FattoreOpening an agriturismo in Italy: who qualifies and how
Updated 3 November 2026
The rules in this article apply to agriturismi, B&Bs, campsites and accommodation businesses in Italy.
In short. An agriturismo is not a standalone business: it is an activity linked to a working farm. Only a farm entrepreneur (art. 2135 of the Italian Civil Code), alone or in association, can open one, using their own farm. The national framework is Law 96/2006; operating criteria and procedures are set by your Region. Start there before you invest.
Who can open an agriturismo?
Article 2 of Law 96/2006 defines agritourism activities as reception and hospitality carried out by farm entrepreneurs, alone or in association, using their own farm in connection with growing crops, forestry and raising livestock. In practice:
- You must qualify as a farm entrepreneur under art. 2135 of the Civil Code: owning a country property is not enough.
- The hospitality side must rely on your farm, not be detached from it.
- Farming must remain the main activity.
If you have no farm and do not plan to build one, an agriturismo is not the right form: look at other types of accommodation.
What can you offer guests?
The activities the law includes are:
- providing accommodation, including open areas for campers
- serving meals and drinks made mainly from your own products and those of local farms, with a preference for typical, quality products
- organising tastings of farm products
- running recreational, cultural, educational and sports activities
Agritourism dining is not commercial dining: it is tied to what the farm produces. How much of the menu must come from your own products, and in what form, is set by regional rules.
How much must farming weigh?
Article 4 of the law tasks Regions with defining the criteria used to assess the link between agritourism and farming, which must remain the prevailing activity, with particular regard to the working time each requires. Thresholds and calculation methods vary by Region, so we do not list them here: they are the first thing to ask your regional office.
Why can older guides mislead?
In ruling 339/2007 the Constitutional Court struck down several detailed provisions of Law 96/2006, because the subject is a regional competence. If a text gives fixed national limits, such as numbers of beds or meals, or a single national procedure, check its date and compare it with your Region's rules.
Where to start?
- Check with your accountant or a farmers' association whether you hold, or can obtain, farm entrepreneur status.
- Ask your Region and municipality for the current rules and the procedure to start.
- Have a technician assess whether your buildings and spaces are suitable.
- Build the business plan: services, prices, seasonality, investment.
And where does Fattore fit in?
Fattore does not help you open: it does not handle filings, permits or qualifications, and it is not a booking site. It is useful afterwards, once you are running and need to manage guests, rooms and, if you have one, the restaurant every day. See the agriturismo management app, the one for agriturismi with a restaurant and the modules page. For a formality that concerns new openings, read our guide to the CIN code.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need farm entrepreneur status to open an agriturismo?
Yes. Law 96/2006 reserves agritourism activities for farm entrepreneurs, alone or in association, using their own farm.
Are the rules the same across Italy?
The general framework is national, but criteria, limits and procedures are defined by the Regions. Always ask your Region and municipality.
Can I serve only products bought from suppliers?
The law speaks of meals and drinks made mainly from your own products and those of local farms. The minimum share and the details are set at regional level.
Already running a farm and want to organise day-to-day operations once you open?
Try the live demo or book a call.
This article is a practical guide and does not replace advice from your accountant or your municipality.
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