Tattoo regulations in Italy
Italy's Ministry of Health has issued national hygiene guidelines for tattooing and piercing, and the regions turn them into their own rules on training, premises and inspections. Many regions require a regional training course and a notice to the municipality or local health unit (ASL) before opening. Inks follow the EU REACH restriction and health answers fall under the GDPR.
Last checked September 25, 2026
Minimum age
Who you can tattoo, and with whose permission.
Minimum age
18 and over
Younger clients
Parental consent is not an exception
Minors generally need the consent of both parents or a guardian, and some regions add further limits. Check your region's rules before tattooing anyone under 18.
Consent
What the customer signs before each tattoo.
Client records
What to record and how long to keep it.
Keep for 5 years
Common practice, not set by law
- Accounting records: 10 years
What to record
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Date of the procedure
- Placement on the body
- Artist
- Ink brand, colour and manufacturer
- Ink lot numbers
- Health questionnaire answers
- Client signature
- Parent or guardian details
Ink
What can go into the skin and what you must record.
Sterilization and waste
Cleaning, sterilizing and getting rid of sharps.
Licensing
What you need to open a studio and work in it.
Guest artists
Hosting artists from somewhere else.