The "Agibilita" Certificate: Why You Cannot Get Residency Without It

If you are applying for elective residence in Sicily, the habitability certificate can become the invisible obstacle. Here is how to secure it.

Many buyers discover too late that a beautiful historic property is missing the Agibilita (habitability) certificate. Without it, local municipalities may refuse residency registration even if you own the house.

What the Agibilita actually confirms

  • Safety: structural and seismic compliance for the intended use.
  • Health: ventilation, sanitation, and minimum standards for habitability.
  • Systems: certified electrical, plumbing, and gas installations.

Why older homes often lack it

Many historic properties were built before current standards, or renovated without a full technical closure. The paperwork was never finalized, or the building does not yet meet current requirements.

How to obtain it through renovation

  1. Technical audit and compliance checks.
  2. Targeted upgrades for systems, ventilation, and safety.
  3. As-built documentation and certification filings.

Common misconceptions

Buying the property does not automatically grant residency. A notary deed is not the same as habitability compliance. The Agibilita is a technical certification, not a legal formality.

If residency is part of your plan, the Agibilita needs to be in your due diligence checklist from day one.