engineers, architects and accountants to provide comprehensive support covering all legal, technical and fiscal aspects.

Request a consultation

Contact Sampaoli & Pellacchia for legal assistance in hospitality investments and short-term rental activities in Italy.