When dealing with property in Italy, you will almost certainly come across the term Visura Catastale. It is one of the most requested documents from the Catasto, Italy’s land registry, and it contains the official details of a property. Keep reading the article and find out everything you need to know about this important document.
👉 For a broader overview of property procedures, see our guide Italian Property and Renovation: Everything You Need to Know.
What Does a Visura Catastale Show?
A visura catastale lists key data about a property:
- Cadastral identifiers (foglio, particella, subalterno).
- Surface area and category (e.g. residential, agricultural).
- Ownership details (who the registered owner is, and in what share).
- Cadastral income (rendita catastale) used for calculating some taxes, such as the IMU.
This makes it an essential tool when buying, selling, or checking the legal situation of a home.
Who Can Request It?
Anyone can request a visura catastale. You don’t need to be the owner of the property. Requests can be made at:
- The Agenzia delle Entrate offices (which manage the Catasto).
- Online through the Agenzia’s portal (with SPID, CIE, or CNS login).
- Through a notary or geometra, who often include it in their due diligence.
Related readings:
• What is a notary in Italy?
• What is a geometra in Italy?
Why It Matters for Foreign Buyers
If you are considering buying a home in Italy, a visura catastale helps you:
- Confirm the property matches what is advertised.
- Identify co-owners or inheritance shares.
- Estimate some of the tax costs linked to the property.
It’s a small document but it saves large headaches later.
✅ Key takeaway:
A visura catastale is the property’s ID card. Always check it before you sign any contract, even if you are working with a notary.