What is the Patente a Crediti in Italy?
It is the digital credit-based qualification established by Article 27 of Legislative Decree 81/2008 for covered work at temporary or mobile construction sites. The implementing rules are set out in Ministerial Decree 132/2024.
Who needs the Patente a Crediti?
In general, companies and self-employed operators carrying out work at temporary or mobile construction sites need the licence unless an exclusion or exemption applies. The legal test concerns the operator and the activity, not simply the nationality of the business or the wording of its contract.
Does every employee need an individual Patente a Crediti?
No. The licence is generally required from the business or self-employed operator carrying out covered site work; it is not a personal permit required from every employee. Workers may still have separate training and safety obligations.
Which activities and operators are exempt?
The rules exclude, among other cases, mere suppliers and services of an intellectual nature. A business holding SOA qualification in class III or higher is also excluded from the licence requirement, regardless of category. The actual work and the applicable statutory wording should be checked before relying on an exemption.
What requirements support an application?
The statutory declarations and evidence can include registration with the Italian business register where required, mandatory health-and-safety training, a valid DURC, a risk-assessment document and appointment of an RSPP where applicable, and DURF where required. The precise requirements depend on the operator and the rules in force.
How many credits are required to work?
The licence starts with 30 credits and may reach up to 100 through additional credits under the rules. A score below 15 generally prevents the operator from carrying out covered work. A limited exception may allow completion of a contract already more than 30% performed; its conditions should be checked before relying on it.
Can a foreign company use a document from its home country?
An equivalent document may be accepted under the rules for businesses established in another EU or non-EU country. The document and any recognition requirement must be checked; if there is no applicable equivalent, the Italian application route may be required. An A1 certificate alone should not be assumed to replace the licence.
Who must verify the licence before site work begins?
The client or works manager has statutory verification duties, including in subcontracting cases, and contractors must check the relevant title in their own contracting chain. Keep evidence of the operator, licence or equivalent, score and date of verification with the project records.
Can deducted credits be recovered?
Recovery is not automatic. The rules allow recovery of up to 15 credits following evaluation by a territorial commission, subject to the required conditions. INL’s guidance of 24 June 2026 addresses how commissions assess training and health-and-safety investments.
Does the licence replace other safety duties, and what if work proceeds without it?
No. Risk assessment, training, coordination and other workplace-safety duties remain separate. Carrying out covered work without a required licence or with fewer than 15 credits may trigger an administrative penalty calculated as 10% of the work value, subject to a €6,000 minimum, and exclusion from public works for six months; check the applicable exceptions and current rules.
