Not as a rule. In practice the lease comes first: for non-EU nationals applying for a Single Permit, Identità's checklist asks for a lease (or purchase contract) in your name with its start and end dates, the Housing Authority's confirmation that the lease is registered, and a professional attestation form signed by the landlord.
What Identità asks for depends on your nationality. The table summarises the official checklists.
| EU, EEA or Swiss citizen | Non-EU citizen (Single Permit) | |
|---|---|---|
| When you register | Staying more than 3 months: register your residence with Identità for an e-Residence card | Apply for the permit; the address you will live at is part of the application |
| Lease | For a change of address: a lease or purchase contract in your name, or the address declaration form | A lease in your name, with start and end dates |
| Registration proof | Not listed for EU citizens | The Housing Authority’s approval letter or email showing the lease is registered |
| Attestation | Not listed | The Lease Agreement Professional Attestation Form, signed by the landlord and stamped by a lawyer, notary or legal procurator |
In practice that means: choose the home, sign the lease, have the landlord register it (the law gives them 30 days from the start of the lease) and then complete your application. Ask for the registration confirmation as soon as it is issued.
Checklists change; always download the current one from Identità before you apply.
Sources
Reviewed by Yusef Dwah